Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cyclic buoyancy-based hydropower generation system that utilizes the principles of buoyancy and gravity for torque generation. The system is designed for both stand-alone deployment and retrofit integration with existing hydropower plants, enabling efficient, continuous, and sustainable power generation with zero net water consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional hydropower plants rely on natural head and flow to drive turbines, with limited scope for efficiency improvement. Existing buoyancy-based or floating systems either require compressed air, pumps, or auxiliary power sources, making them inefficient and unsuitable for large-scale generation.
There remains a need for a modular, self-sustaining system that can generate continuous torque without reliance on additional water flow or fixed head, pumps, or compressed air, and which can be deployed either as a stand-alone unit or retrofit to existing hydro installations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
• To provide a stand-alone or retrofit hydropower generation system using buoyant modules for torque production.
• To enable continuous power generation independent of natural head or flow.
• To provide a modular, scalable arrangement of buoyant modules with pulleys for smooth torque output.
• To incorporate a robotic docking and gravity-discharge system to efficiently empty modules at submerged depth.
• To introduce flexibility in module volume and number of active modules, enabling operation at varying reservoir head levels.
• To achieve water-neutral energy generation, particularly advantageous in retrofit applications, effectively providing additional power without net water consumption.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The invention provides a cyclic buoyancy-based torque generation system comprising:
• A plurality of hollow buoyant modules arranged on a continuous closed-loop path through pulleys forming a rhombus, rectangular, or customized loop.
• Modules undergo sequential charging, submerging, discharging, and uplifting cycles.
• Combined buoyancy and gravity effects generate torque, directly coupled to a horizontal-axis synchronous generator without intermediate gearboxes.
• A robotic docking and gravity-driven discharge mechanism allows controlled emptying of modules at the lowest point.
• Module count and volume are adjustable to maintain torque at different reservoir head levels.
• The system may be deployed as a stand-alone power unit in a reservoir or river, or as a retrofit module integrated with existing hydro penstocks/turbines. In retrofit applications, discharged water is redirected to the turbine inlet or reservoir, ensuring zero net water consumption.
• Advanced PLC/SCADA controls optimize timing, torque balance, and safety.

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 – System Layout (Stand-Alone & Retrofit Configuration):
A figure 1A and figure 1B, showing all the components- pulleys, buoyant modules, synchronous generator connection, and water reservoir/penstock arrangement.
Figure 2 – Operational Cycle of a Module:
A diagram showing closed-loop path includes four cycles: charging, submerging, discharging (via robotic discharge station), and uplifting.
Figure 3 – Shaft, Pulley, and Bearing Support Assembly
This figure illustrates a waterproof bearing support assembly mounted on the dam wall. The assembly comprises a sealed bearing cartridge with multi-stage sealing, enclosed within a corrosion-resistant housing, designed to rotatably support the pulley shaft under submerged conditions.
• Figure 3A shows the complete assembly connecting the pulley shaft to the generator shaft.
• Figure 3B shows the wall-mounted configuration where the bearing assembly supports the pulley shaft directly against the dam wall.
Figure 4 – Robotic Discharge Station (RDS)
This figure illustrates the robotic discharge mechanism designed to control the emptying of buoyant modules. The system includes two identical robotic discharge modules, mounted at equal height but positioned opposite to each other.
• Figure 4A (Top View): Depicts the placement of robotic modules along their circular bidirectional working path. One robotic module covers approximately 260° of travel, while the second module operates over a shorter arc of about 100°, ensuring synchronized docking and release.
• Figure 4B (Side View): Shows the inclined path of buoyant modules between points C › D. The robotic discharge module (18’) is shown in docking position, connected to the outlet port of a filled buoyant module at point C. Simultaneously, the second discharge module (18) is shown in release mode, disconnecting from the emptied buoyant module at point D.
Figure 5 – 3D Cross-Sectional View of Buoyant Module
This figure provides a detailed 3D sectional view of the buoyant module mounted within the Dual-Cable Modular Support Track (DCMST). The module is supported by ladder-type horizontal cross-members positioned at fixed intervals (d + x), allowing 360° rotation of the buoyant module about its central axis. This balanced support ensures stable horizontal orientation during all operational cycles.
List of Labels
1. (1) Generator Main Shaft – Main rotating shaft connected to generator and pully with bearing.
2. (2) Buoyant Module – Hollow detachable container for water/air exchange.
3. (3) Pulley System – Guiding pulleys forming the closed-loop path.
4. (4) Dual-Cable Modular Support Track (DCMST)-
5. (5) Air Outlet Valve – For venting air during charging.
6. (6) Water Inlet Port – For filling modules with water.
7. (7) Module Orientation System – Ability to rotate 360 degrees, ensures horizontal orientation of module.
8. (8) Robotic Discharge Station – Automated docking/discharge interface includes two identical modules (8 & 8’).
9. (9) Flexible Drain Pipe – Directs discharged water to reservoir/penstock.
10. (10) Water Head- Dam highest water level/full tank level
11. (11) Generator – Horizontal-axis synchronous generator.
12. (12) Dam Wall- Concrete vertical wall structure
13. (13) Wall Mounted Shaft- Solid shaft with bearing and pully
14. (14) Water Reservoir Drain/ Penstock – Source and return point for water.
15. (15) Bearing – Water proof, mud proof and corrosion proof assembly.
