HYDROELECTRIC DEVICES PRINCIPALLY FOR USE IN RECIRCULATING FLUID SYSTEMS OF VESSELS SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
Generators of hydroelectric energy are detailed. The generators are designed principally for use in connection with swimming pools and spas and may use the generated electricity to operate a valve, power a gas heater, or illuminate pool lights, in addition to any other appropriate uses for lower voltage electrical energy.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/406,589, filed Oct. 26, 2010, titled “Hydroelectric Devices Principally for use in Recirculating Fluid Systems of Vessels Such as Swimming Pools and Spas,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the invention relate generally to equipment and methods of generating electricity as a consequence of fluid flow and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to generating electricity as a result of water flow for purposes including (but not limited to) ceasing operation of automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs), powering gas heaters, debris traps, flow measurements, or flow displays, and activating light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other lighting positioned in return lines or other areas of pools or spas, or any other electrical components associated with a pool or spa or other water feature that may be powered by an amount of energy created by converting flowing water into electrical energy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONNumerous equipment items and apparatus associated with swimming pools and spas require low-amperage electricity for operation. As one of many examples, some pools and spas include decorative and functional lighting powered by electricity. Pool-related (or other) gas heaters likewise may be powered by electricity, as may various valves and other devices. Currently these devices, when present, typically are powered by batteries, electrical mains, standing pilot thermopiles, or solar energy. They hence do not exploit the fact that standard filtration systems of pools and spas recirculate water, with the fluid movement providing the potential of a source of energy for electrical generation.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/244,083 (the “'083 application”) (Publication Number 2011/0064626), entitled “Energy Generation Methods and Systems for Swimming Pools and Other Vessels With Recirculating Fluid,” describes various turbine-driven energy generation systems. In at least one such system, a housing may define both primary and secondary flow paths for fluid, with the secondary path including an electricity-generating mechanism comprising a turbine and a generator. Generated electricity may, for example, power a salt-water chlorinator (SWC) positioned in the primary fluid flow path. The contents of the '083 application are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/049,029 (the “'029 application”), entitled “Idler Mechanisms for Hydraulic Devices,” describes systems and methods for idling a hydraulic pool cleaner and inhibiting its movement. One way this can be done is by creating a by-pass port that can pass water therethrough when open (via action of the pool pump). This diverts water from the primary flow path (and consequently reduces fluid flow through the primary flow path) such that the fluid drawn through the pool cleaner primary flow path is at a level below an operational level, preventing movement of the pool cleaner (i.e., allowing it to idle). When the by-pass port is closed, the action of the pool pump causes the pool cleaner to operate and move along the pool floor in a normal fashion. The contents of the '029 application are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,951, entitled “Swimming Pool Steps with Light,” describes a system that uses a generator to provide electric current to power low voltage lights that are positioned on stairs/risers of an above-ground pool. It is intended to provide assistance by illuminating the area around the steps or to alert a user that someone has entered the pool. In this system, the generator is mounted on an output conduit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the present invention provide devices for generating electricity as a consequence of fluid flow. In some embodiments, the generated electricity may be used to operate a valve. This fluid flow may then be used to generate electricity for other pool equipment or small items. In other embodiments, in addition to or alternatively from the valve, the generated electricity may be used to power any number of pool or spa-related items that require electricity in order to operate, such as a gas heater ignition, pool lights, or any other equipment or items.
At least one version of the invention includes a housing defining primary and secondary flow paths, such that a secondary flow path has a turbine generator positioned therein. Fluid flowing through the secondary flow path operates the turbine generator so as to generate electricity. The electricity, in turn, my be used to operate a latch actuator that periodically opens a door or other valve. Additionally or alternatively, the generator may be positioned along a water return or flow line, such that it can generate electricity for other pool or spa components. For example, the generator may be positioned on, near, within or otherwise in close proximity to a fluid tubing or a water line leading to a gas powered heater, such that the system can generate electricity to activate the heater unit. As another example, the generator may be positioned on, within or otherwise in close proximity to a water return fitting or other pool fitting leading to the pool or spa, such that it can generate electricity for an LED light or other pool or spa components, based on water flow therethrough. Other purposes will be known to persons skilled in the art.
It thus is an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide devices for generating electricity as a result of fluid flow.
It is another optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide such devices useful to power items associated with swimming pools and spas.
It is also an optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide such devices in which the generated electricity is used to open a door to allow entry of fluid into a housing.
