WO2012079171A1

WO2012079171A1 - Power generation using dual columns of liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2012079171A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/050772
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Picard Madden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-14
Filing date: 2011-12-14
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2013-06-14

Abstract

Methods and devices related to power generation using compressed gas and liquid flow to turn a turbine. Two vertical columns of liquid are provided along with a liquid reservoir at a top portion of the two columns. The two columns are in liquid communication at both their top and bottom portions -- at the top portion, both columns are coupled to the reservoir. A turbine is placed anywhere next to the second column such that the turbine turns whenever there is liquid flow in the second column. Compressed gas is inserted at a bottom portion of the first column of liquid. The compressed gas bubbles to the top of the first column and displaces liquid from the first column. This displacement forces liquid into the reservoir and forces liquid from the reservoir to the second column. Liquid flow is thereby caused in the second column by the insertion of compressed gas into the first column. The liquid flow turns the turbine and thereby generates power.

Description

Power Generation Using Dual Columns of Liquid TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to power generation. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and devices for generating power using two columns of liquid in conjunction with a gas insertion means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Air and water have unique characteristics that behave distinctly different under various conditions. Figure 1-B, depicts a column of air and a column of water.

Apart from the chemical composition, the primary difference between the two states of matter can be found in the density of each. The density of water is about 1,000 Kilograms per cubic meter at about zero degrees Celsius. Air, by comparison, has a density of about 1.292 Kilograms per cubic meter. Water thus has a density that is slightly less than a thousand times greater than air.

[0003] Air is highly compressible while water is only slightly compressible. Air will thus reduce considerably in volume when compression force is applied. Water will respond to compression force by offering resistance or relocation through displacement if the environment allows it to do so.

[0004] The columns depicted in Figure 1-B, would respond

predictably to external ambient pressure. If the water column depicted in blue does not have a location to displace itself through the base and lower portion of the column, it will remain elevated and static. If the column were not restricted by a sealed base, the water would be drawn down through the bottom of the column rather than retaining its structure as a column.

[0005] Air in the column would remain at the same pressure and density as the ambient air outside the column. The air column would thus not be affected, whether the base was sealed or not. The content of each column sealed at the base would act very differently when subjected to a change in ambient pressure. As ambient pressure increases, the water would not be affected while air would tend to compress with increasing pressure and expand, overflowing the column when pressure decreases.

[0006] This difference in characteristics between air and water can be used to produce work. The concept of raising water by injecting air under pressure has been around since early history but has not gained much popularity as it is not cost effective in its historic format and application. Figure 1-A illustrates the concept of using air to lift water.

[0007] The "Air Lift Pump" uses displacement to raise the water slightly above the source water level. Expelling the water beyond the top of the pipe requires overwhelming pressure to do the work. Displacement does occur in the air lift pump but is of marginal effect in realizing the end purpose of raising water above the level of the source body. Instead, it relies on sheer force to raise water above the existing water level (usually for irrigation) . A pipe is vertically lowered into a body of water and must have at least half its full length submerged in the water in order to achieve displacement.

[0008] The air lift pump is an open system as it requires a

naturally occurring source of water and has only the capacity to raise that water using overwhelming force to do so .

[0009] The only existing use of the air lift concept is in

relation to raising water above the existing water level. As shown in Figure 1-A, compressed air is injected at the base of the line which would allow the process of displacement to take effect. This effect of displacement in the air lift system shown in Figure 1-A, would simply raise the water up the pipe but would not have the energy to expel it. Overwhelming air pressure is used to supplement the displacement force and provide the extra power needed to clear the top of the line. The trapped water is thus forced through the line.

[0010] The application of such overwhelming force restricts the hammer effect in an open system as the water at the base cannot overcome the force of air and is admitted to the line more slowly.

[0011] The use of air lift pumps is limited because other water raising devises have proven more cost effective and far more efficient. A second consideration is the vertical nature of the pipe which would require an elbow at the top in order to direct the air water spray being ejected and direct it where needed. That elbow at the top of the system would create a serious obstruction to the flow that would also likely negate any natural effect of displacement .

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides methods and devices

related to power generation using compressed gas and liquid flow to turn a turbine. Two vertical columns of liquid are provided along with a liquid reservoir at a top portion of the two columns. The two columns are in liquid communication at both their top and bottom portions -- at the top portion, both columns are coupled to the reservoir. A turbine is placed anywhere next to the second column such that the turbine turns whenever there is liquid flow in the second column. Compressed gas is inserted at a bottom portion of the first column of liquid. The compressed gas bubbles to the top of the first column and displaces liquid from the first column. This displacement forces liquid into the reservoir and forces liquid from the reservoir to the second column. Liquid flow is thereby caused in the second column by the insertion of compressed gas into the first column. The liquid flow turns the turbine and thereby generates power .

