Abstract: A charging assembly includes a conduit assembly configured to be fluidly coupled with a pre-existing conduit through which a liquid flows, and a hydroelectric generator coupled with the conduit assembly such that at least part of the liquid flowing through the pre-existing conduit flows through the hydroelectric generator. The hydroelectric generator is configured to create an electric current based on flow of the liquid through the hydroelectric generator. The assembly also includes an energy storage assembly conductively coupled with the hydroelectric generator. The energy storage assembly is configured to store electric energy of the electric current created by the hydroelectric generator.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of a working medium through an expansion device in a closed heating system which also includes a condenser, a pump and a boiler. The expansion device is a helical screw rotor expander that has an inlet port with an inlet line connected thereto, and an outlet port. The expansion device drives an energy producing device, such as a generator. The helical screw rotor expander has an intermediate pressure port between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a branch line is connected between the intermediate pressure port and a branching point in the inlet line. A valve is in the branch line. The flow of working medium through the valve to the intermediate pressure port is controlled as a function of a state parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for gas compression. More particularly the invention is directed to a variable capacity screw compressor. The screw compressor has an engine, an intake slide valve, and a programmable logic controller for controlling the transmission speed of the engine and for controlling the position of the slide valve. The compressor also has means for monitoring the engine load. The transmission speed and the slide valve position are adjusted in accordance with the engine load. The invention attempts to match available horsepower of the engine with available gas volume by adjusting the compressor to match gas throughput with horsepower. This automated process assists the user in shipping greater volumes of gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system (1) of bulb turbines (2), in which each bulb turbine (2) comprises a generator located in an essentially cylindrical area (4) of a turbine housing and a turbine wheel coupled to the generator and mounted in such a way that it can rotate (7), a suction pipe (13) being attached to each bulb turbine. Several bulb turbines (2) are coupled with one another in a field-like or matrix-like order both in an essentially horizontal position side by side as well as stacked in a vertical position or are stored in at least one single common support (8). In said system, several bulb turbines are stored in one common support (8) and releasably connected to the corresponding suction pipes (13).

Abstract: A bidirectional hydroturbine assembly for tidal deployment. A hydroturbine is carried by a cylindrical shroud. Rotation of the hydroturbine blades by tidal currents drives rotation of the shaft, thereby converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Stabilizer fins extend radially outwardly from the shroud along substantially the entire length of the shroud. Each corner of each stabilizer fin carries a pivot point for connection of pivoting deflectors between adjacent pivot points of adjacent stabilizer fins at the same end of the shroud. Pivoting deflectors are positioned between pivot points about the periphery of each end of the shroud and are biased such that tidal current flow in a first direction urges pivoting deflectors at the first end of the shroud into a non-deflective position, while urging pivoting deflectors at the second end of the shroud into a deflective position, and vice versa for tidal current flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An impulse turbine comprises at least one runner keyed to a drive shaft in association with a distributor unit which has, for each runner, a circular outlet for the supply of fluid from the distributor unit to the blades of a respective runner. Each outlet is arranged coaxially inside the respective runner and the distributor unit is shaped in a manner such as to define a substantially circular path for the fluid and to cause the fluid to emerge from the distributor unit through the at least one outlet predominantly tangentially relative to the outlet.

Abstract: A fully submersible apparatus for generating electricity from liquid flow as in an ocean or river current. A buoyant structure is fully submersible and has at least one pair of counter-rotating side-by-side motors with a plurality of angularly spaced radial vanes each having a plurality of rotatable subvanes such that current impinging upon the motor will impinge on a closed or solid vane to effect rotation of the motor and its shaft during a first phase of the rotational cycle and will impinge on open vanes for free passage therethrough on the return or second phase of rotation of the motor. Motors may also be provided with vanes in overlying and underlying relationship. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for producing potable water from a brine source uses an Archimedean screw to elevate water to an elevated point. The water is then filtered to desalinate the water through a series of filters arranged in a vertical shaft using gravity to move the water through the filters. The vertical nature of the screw and shaft reduce land requirements and costs. A power source turns the screw and relies on renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and tidal/wave power. A turbine is used to recapture any energy in the descending water. The screw, renewable energy power source, and turbine reduce the energy requirements and costs. A brine recycling system recovers the removed brine and various elements and minerals are separated.

