Power generation for valve actuators
OwnerWilliam T. Dolenti, Daniel J. Morris +3inventors
InventorsWilliam T. Dolenti, Daniel J. Morris, Daniel Carlson, Byron A. Fleury, David R. Simons
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Abstract
The present invention utilizes operation of a valve actuator to generate electrical power. A portion of the mechanical energy generated by operation of a valve actuator is converted to electrical energy. The mechanical energy may be converted to electrical energy at the same time as the valve actuator is operating or the mechanical energy may be stored for later conversion. A valve actuator may be operated manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Generated electrical energy may also be stored.
Claims12
A valve actuator comprising:
- a drive train configured to be operatively coupled to a valve stem of a valve;
- an electrical generator connected mechanically with the drive train and connected electrically to a position encoder, the electrical generator configured to convert mechanical energy from operation of the drive train into electrical energy and to electrically power the position encoder;
- and
- a clutch mechanism mechanically connected between the drive train and the electrical generator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.