[0013] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a

method for generating power, the method comprising: a) providing a first and a second vertical columns of liquid b) providing a turbine constructed and arranged to turn when liquid in said second column flows c) providing a reservoir of liquid located at a top portion of said first and second columns of liquid, said reservoir allowing liquid to flow from said first column to said reservoir and from said reservoir to said second column d) providing a communication means for allowing liquid to flow from a bottom portion of said second column to a bottom portion of said first column e) providing a compression means for compressing gas f) filling said reservoir and said first and second columns with liquid g) inserting compressed gas into said first column at a location substantially at a bottom portion of said first column wherein said inserting of compressed gas displaces liquid in said first column and thereby causes liquid to flow to said reservoir and to said second column and thereby causes said turbine to turn and wherein said gas has a density lower than a density of said liquid. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for generating electricity, the system

comprising : - a first vertical column of liquid

- a second vertical column of liquid

- a turbine constructed and arranged to turn when liquid in said second column of liquid flows, said turbine being constructed and arranged to produce electricity when said turbine turns

- compressor means for compressing gas and inserting compressed gas into said first column of liquid,

- a reservoir of liquid located at a top portion of said first and second columns of liquid, said reservoir being in liquid communication with both said first and second columns of liquid such that liquid can flow from said first column into said reservoir and from said reservoir to said second column

- liquid communication means for coupling said first column and said second column to each other at a bottom portion of said first and second columns such that liquid can flow from said second column into said first column

- gas escape means for allowing said compressed gas to escape from said reservoir after said compressed gas passes through said first column and said reservoir wherein

- said gas has a density lower than a density of said liquid . DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which:

FIGURE 1A is a block diagram illustrating the concept of using air (or gas) to lift water (or liquid) ;

FIGURE IB illustrates a column of air and a column of water and is used to discuss the differences;

FIGURE 2 illustrates the impact of differential density of air and water in a column of water; and

FIGURE 3 illustrates the effect of air added to the base of a column of water;

FIGURE 4 illustrates two columns of liquid;

FIGURE 5 illustrates the effect of inserting water into one of the two columns of liquid in Figure 4;

FIGURE 6 further illustrates the effect of air in the two column set-up of Figure 4;

FIGURE 7 schematically illustrates how air flow can be used to create a continuous flow in the two column set^¬ up of Figure 4;

FIGURE 8 is a schematic illustration of a power

generation system using air or gas flow according to one aspect of the invention. DE TAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Referring to Figure 8, the system 10 has a first

vertical column 20 of liquid, a second vertical column 30 of liquid, and a reservoir 40 above the two columns 20, 30. The two columns are in liquid communication at both the top and bottom portions -- at the top portion, the reservoir provides liquid to the two columns and at the bottom portion, a U-shaped liquid path allows liquid to flow from the bottom of the second column to the bottom of the first column. A turbine 40 is placed next to the second column such that liquid flow in the second column turns the turbine. (In Figure 8, the turbine is located at the bottom of the two columns of liquid.) A compressed gas insertion means 50 is placed next to the first column such that compressed gas can be inserted at the bottom of the first column.

[0017] The system works with the insertion of compressed gas into the bottom of the first column of liquid. The gas bubbles up through the first column of liquid and into the reservoir, thereby displacing liquid from the first column. The displaced liquid flows into the reservoir. This thereby causes liquid in the reservoir to flow into the second column. The liquid flowing into the second column thus causes the liquid in the second column to flow and to thereby turn the turbine.

[0018] The present invention is a closed system which uses air for displacement and creates continuous flow. The capacity for continuous flow is dependent on a system that uses parallel closed pipes allowing the force of gravity to be controlled and thus do work. Air is used to create displacement and a parallel pipe allows gravity to exert the air hammer effect used to capture energy .

[0019] The air lift system mentioned above and the present

invention use air in very different ways to achieve very different purposes. The air lift pump operates with the intent of raising water above the source water level. The present invention strives to restrict the water from being raised above the water level in its reservoir. The present invention recycles the water using

displacement as a trigger and the air hammer effect to do the actual work.

[0020] The present invention is different in that it does not lift the water but depends solely on displacement to trigger a cycle of motion inducing flow from a second line in a closed system generating the flow used to capture energy. The displacement of water is the catalyst for the process, but the force is performed by gravity as the feed line has a different density than the injected air line. The concept appears simple once understood, but utilizes three primary and one secondary source of force to do the work and to achieve the final result of flow.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, when a 180 degree elbow is added to join the column of air and the column of water, the extreme difference in mass and the pressure of air above, causes the water to displace the lighter air in the left column and consume the volume previously occupied by that air. The equalization process causes the air to be displaced by water in the air column on the left side of the system until the water level becomes equal on both sides of the system. Air is drawn into the top of the right side as water is drawn down the column in order to equalize the water level between columns .