Abstract: An improved liquid rotor device is provided having a cylindrically-shaped hub, which is supported by a horizontal shaft, and having several curved blades which are attached to the outer portions of the rotating hub. The horizontal shaft preferably rotates with the hub so that it can mechanically drive a device such as an electrical generator. The multiple blades mounted to the exterior surface of the hub are curved such that the longitudinal axis of each blade is parallel to the axis of rotation (i.e., the horizontal shaft). Each blade is arcuate in shape and preferably comprises a portion of the cylindrical wall of a hollow cylinder. In one embodiment of the, the rotating hub and blades sub-assembly is surrounded by a hollow cylindrical housing that is entirely submerged in a liquid, such as water. The surrounding hollow cylindrical housing has an inlet to receive the liquid into the area of the rotating blades and an outlet through which the liquid is discharged.

Abstract: A low speed water driven turbine having a housing to be erected vertically in a water course, a water intake and a water outlet, a drive shaft rotatably mounted along a central vertical axis of the housing, a shaft sleeve non-rotatably mounted in the housing and supporting and enclosing the shaft, a guide casing of generally bell-like shape and defining a lower edge, the casing being connected to the shaft sleeve within the housing and extending outwardly from the sleeve to define a reduced cross-sectional area within the housing in the region of the guide casing, a turbine blade mounting hub driveably mounted at the lower end of the shaft, a plurality of turbine blades mounted around the hub and extending outwardly therefrom the turbine blades being mounted at angles with respect to the vertical axis of the housing, and being located to receive water from the reduced cross-sectional portion of the casing, so that water passing down through the housing will flow onto and past the turbine blades and cause rota

Abstract: A hydropowered turbine system has a hollow base member with an inlet fluid conduit at its upper end in contact with retained water under pressure. A flared fluid outlet is located above the inlet fluid conduit. A buoyant needle valve is slidably mounted in the base member to open or close fluid flow through the fluid outlet. A turbine runner is mounted over the fluid outlet and includes a vertical shaft connected to a generator. A plurality of turbine blades are on the lower end of the shaft adjacent the fluid outlet. The upper edges of the blades are parabolic in shape and dwell in a parabolic plane. The blades are partially submerged in the tailrace of the system to enhance air entrainment of the discharged water and to simultaneously mix the discharged fluid. Extendible blade elements are operatively connected to the blades to permit selective change in their operating shape.

Abstract: An improved water turbine apparatus includes a rotating waterwheel having a plurality of water-receiving buckets arranged about its periphery. Water is delivered to the buckets at a first, upper location and drained from the buckets at a second, lower location. The water is retained in the buckets during rotation between the first and second locations by a curved, fixed turbine wall. A portion of the water delivered to the buckets may be pumped from a well or reservoir, the water drained from the buckets being used to replenish the reservoir. The reservoir can be used to augment a second, variable water source to maintain continuous and consistent turbine output.

Abstract: A reaction hydraulic turbine used for converting the energy of a flowing stream into mechanical energy of a rotating shaft is disclosed. In the turbine, the blades have a specifically-designed configuration suitable for not only reducing the hydraulic resistance but also for concentrating the energy of the flowing stream onto the blades. The internal surface of each blade has a half-circular curved section, while the external surface has a streamline section, which is smoothly put into or come out of water thus being almost completely free from hydraulic resistance. At the lowermost portion of the turbine, the energy of the flowing stream is effectively concentrated onto the curved internal surface of each blade.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.

Abstract: A fluid energy conversion apparatus including a fluid path assembly having an outside guide assembly, a cylindrical wall inside surface and at least one inside guide assembly is provided. There is also a cylindrical partition wall which extends between the outside guide assembly and the inside guide assembly with its central axis set on the central axis of the cylindrical wall inside surface, the cylindrical wall inside surface of the outside guide assembly and the cylindrical partition wall defining an annular outside path therebetween and the outside peripheral surface of the inside guide assembly and the cylindrical partition wall defining an annular inside path therebetween. There is a plurality of support struts connecting the outside guide assembly, the inside guide assembly and the cylindrical partition wall.

Abstract: A process and system for harvesting energy from wind action on the high seas ill all weather conditions, on a year-round basis. This process depends upon the use of seagoing platforms (FIG. 2+ FIG. 4) which themselves achieve stability in the presence of storms at sea, doing so through the selective extraction of wave energy. The selective wave energy extraction takes place in such a way that the prevailing ratio of sea height to swell height affecting a typical seagoing platform ((FIG. 2 or FIG. 4)) is reduced to a small fraction of the ratio of sea height to swell height which prevails at a distance from the platform. In short, this process and system stabilizes a plurality of seagoing platforms which support wind and wave energy conversion means, while simultaneously extracting and converting energy from the combined wind and wave action.

