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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ENERGY FROM WATER CIRCULATING THROUGH AN ENCLOSED SYSTEM
FIELD
The present invention relates to a device which captures energy resident in the motion of energized water circulating through a turbine which spins a generator and thereby generates electrical power.
BACKGROUND
Global warming and depletion of natural resources dictate that the world needs to transition away from the use of fossil fuels to produce energy. Current methods of producing carbon free energy are limited to hydro electric, wind, and solar power generation. Hydraulic systems must have rivers and streams to tap into and wind and solar only operate when the wind is blowing and the sun is shining. What is needed is a new source of clean energy that operates 24 hours a day and can be placed in most any location or environment.
SUMMARY
Waterfall Energy Systems (WES) hydraulic power generation devices solve all of these problems by being fully self-contained, self-powered, and capable of producing a large amount of clean energy all day and all night.
The device is a fully enclosed system that consists of a pump that provides circulation, a pressure-transfer chamber that pressurizes the water going into the turbine, and the turbine itself that transforms the waterflow into electricity. These are the major components that are linked together with piping, where the pump circulates water through the pressure-transfer chamber (PTC), then through the turbine and back into the pump. The device is not only self-contained, it is also self-powered. The reasoning behind the design is that the energy used by the pump is a fixed value while the energy produced by the turbine output can be increased by raising the pressure on the water flow through the PTC. This innovation allows the turbine to operate as though a column of water was falling into it from a great distance while, in reality, it is the pressure-transfer chamber that simulates that water column.There is also a battery that is used for system start-up and power transfer from the turbine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a top view of the system components and the connective piping.
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the Pressure Transfer Chamber.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0001] This device comes in various sizes depending on the amount of power to be generated. Small 3 kW systems would occupy a space of roughly 3’ wide, 4’ long, and 2’ deep while a 10 MW system would be more like 39’ x 39’ x 20’.
{0002] In the first embodiment it would be a 50 kW system that would be mounted on the chassis of an electric semi truck or attached to the bed of an electric pickup truck, giving either vehicle unlimited driving range without the need of having to stop at charging stations. Since the WES generator costs nothing to operate, this would make using an electric truck far less expensive than gas or diesel vehicles.
[0003] In the second embodiment it would be a system capable of supplying power to off grid residences or small off grid communities. These systems can produce enough power to run any home or piece of equipment and are highly dependable. They do not require any sort of fuel to operate, are suitable for cold climates, and can fit into small spaces.
[0004] A third embodiment is that, since these systems are self-contained, they can be put in practically any location, such as in cities or on freeways where they could power EV charging stations or at industrial sites powering factories and AI data centers.
[0005] A fourth embodiment is that these devices operate 24 hours a day and don’t require an operator.
[0006] A fifth embodiment is that these devices do not require fuel to operate. The ability to produce very low cost energy would allow manufacturers to produce goods much more cheaply and would be good for the overall economy of the country. When used in the trucking industry, goods could be transported much more economically, lowering prices on most every commodity.
[0007] A sixth embodiment is that these devices can eliminate the need for high voltage transmission lines by locating the power generator at the site where the power is needed.
[0008] A seventh embodiment is that these devices produce energy without causing the pollution caused by burning fossil fuels. Implementation of these systems by industry and utilities would give us better air quality and fight against global warming. The trucking industry alone accounts for 28% of carbon emissions in the U. S. and this would virtually eliminate that source.
[0009] A eighth and final embodiment is that WES devices occupy a fraction of the space of comparable wind and solar systems, produce over 3 to 4 times more energy per year than similar size wind or solar systems, last more than twice as long, and cost far less per kWh over their lifespan.
[0010] All WES devices have the same components, but the size of those components and the respective piping, increase in proportion to the output demand. These components are a high quality axial-flow pump that drives circulation, a pressure-transfer chamber that exerts head pressure on the flow of water entering the turbine, and a Kaplan or Francis turbine/generator that produces the electricity. These components are each separated by an accumulator that controls pressure and suppresses turbulence in the flow. Ancillary components are a battery that is used for startup and powering the electronics, a regulator that controls the battery charging, and a power management system for managing the electronics. These components and all of the associated piping and connectors are commercially available from multiple suppliers. It is anticipated that there will be standardized WES systems of various kilowatt capacity that can be delivered as finished products, eliminating the need for application based product engineering.