It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide such devices designed to provide power for igniting gas powered heaters.
It is a further optional, non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide such devices designed to provide power for lighting such as LED lighting for lighting the pool or spa water or for lighting surrounding landscaping.
Other objects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in appropriate fields with reference to the remaining text and drawings of this application.
Certain features of the invention provide a system and method for diverting water flow in order to generate electricity for equipment items and apparatus associated with swimming pools, hot tubs, and/or spas that require low-amperage electricity for operation. Other features relate to a system and method for securing a generator at or near a position at which low-amperage electricity will be used in the swimming pool or spa. As one of many examples, some swimming pools and spas include decorative and functional lighting powered by electricity (such as lighting for water features or landscaping), gas-powered heaters that are powered on by electrical ignition or other electrical power, debris collectors, skimmers, water misters, water features or fountains, clocks, timers, water flow meters, small pool toys, pool cleaners or components within such cleaners, electronic water level systems, and any other number of items that use low amounts of electrical power that can be generated by the methods described herein. For example, a turbine or other water powered generator may be positioned at or near a gas powered heater in order to provide ignition energy for the heater. As another example, the generator may be positioned at or near a pool fitting that contains or houses a light or other electric component in order to provide energy for the light or other electric component.
A first embodiment relates to a system to activate a valve in a pool cleaner.
Also included as part of device 10 is housing 22. The housing 22 may be made of any suitable material and comprise any number of components; preferably, however, housing 22 is molded of plastic material into a single unit. Connected to housing 22 may be a by pass valve, opening, or door 26. When door 26 is closed (as shown in
Secondary flow path SFP also exists within device 10. As currently configured, device 10 accepts a fraction of the fluid flowing through inlet 14 into secondary flow path SFP via filter 50 and secondary inlet 54. This fraction of diverted fluid then encounters a turbine generator 30 (which is described in more detail below). As shown in
The fluid thereafter passes through secondary outlet 58 for return to the primary flow path PFP for transit to outlet 18. The region in which the diverted fluid travels between secondary inlet 54 and secondary outlet 58 forms second pathway 62. At least because generator 30 is present therein (if not also because of its size and shape), second pathway 62 is more restrictive of fluid flow than is first pathway 46.
By contrast, when door 26 is open, as shown in
A further embodiment relates to using a generator to provide energy to ignite a gas powered heater. First, potential generators will be described for perspective. Turbine generator 30 generally includes a water turbine which will be rotated by the water recirculating system of the pool or spa, such that movement of the water causes generation of an electric current or power. Generator 30 may be any suitable such device, including those turbine-driven generators discussed in the '083 application. One acceptable version of generator 30 is a commercially-available device used to illuminate LEDs in a shower head. Another acceptable version of a generator 30 is a micro-hydro turbine generator, a paddle generator (which uses a paddle instead of a turbine), or any other generator that is of a size to be positioned within a hose, a pool fitting, water conduit, fluid tubing, or other pool equipment and that can use water flow for energy generation.
For example, one potential generator system that may be used with the embodiments described herein is shown in
As shown in
For example, top portion 79 and bottom portion 81 may be provided separate from one another. One or more holes may be drilled in the existing pool or fluid tubing and one or more internal opening portions 83 may be positioned within or aligned in such holes. This allows water flowing through the fluid tubing to also flow through element 80. Portions 79 and 81 are then secured to one another in a water-tight fashion. At this point, water flowing through pool tubing also flows through element 80, activating generator system 30 positioned therein. In other words, a substantial portion of the fluid flowing through element 80 interacts with and generates energy in cooperation with generator 30 that is positioned within element 80, causing generator 30 to produce electricity. In this way, the generator 30 is incorporated in-line with the fluid tubing leading from the pump of the water recirculating system. Electricity generated by generator 30 may be stored and used in any number of ways. In one embodiment, this system may be used as a water meter or a water flow meter, because activation of generator can indicate how fast water is flowing through the pool tubing. The stronger the water is flowing, the faster the generator turns. This would allow a user to infer water flow based on the electrical output of the generator. In another embodiment, described more below, the electricity generated is used to power on a gas powered heater unit.
