Method and apparatus for improved hydropower generation at existing impoundments
AssigneeHydro Green Energy, LLC
InventorsWayne F. Krouse, Harvey Greenberg
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A floatable or moveable and/or fixed frame for insertion of power generating modules to generate power from impounded water through the frame in lock and dam and other settings presenting head potential and moving water. The frame is prefabricated and moved onto site as a module or modules, or as a ballastable marine hulled device with positions in the frame for insertion of modular elements including a generator, a turbine and a spacer for configuring a generating cell in different positions within the frame. A gantry positioned on the frame permits easy movement of individual modules into position.
Claims19
A machine for power generation through the impoundment of water comprising:
- a transportable frame disposed within or connected to an impoundment that impounds water;
- a plurality of power generating cells positioned within said frame in a plurality of predetermined positions;
- said cells composed of selectively removable interlocking stacking modules vertically mounted in said frame including a generator module and a turbine module, wherein said modules are interchangeable with each other in different positions in the frame without interrupting power in other cells;
- said cells are positioned to receive energy from the impoundment of water,
- wherein said cells convert said energy by the movement of said water through the turbine and the rotation of the turbine within each cell.
A machine for power generation through the impoundment of water comprising:
- a floatable frame disposed within a channel of impounded water;
- a plurality of power generating cells positioned in said frame in predetermined positions;
- said cells composed of interlocking selectively removable stacking modules mounted in said frame including a generator module and a turbine module;
- and
- said cells positioned to receive energy from the impoundment of water through said frame.
A gate disposed about a channel of moving or impounded water having predetermined positions for insertion of a power generating cell comprising:
- at least one modularly interchangeable selectively removable turbine into a predetermined position on said gate via a mating vertical track for stable engagement of said turbine;
- at least one electrical power generating means removably stacked in vertical position with respect to said turbine;
- at least one coupling member for engaging the at least one modularly interchangeable turbine with said power generating means to create a power generating cell;
- wherein the at least one modularly interchangeable turbine and the at least one power generating means cooperate to generate electrical power.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.