Abstract: A cable restrained reciprocating blade system is adapted for extracting energy from a moving body of water to facilitate conversion to electric energy.

Abstract: A plant for recovering energy from waves in motion comprises a wedge-shaped unit, anchored, and self-adjusting towards the waves. The floating reception unit (1) is placed in the water and has a ramp (3) for the waves and a guide device (4) guiding the water to a reception pipe (8) and into an energy converting engine (9). The guide device comprises a number of reception funnels (4), the cross sections of which are narrowed down in the direction towards the energy converting engine (9). The plant also comprises a number of air chambers (16) and side chambers (10) in which the reception pipes (8) end.

Abstract: An electric generator assembly driven by a waterwheel wherein the axial length of the waterwheel is substantially greater than the diameter thereof and contains a speed-increasing device for driving a high speed generator. The assembly is supported from a bridge spanning the full axial length of the waterwheel and the width of the stream and said bridge also supports an adjustable chute extending from the dam crest to the waterwheel. The waterwheel has longitudinal buckets designed to develop maximum energy over a wide range of flow of water and also discharge debris. The buckets are vented as necessary to improve filling and discharge and also minimize vibration. The complete bridge assembly is supported adjacent opposite ends by hydraulic cylinder units connected to and adapted to raise the unitary bridge, chute and waterwheel assembly above increased tailwater levels to reduce drag and rotating friction.

Abstract: A movable and adjustable dam including a waterwheel for generating power in rivers, creeks, streams and other flowing bodies of water in which the use of a permanent dam would be impractical or undesirable. The preferred dam includes floatable wall members that can be anchored in position in a body of water to form a water channel there between. The wall members can be unanchored when it is desirable to move the dam. The dam also includes a water wheel mounted between the wall members. The water wheel generates power as it is rotated by water flowing through the channel. Further, the preferred dam includes an adjustable floor comprising a combination of interconnected plates mounted between the wall members. The combination of interconnected plates may be raised or lowered to control the level and flow of water in the water channel and to allow the water wheel to generate power in a mode that is most efficient in response to available water quantity and flow.

Abstract: A rotary pump capable of slow movement, for wave power applications. The pump is a helix formed of tubing whereby when the helix is rotated, the inlet end of the tubing scoops water and an outlet end of the tubing directed along the central longitudinal axis of the helix delivers liquid to a conduit means. The helix of tubing is preferably mounted on a shaft which is turned by ratchet device powered by rocking motion or rise and fall of water due to wave motion.

Abstract: A fluid rotor is disclosed for turning electrical generators or other mechanical equipment. The fluid rotor contains multiple curved blades which are in a single plane of rotation, and which are spaced closely together so as to maximize the efficiency of the captured fluid. The open blades are designed to overlap one another to an extent that there are always at least two blades positioned to capture the fluid regardless from which direction the fluid is flowing. The curved blades allow the rotor to always rotate in the correct direction regardless of the direction of the fluid without the use of moving vanes or housings to help direct the fluid at certain portions of the fluid rotor. If the rotor is made to turn in the incorrect direction, it will, as fluid from any direction flows against it, slow down, stop momentarily, and then begin to rotate in the correct direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting ocean wave power includes slidable horizontal support means. A turbine unit is mounted on the slidable horizontal support means and is rotatably engaged with water flow. An extendable ram is coupled to the turbine unit at one end for lifting and lowering the turbine unit. The other end of the extendable ram is coupled to the slidable horizontal support means so that the turbine unit can incline and extend forwardly and backwardly concurrently with the lifting and lowering. Power generating mechanism is disposed at a fixed distance from the turbine unit for receiving the rotational movement of the turbine unit via a transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A tidal power generation apparatus includes a first group of containers fixed in plural piles in a natural sea having a tidal difference in sea level height, which containers are spaced in parallel to one another at fixed intervals, each container of which is opened at a lower side thereof and is capable of holding air therein, a second group of containers fixed in plural piles in tideless water within an artificial dam, which second group of containers are spaced parallel to one another at fixed intervals, each container of which is opened at a lower side thereof and is capable of holding air therein, and air pipes providing communication between respective containers of the first group in the natural sea and respective containers of the second group within the artificial dam. With the apparatus, the energy in a tide is collected in the form of energy in compressed air created by water pressure at high tide.