In the specific embodiment shown in
As illustrated in the schematic of
In one embodiment, there is provided a method of supplying electricity to a gas powered heater, comprising providing a generator system 30 in-line with fluid tubing associated with the gas powered heater 86, causing water to circulate into and out of the generator system via the fluid tubing such that the water interacts with the generator in order to generate electricity, and then supplying at least some of the generated electricity to the gas powered heater in order to ignite the heater. The gas powered heater is generally a pool heater is associated with a swimming pool, a hot tub or a spa.
Additionally or alternatively, the electricity generated may be used for any other appropriate use intended for powering low voltage items in conjunction with a pool or spa or other water feature or system. For example, a further embodiment provides a generator 30 that may be positioned in a return fitting that is used in a pool or a spa. For example,
For example, as shown in
If the electric component 92 is an LED light, the light may be used to illuminate underwater pool water, to provide accent lighting to landscape and surrounding areas, to detect the pool water temperature (such as by glowing a different color based on water temperature), or for any other appropriate use. One benefit of this system is that a power supply is not needed in order to provide electricity for the component; the power generated by the generator 30 from the fluid flow is harnessed and delivered to an electric component, such as light 92. A further benefit is that the fitting, the generator, and the electric component (such as an LED light or light system) are integrally formed into one unit, such that unit may be separately purchased and installed. Another benefit of this embodiment is that fittings 88 are generally easy to install. To install a fitting that has been modified with a generator system 30 and/or an electrical component 92 can be done without separate tools or electrical experience. A homeowner may purchase and easily install a modified fitting in a pool return opening in order to provide a illuminated pool experience. The LED light 92 may be a single color light, an interchangeable light (based on a programmed or programmable circuit board), a changing or color-rotating light, a moving or a stationary light, a white illuminating light (for safety or visual exposure) or a colored light for an interesting pool display.
For example, as shown in
In one embodiment, there is provided a method of supplying electricity to a light system integral with a pool or spa fitting 88, 96 by providing a generator system 30 integral with the pool or spa fitting 88, 96, and causing water to circulate through the generator system via water from a pool or spa water return system, such that the water interacts with the generator system in order to generate electricity; and then supplying at least some of the generated electricity to the light system 92 or other electric component integral with the pool or spa fitting in order to illuminate the light system. The light system may be one or more LED lights. Additionally or alternatively, the fitting, the generator, and the light system are provided as a single integrated unit.
There is also provided a modified fitting for a pool or spa system, comprising: a fitting face 88, an element 94 extending from the fitting face comprising a generator 30 positioned therein; and an electric component 92 associated with the modified fitting.
The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of the present invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
Claims
1. A method of supplying electricity to a light system integral with a pool or spa fitting, comprising:
- (a) providing a generator system integral with a pool or spa fitting;
- (b) causing water to circulate through the generator system via water from a pool or spa water return system, such that the water interacts with the generator system in order to generate electricity; and
- (c) supplying at least some of the generated electricity to the light system integral with the pool or spa fitting in order to illuminate the light system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the light system comprises one or more LED lights.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the light system is positioned in an extended portion of the fitting.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fitting, the generator, and the light system are provided as a single integrated unit.
5. A modified fitting for a pool or spa system, comprising:
- (a) a fitting face,
- (b) an element extending from the fitting face comprising a generator positioned therein; and
- (c) an electric component associated with the modified fitting.
6. The fitting of claim 5, wherein the electric component is housed in the modified fitting.
7. The fitting of claim 5, wherein the electric component is positioned in an extended portion of the fitting face.
8. The fitting of claim 5, wherein the electric component comprises one or more LED lights.
9. The fitting of claim 5, further comprising a threaded adapter configured to allow the modified fitting to be positioned within a threaded pool tube.
10. A method of supplying electricity to a gas powered heater, comprising:
- (a) providing a generator system in-line with fluid tubing associated with the gas powered heater;
- (b) causing water to circulate into and out of the generator system via the fluid tubing such that the water interacts with the generator in order to generate electricity; and
- (c) supplying at least some of the generated electricity to the gas powered heater in order to ignite the heater.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the gas powered heater is a pool heater is associated with a swimming pool, a hot tub or a spa.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the fluid tubing is directed into the gas powered heater and wherein the generator system is positioned inside the gas powered heater.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the generator system is positioned inside an element configured to be associated with the fluid tubing.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 15, 2011
Publication Date: May 10, 2012
Inventors: DINDO UY (North Hollywood, CA), Eusebio Domingo Bareng (Oxnard, CA), Scott Yankie (Simi Valley, CA)
Application Number: 13/233,132
International Classification: E04H 4/14 (20060101);