[0022] During the period of adjustment as the process of

equalization is actively occurring, a flow is created due to the effect of gravity between the dense water column (second column) on the right side of the system in the direction of the less dense air column (first column) on the left side of the system. The water will be drawn through the base of the system as the water experiences a greater effect of gravity than the air it displaces .

[0023] In the column of water, depicted in Figure 3, air can be injected into the sealed base of the water column, provided the air is compressed until it assumes an internal pressure slightly greater than the physical pressure exerted by the water column at the point of entry. As any volume of air is accepted at the base of the column, it will instantaneously displace water from the top of the column as shown in Figure 3. The effect of the process is to induce a displacement of water from the top of the system that is exactly equal to the volume displaced by the injected air bubble or pocket at the bottom.

[0024] The pressure exerted by the air in the line shown in

Figure 3, pushes equally on the column of water above it and the sides of the column that contain it forming a barrier between the water above it and the water below it. The differential mass of the water draws water down and around the injected air pocket and thus pushes it slowly up through the water column. The air pocket may not rise freely through such a column due to the lateral pressure of the air pocket against the walls of the containment surface offering friction with the injected air. The rate of vertical motion of the air pocket will be restricted by the lateral force of the air pocket against the walls of the container and the waters ability to move around the air pocket pushing it upward.

[0025] When water is added to either side of the system as

depicted in Figure 4, it will raise the water level equally on both sides of the system, with the base filling first. The water on both sides of this type of system will always be the same. If water is removed from either side, it will affect the water level on the alternative side of the system.

[0026] When air is injected into the system on one side of the line as indicated in Figure 5, the impact is felt throughout the system in a sequential process that occurs. The air bubble is injected by compressing it to a pressure equal to or slightly greater than the pressure of the water column at the point of insertion. The air can only enter the line by displacing an equal volume of water from the top of the insertion line as noted in Figure 5. The air is drawn toward the lower pressure above the point of injection.

[0027] Figure 5, shows "displacement" as the first the three primary effects of adding air to a closed system. The second effect is created as the introduced air in the line is drawn upward through the column of water above it. The bubble is injected at a specific gradient of pressure which is the same as or slightly more than the pressure exerted by the water in the line, above the level or point of injection. As the bubble rises through the column of water, it expands in relation to the local reduction in column pressure because there is less mass sustaining compression the bubble will expand in volume. As the bubble expands through diminishing pressure gradients, it displaces water equal to its increase in volume.

[0028] The third effect affecting the system does the bulk of the work performed by the whole system. The compressed air remains far less dense than the water around it but retains its structural integrity due to internal pressure. The air bubble exists in the water column with a large density difference between itself and the water around it and in the alternate water column. As noted earlier, the difference in density causes the water to "flow" from the right (water or liquid) column into the left (water or liquid/air mix) column. [0029] The presence of the bubble in one line causes a serious weight imbalance in the system depicted in Figure 6. The system is closed at the base (or lower portion) but open at the top (or upper portion) allowing the impact of gravity and ambient air pressure to induce flow. The column composed solely of water is pushed more strongly by gravity than the air-water mixture on the other side. The transfer of water (air hammer effect) transforms the potential energy of the water to gain directional motion and shown in Figure 6.

[0030] In the model depicted in Figure 7, a closed water system is created where the water floods in from the pure water side and that force is applied below the bubble forcing it to the surface with considerable velocity. The top of the system acts like a reservoir that allows the surfacing air to exhaust into the atmosphere while recapturing the displaced water. Water, with a greater density than air, is disproportionately impacted by ambient air pressure and the effect of gravity allowing the water to be trapped in the reservoir.

[0031] When the basic process is visualized as it is in Figure

7, we can consider harnessing the work of the system. As shown in Figure 7, the flow would create a strong air hammer effect. The force of that motion can be harnessed by inserting an in line turbine or impeller driving an external shaft and turning a generator to create electricity.

[0032] Referring to Figure 8, the turbine is placed at the

bottom of both the first and second columns. As can be seen, the first column has, adjacent to it, a pipe through which high pressure air (or gas) from a compressor is inserted at the bottom portion of the first column. The first and second columns of liquid are in liquid communication by way of the reservoir at the top of the two columns and by way of the location where the impeller is installed. It should be noted that the impeller or turbine can be placed anywhere next to the second column of liquid as long as liquid flow in the second column causes the impeller to turn and to thereby operate the turbine. The turbine can then be coupled to well-known electricity generation means. The turbine can be used to generate electricity according to well-known means and methods.