Abstract: An energy conversion device which benefits from forces associated with angular momentum. A mass such as fluid is directed through a conduit from one elevation to a lower elevation with the conduit configured to conform to a decreasing cross-sectional area and oriented in a spiral of substantially conical shape so that fluid entering into the conduit accelerates both by virtue of the decreasing cross-sectional area of the conduit and by the velocity added to the fluid by successively constricting the fluid to an ever tighter spiral path of lesser radius ultimately to an output of the conduit which is in communication with a converter such as a turbine. The converter has an interior passageway in axial alignment with an outlet of the conduit and includes an interior vane which coacts against the fluid exiting from the outlet of the conduit imparting rotation to the rotor which circumscribes the passageway. The rotor is supported on a bearing block and operatively couples to a stator for power output.

Abstract: This machine consists of an impeller formed by a right prism with a minimum weight/volume ratio and which has an irregular hexagonal section, three sides of which are bigger than the other three, and with said hexagon's vertexes belonging to a single circumference. The second body of said machine is formed by an open cylindrical chamber, concentric to the impeller, with an angle of approximately 83 degrees.Its basic characteristic is its high performance in obtaining energy produced by minimum height waterfalls.

Abstract: A rotor having an elongated cylindrical body which surrounds a vertically disposed bearing shaft fixedly secured at its lowermost end to a supporting base, the rotor mounting a bearing pad at its uppermost end positioned to be seated on the upper end of the bearing shaft so as to rotatably suspend the rotor from the bearing shaft, stabilizers being provided to maintain concentric rotation of the rotor about the bearing shaft as the rotor is driven by a flowing fluid.

Abstract: A hinged vane rotor generating power from rivers, streams, tides or wind. A cylindrical drum is supported sideways in a current by axles at the ends connected to pulleys which are in turn, connected to a generator(s), mill wheel, pump or other working device. The rotor is turned by a series of hinged vanes, each one opening to catch the current on one side of the drum and closing to avoid the current on the other side of the drum. A fluid directing component is incorporated to increase current against one side of the drum and reduce it against the other side.

Abstract: A wave-actuated power generating apparatus comprising an impulse-type water turbine mounted for rotation on an upright output shaft within a housing. The housing includes a back panel and opposing sides and upper and lower surfaces which form an inlet water nozzle. The water nozzle is oriented to face oncoming waves and to direct them into the housing. A wave splitter directs a portion of each oncoming wave directly against the facing surfaces of the water turbine blades, while another wave portion is directed first against the back panel of the housing and, thereafter, against the facing surfaces of the blades. Each wave portion is redirected arcuately forwardly through about 180 degrees inwardly toward the central portion of the housing causing the water turbine to rotate. Thereafter, the water within each wave entering the housing is discharged downwardly through a water outlet positioned in the housing lower surface behind the wave splitter.

Abstract: A fluid flow driven engine comprising two counter-directionally rotating rotors rotatably mounted on a base which can be used to secure the fluid flow driven engine in the path of a flowing fluid, the rotors comprising cylindrical drums with a plurality of circumferentially spaced impellers projecting radially outward from each drum, the rotors being placed in closely spaced relation so as to define a fluid flow passageway between the drums. A housing having a venturi shaped or tapered inlet and outlet surrounds the rotors so that the inlet and outlet direct a flowing fluid through the passageway and the venturi shape increases the velocity of a fluid entering the passageway, extension plates being slidably mounted in the inlet and outlet portions of the housing to vary the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and outlet, thereby varying the velocity of a flowing fluid entering the passageway.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of water powered devices that are adapted to be positioned in a stream of moving water and which carry water wheels for driving a driven device. The driven device may comprise a generator and a number of embodiments are illustrated for holding the generator against rotation and for absorbing its torque loading. In addition, a device is provided for insuring buoyancy of the device so that the water wheels float with their axis above the level of water. In some embodiments, the buoyant device comprises a buoyant float that also provides a hydrodynamic lift and a hydrodynamic force for carrying the device to the center of the stream. In other embodiments, the device comprises a hydrodynamic device that provides both the lift and the transverse force. An arrangement is disclosed which permits stacking of the water wheels for ease of packing and additionally an arrangement is disclosed for permitting replacement of individual blades of the water wheels.