[0011] What separates WES devices from all other hydraulic power generation systems is the unique ability to transfer the energy in the pressure-transfer chamber to the circulation flow of the water being pumped into the turbine. This feature allows the system to be self-contained and self-powered. It allows power output to be increased or decreased within a limited range without changing the overall size of the entire configuration. The physical size of the apparatus is determined by the diameter of the piping and the associated power requirements of the pump and turbine.
[0012] Example of a 10 kW residential system:
Simulated Pipe Height (Head) = 5 m, Simulated Diameter =0.3048 m), Velocity = 5 m/s
Turbine Efficiency (e1) = 0.85 (15% reduction), Pump Efficiency (e2) =0.8 (20% increase)
Piping Diameter = 0.3048 m (same as head), Piping Length = 6 m
TURBINE FORMULA: T-Power = ( p * g * f * h) + (m * k) * e1
Where:
p = Weight of water 1,000 kg
g = Acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m^2/s
f = Volumetric Flow Rate = velocity * pipe area (PI()r^2) = 5 * 0.073 = 0.365 m^3/s
h = pipe height 5 m
m = Mass Flow Rate = p * f = 365 kg/s
K = Kinetic Energy = ½ Velocity squared = 5^2/2 = 12.5 j/kg
e1 = turbine efficiency 0.85 ( minus 15%)
Turbine Power = (1,000 * 9.81 *0.365 * 5) + (365 * 12.5) *0.85 = 19,095 W or 19.1 kW
PUMP FORMULA: P-Power = dP * f / e2
Where:
Pv (velocity) = (p * v^2)/2 = 1,000 * 25 / 2 = 12,500 Pa
Fl (friction loss)= pioe length * friction coffecient (0.15 PSI) = 6 * 0.15 = 0.9 PSI = 6,205 Pa
dP (delta pressure) = Pv + Fl = 12,500 + 6,205 = 18,705 Pa
e2 = pump efficiency = 0,8 (plus 20%)
Pump Power (Usage) = .365 * 18,705 / 0.8 = 8,574 w or 8.6 kW
Net power output = turbine output - pump usage = 19.1 - 8.6 = 10.5 kW
[0013] The following is an example of a spreadsheet that uses the simulated height, width, circulation velocity, and piping size and length as input to calculate net power output of a given configuration.
List of components designed for powering a Tesla semi truck at 122 kW.
[0014] The pump is an axial-flow pump that initiates the circulation of a 50% propylene glycol/water mixture through the closed-loop WES, delivering 600 liters per second at 3.5 PSI (0.24 bar) with an 18.1 kW power input. It is positioned at the system’s inlet, drawing fluid from Accumulator 2 and pushing it into Accumulator 3, which feeds the PTC. The pump operates by rotating impeller blades to impart kinetic energy to the fluid, creating a continuous flow that maintains system pressure and ensures steady delivery to downstream components, with a variable-frequency drive (VFD) optimizing flow rate for efficiency.
2. Accumulator 3 (Pump Output)
[0015] Accumulator 3 is a 6-liter, single-port pressure vessel rated for 3.5 PSI, connected via a “T” junction to the main 12-inch pipe between the pump and PTC. It is used to stabilize the pump’s output flow, dampening pressure pulsations and ensuring consistent fluid delivery to the PTC. The accumulator contains a gas-charged bladder that compresses under incoming fluid pressure, storing energy and releasing it to smooth flow variations, preventing pressure spikes and maintaining system stability during the PTC’s 150 Hz pulsing.
3. Pressure Transfer Chamber (PTC)
[0016] The PTC is a 4-liter pressure vessel with a helium-charged EPDM diaphragm, designed to boost fluid pressure from 2.5 PSI to 52.5 PSI (3.62 bar) at a frequency of 150 Hz. It is used to amplify the pressure of the glycol/water mixture entering from Accumulator 3, delivering high-pressure fluid to Accumulator 1 and the turbine. The PTC operates by injecting helium from a 40-liter, 100 PSI tank into the diaphragm, which expands to compress the fluid, with a regulator maintaining 52.5 PSI; the pulsed operation enhances turbine power generation.