[0033] The system requires an initial investment of energy to operate an air compressor acting as a "starter" allowing the storage of sufficient air pressure to overcome the water pressure in the column. Contrary to existing processes, the prime purpose of the process is to insert air with only a slightly greater pressure than the pressure of the water column at the point of entry.

[0034] A secondary effect of the system with parallel vertical columns is found in the naturally occurring cyclonic effect of falling water. The rotation of the earth induces a clockwise cyclonic motion in the pipe as it falls down through the layers of gravity. By presenting a vertical turbine (not shown in this document) we can capture and use the natural cyclonic action to increase force against a turbine operating perpendicular to the flow .

[0035] Once operational, the system should produce enough

energy to supply the energy needs of the compressor with a considerable surplus of usable electricity being generated. The system depicted at Figure 8, will operate with greater or lesser efficiency by changing the proportions or reconfiguring the dimensions of the basic system. The system can be engineered to

accommodate a head (distance from the uppermost level of water in the reservoir to the lowest point in the column) .

[0036] The rate of air injection, the diameter and length of the pipes would all impact the rates at which water can be made to flow in the system and thus do work. While any existing turbine and generator should function in the system, efficiency would be greatly improved by developing a turbine specifically engineered to take advantage of the unique vertical orientation of the system. The optimum efficiency of every system must be considered and incorporated into the relative proportion of the parts. The system can be geared to meet any specific need and environmental condition.

[0037] The system does not require natural elevation although it would simplify the process. The system requires only an absolute vertical elevation which can be constructed or dug as the situation dictates. The system does require a minimum difference in elevation to accommodate the process. The system is not restricted to the use of water and air but would work equally well with other viscous liquids and other gasses. The range of vertical option is almost limitless. This country and most of the world are riddled with the shafts and pits of past mining efforts that would offer a stable platform for bulk production from the system.

[0038] The system would lend itself to industrial mixing

processes that require long or continuous periods of mixing of viscous or relatively viscous liquids and mixtures in the process. The mixing process would have limited application but could be significant when appropriate. This is most certainly a minor

consideration in relation to the prime purpose of generating power.

[0039] The system requires only elevation and compressed air or gas. The water is recycled and the air can be scrubbed to actually have the process operational with a net zero carbon footprint. Of greatest importance is the fact that the system uses no chemicals or other form of pollutants in the process. There is virtually no environmental impact and no possibility of environmental catastrophe. The system should be able to mitigate the affect electromagnetic pulses from sun as the entire system can, as an option, be maintained deeply

underground and sheltered.

[0040] The system could be geared to provide electric service to a single home or a sizable community. The difference would be strictly in the scale and dimensions of the process. The system is not dependent on absolute elevation but requires only a difference in elevation. The system would work in much the same way at sea level or at the height of land. At extreme high elevations, the force of gravity is decreased and thus the system will experience a slight decrease in productivity at higher elevation and a slight increase in productivity at lower elevations. This factor, while present, should be relatively negligible in relation to total

productivity .

[0041] It should be noted that while the explanation above

concentrates on the use of water as the liquid and air as the gas, other liquid/gas combinations may be used. As long as the gas is substantially less dense than the liquid used, the system described above should work as noted .

[0042] A person understanding this invention may now conceive of alternative structures and embodiments or variations of the above all of which are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow .

Claims

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A method for generating power, the method comprising: a) providing a first and a second vertical columns of liquid; b) providing a turbine constructed and arranged to turn when liquid in said second column flows; c) providing a reservoir of liquid located at a top portion of said first and second columns of liquid, said reservoir allowing liquid to flow from said first column to said reservoir and from said reservoir to said second column; d) providing a communication means for allowing liquid to flow from a bottom portion of said second column to a bottom portion of said first column; e) inserting compressed gas into said first column at a location substantially at a bottom portion of said first column; wherein said step of inserting of compressed gas displaces liquid in said first column and thereby causes liquid to flow to said reservoir and to said second column and thereby causes said turbine to turn and wherein said gas has a density lower than a density of said liquid.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said liquid is water.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said gas is air.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said turbine is coupled to a means for producing electricity.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said turbine is located at a bottom portion of said second vertical column of liquid.

6. A system for generating electricity, the system comprising:

- a first vertical column of liquid;

- a second vertical column of liquid;

- a turbine constructed and arranged to turn when liquid in said second column of liquid flows, said turbine being constructed and arranged to produce electricity when said turbine turns;

- compressed gas means for inserting compressed gas into said first column of liquid,

- said gas has a density lower than a density of said liquid .

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein said liquid is water.

8. A system according to claim 6 wherein said gas is air.

9. A system according to claim 6 wherein said turbine is located at a bottom portion of said second vertical column of liquid.