4. Gas Tank
[0017] The gas tank is a 40-liter steel cylinder storing helium at 100 PSI (6.89 bar), equipped with a pressure gauge (0–150 PSI) and regulator. It is used to supply pressurized helium to the PTC’s diaphragm, enabling the pressure boost from 2.5 PSI to 52.5 PSI. The tank maintains a constant helium supply, with the regulator controlling pressure to ensure consistent diaphragm actuation; minimal leakage (1% per month) requires annual refills (60 g), supporting the PTC’s high-frequency (150 Hz) operation without fluid contamination.
5. Compressor
[0018] The compressor is a compact, 100 W peak power unit that maintains the helium pressure in the 40-liter gas tank at 100 PSI. It is used to compensate for minor helium losses due to leakage or system purges, ensuring the PTC’s diaphragm operates reliably. The compressor activates intermittently, drawing minimal power (~0.001 kW average), and pressurizes ambient helium or recycled gas into the tank, maintaining the PTC’s ability to boost fluid pressure consistently across the system’s operational cycle.
6. Regulator
[0019] The regulator is a notched, precision valve set to maintain a constant 52.5 PSI helium pressure from the 100 PSI gas tank to the PTC’s diaphragm. It is used to control the pressure applied to the diaphragm, ensuring the PTC delivers a consistent 50 PSI boost to the fluid. The regulator modulates helium flow, opening or closing based on pressure feedback, preventing over-pressurization and enabling stable, high-frequency (150 Hz) pulsing for efficient power generation.
7. Diaphragm
[0020] The diaphragm is a 600 cm² EPDM membrane within the PTC, resistant to the glycol/water mixture, and rated for 52.5 PSI cyclic loading. It is used to separate the helium gas from the fluid, transferring pressure from the helium to boost the fluid from 2.5 PSI to 52.5 PSI. The diaphragm expands and contracts at 150 Hz as helium is injected and released, compressing the fluid to drive high-pressure flow to the turbine, with annual replacement ensuring reliability.
8. Accumulator 1 (PTC Output)
[0021] Accumulator 1 is a 6-liter, single-port pressure vessel rated for 52.5 PSI, connected via a “T” junction to the main pipe between the PTC and turbine. It is used to smooth the PTC’s pulsed output (150 Hz), delivering steady, high-pressure flow to the turbine. The accumulator’s gas-charged bladder absorbs pressure fluctuations, storing and releasing fluid to prevent turbine damage from surges, ensuring consistent power generation at the turbine’s 47.5 PSI inlet pressure.
9. Turbine
[0022] The turbine is a Kaplan-type hydroelectric unit generating 139.8 kW at a 47.5 PSI inlet pressure and 600 L/s flow rate. It is used to convert the kinetic and pressure energy of the high-pressure fluid from Accumulator 1 into electrical power for charging the Tesla Semi’s battery. The turbine’s adjustable blades optimize efficiency (~85%), spinning a generator as fluid passes through, with the exiting fluid (at ~3 PSI) directed to the diffuser for pressure recovery and recirculation.
10. Diffuser
[0023] The diffuser is a 50 cm long, 12-inch diameter conical section connecting the turbine outlet to the straight pipe. It is used to gradually expand the fluid flow exiting the turbine, reducing velocity and recovering pressure (from ~3 PSI to ~3.5 PSI) to minimize energy losses. The diffuser works by increasing the cross-sectional area, converting kinetic energy back into pressure energy, ensuring efficient fluid return to Accumulator 2 and the pump for continuous circulation.
11. Straight Pipe
[0024] The straight pipe is a 150 cm long, 12-inch diameter steel conduit connecting the diffuser to Accumulator 2. It is used to guide the low-pressure fluid (~3.5 PSI) from the diffuser back to the pump intake, maintaining system flow continuity. The pipe’s smooth interior minimizes turbulence and pressure losses, facilitating efficient recirculation of the glycol/water mixture in the closed-loop system, with replacement every 5 years to prevent corrosion.
12. Accumulator 2 (Pump Intake)
[0025] Accumulator 2 is a 3-liter, single-port pressure vessel rated for 3.5 PSI, connected via a “T” junction to the main(pipe between the straight pipe and pump. It is used to stabilize the pump’s intake flow, preventing cavitation and ensuring consistent suction pressure. The accumulator’s gas-charged bladder absorbs flow variations from the turbine’s output, maintaining steady fluid delivery to the pump, enhancing system reliability and efficiency.
13. Reserve Tank
[0026] The reserve tank is a 20-liter steel vessel equipped with a level sensor, storing an additional 50% propylene glycol/water mixture. It is used to replenish minor fluid losses due to leaks or evaporation in the closed-loop system, ensuring continuous operation. The tank supplies fluid via the reserve pump during startup or maintenance, with the level sensor signaling when refills are needed, maintaining the system’s 120-liter fluid volume.
14. Reserve Pump
[0027] The reserve pump is a 30 W, low-power unit that transfers fluid from the reserve tank to the main system. It is used during startup or maintenance to purge air and top up the closed-loop circuit, operating for 1 minute per startup (0.005 kWh). The pump draws fluid from the reserve tank and injects it into the piping, ensuring the system remains fully primed and operational without air pockets that could disrupt flow.
15. System Controller
[0028] The system controller is a compact electronic unit (10 cm × 10 cm × 5 cm) that manages the WES’s operation, including pump, PTC, compressor, and reserve pump functions. It is used to monitor system parameters (pressure, flow, helium levels) and execute start/stop sequences, air purges, and fault detection. The controller processes sensor data and adjusts the VFD and solenoid valves, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and efficiency in generating 121.57 kW net power.
16. Battery
[0029] The battery is a 50 kWh, 48 V lithium-ion unit, separate from the Tesla Semi’s main traction battery, used to store and distribute the WES’s electrical output. It is charged by the turbine’s 139.8 kW output (after losses and auxiliary consumption) and powers auxiliary loads (e.g., 3 kW for HVAC, electronics) or feeds the Semi’s battery via a DC interface. The battery stabilizes power delivery, buffering fluctuations and ensuring reliable energy supply for truck operations.
17. Piping and Accessories
[0030] The piping and accessories consist of 10 meters of 12-inch steel pipes, check valves, and Viton seals, forming the closed-loop conduit for the glycol/water mixture. They are used to connect all components (pump, accumulators, PTC, turbine, diffuser, straight pipe), ensuring leak-free fluid circulation at pressures up to 52.5 PSI. The check valves prevent backflow, and Viton seals resist glycol corrosion, maintaining system integrity and minimizing pressure losses (~5 PSI) during operation.
CLAIMS
1. Self-contained hydraulic power generation system comprising:
a pump circulating water through pipes into a pressure-transfer chamber and a turbine.
2. The hydraulic power generation system of claim 1, further comprising:
a generator that produces electricity controlled by the spinning of the turbine, three accumulators regulating water flow, a battery (e.g., a 5 kWh lithium-ion battery) that powers the pump and electronics, a regulator that manages battery charging, and a control panel for monitoring water flow and management and integration of electrical components.
3. The pressure transfer chamber of claim 1, comprising:
A pressure vessel with a diaphragm customized to create and store variable amounts of static energy in an upper chamber which is transferred to water flowing through a lower chamber.
4. The turbine of claim 1 comprising:
a Kaplan or Francis turbine engineered for a specific head and flow rate.
5. The generator of claim 2, wherein the generator is attached to the turbine and engineered for a power output level commensurate with the turbine’s power.
6. The pump of claim 1 comprising:
an axial flow device capable of maintaining a flow rate as required for pipes of various diameters.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the excess power generated by the system is used to charge the battery.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the battery and control panel are configured to power the pump .
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure-transfer chamber is configured to adjust the static energy transferred to the water flow, enabling the turbine to transfer static energy to the moving water stream, enabling the turbine to produce excess energy sufficient to operate the system and provide additional usable energy.
10. A method of generating hydraulic power in a self-contained system, comprising: circulating water through a closed-loop using a pump, pressurizing an upper chamber of a pressure-transfer chamber to store static energy, transferring the static energy to the circulating water via a diaphragm, and driving the turbine with the energized water to produce electricity.
ABSTRACT
The Waterfall Energy System is a self-contained, self-powered, clean-energy power generation device that operates 24 hours a day using only water as fuel. It can produce energy in the range of 3 kilowatts to 13 megawatts all within a relatively small footprint, is reasonably quiet, costs very little to operate, and can be placed in most any geographic location. It can power cars and trucks, giving them unlimited range. It can power homes and industry without needing transmission lines or putting a strain on the grid. It can also be used by utilities to produce clean electricity without burning fossil fuels. Overall it will be good for the economy of the country and for fighting, even stopping, the march of global warming.