16. (16, 16’) Robotic Arm – provide an inclined circular movement controlled by motor
17. (17, 17’) Electromagnetic Gripper– used to pick and reset the discharge socket position
18. (18) Helical /Screw Coupling – allowed the robotic arm to take inclined rotational motion
19. (19) Male Input Socket – Connect to module water outlet port
20. (20) Male Output Socket – Connect to the flexible drain pipe
21. (21) Discharge Socket- used to connect the male input socket to module outlet port
22. (P1) 260⁰ Bidirectional inclined path - Followed by the robotic arm 16.
23. (P1) 100⁰-degree Bidirectional inclined path- Followed by the robotic arm 16’.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
1. System Configuration
The system consists of:
• A main drive shaft (1) connected to pulleys (3).
• A plurality of buoyant modules (2) attached via cable, chains or belts (4), circulating in a continuous loop.
• A robotic discharge station (8) at the lowest point for automated water release and immediate reset.
• A drain pipe (9) channelling discharged water to a reservoir or turbine inlet (14).
• A bearing based self-locking system (7) or PLC-controlled electromechanical orientation system maintaining horizontal alignment of modules.
• A synchronous generator (11) directly coupled to the shaft (1) for electricity generation.
2. Operational Cycle of Each Module
The system operates through four distinct cycles:
(i) Charging Cycle:
• At the water surface (A › B), modules intake water through an inlet port (6), with simultaneous venting of air via outlet valve (5).
• Modules become negatively buoyant, enabling controlled submersion.
• Slightly inclined horizontal movement ensures efficient charging.
(ii) Submerging Cycle:
• Water-filled modules descend vertically (B › C), generating gravitational torque.
• Torque depends on module self-weight, water weight, and pulley lever arm.
• Submergence time is adjustable by path length, pulley size, and friction control.
(iii) Discharging Cycle:
• At the bottom point (C), modules dock with the robotic discharge station (8 or 8’).
• From (C › D), gravity-driven discharge empties water through flexible pipe (9).
• An inclined path assists fast, smooth drainage.
• PLC-controlled valves regulate discharge timing, preventing backflow.
• Cycle time engineered for full discharge (e.g., 120s).
(iv) Uplifting Cycle:
• Once emptied, modules regain positive buoyancy and rise automatically (D › A).
• This upward movement supplements torque contribution from descending modules.
• Multi-module phasing ensures smooth continuous torque.
3. Module Orientation & Robotic Discharge System-
Module Orientation System-
An electromechanical (active) system or bearing-based self-locking (360° rotating passive module) system ensures each buoyant module remains horizontally aligned during movement. This prevents tilting or misalignment, thereby enabling smooth torque transfer and reliable docking with the discharge system.
Robotic Discharge System-
At the lowest point (C › D), the modules interface with a fixed robotic discharge module (8, 8′). The system consists of:
• Robotic arms (17, 17′) that rotate along pre-defined arcs, engaging and disengaging with the outlet ports of the modules.
• A screw-type vertical shaft coupling, which produces helical up-down displacement as the arms move from point (C) to point (D) and vice-versa, ensuring accurate height alignment with the module outlets.
• Electromagnetic attachment/detachment mechanism, allowing the arms to connect securely to the module outlet during discharge and release automatically once the module is emptied.
• A flexible drain pipe (9) that channels the discharged water into the reservoir or turbine inlet (14).
This configuration ensures controlled, jam-free, and synchronized water discharge. The arms operate alternately: while one attaches at point (C) for discharge, the other completes detachment at point (D). This results in uninterrupted cyclic operation.
4. Flexibility & Scalability
Number of Active Modules:
• The system can vary the number of buoyant modules active at a time to maintain generator torque under changing water head levels.
• For example, at 50 m head, fewer modules may suffice, whereas at 10–20 m head, additional modules can be attached.
Module Volume Adjustment:
• Existing modules can be replaced with larger-volume detachable modules to generate higher torque without increasing the total number of modules.
• Volume increase directly scales buoyant force, allowing fewer modules for low-head scenarios.
Hybrid Approach:
• Both module count and volume can be adjusted dynamically through detachable configurations to maintain continuous required torque.
• This provides operational flexibility, ensures smooth power generation, and prevents under-torque conditions at low water levels.
5. Stand-Alone and Retrofit Capability
• Stand-Alone Mode: Installed independently in reservoirs, rivers, or dams, generating electricity from buoyancy and gravity cycles.
• Retrofit Mode: Integrated with existing penstocks/turbines. Discharged water is redirected to the turbine inlet, augmenting power generation without altering natural flow.
• Zero Net Water Consumption: Since all discharged water is returned, the system generates additional electricity without extra water use.
6. Safety & Reliability
• Emergency stop and manual bypass in case of valve/pulley failure.
• Fail-safe robotic discharge prevents jamming or overflow.
• Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance enabled by PLC/SCADA integration.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION
The invention relates to a cyclic buoyancy-based torque generation system comprising a plurality of buoyant modules arranged on a closed-loop pulley path, undergoing sequential charging, submerging, discharging, and uplifting cycles; wherein gravitational and buoyant forces jointly generate torque directly transmitted to a horizontal-axis generator shaft; wherein a robotic discharge station enables controlled emptying of modules; wherein module number and/or volume are adjustable to maintain torque across varying water heads; and wherein the system is deployable as a stand-alone unit or retrofit module, with discharged water recycled to the reservoir or turbine for zero net water consumption.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION
1. Generates continuous torque using combined buoyancy and gravity forces.
2. Direct generator coupling eliminates gear losses, improving efficiency.
3. Flexible configuration (module count/volume) adapts to varying head levels.
4. Zero net water consumption enables environmentally sustainable operation.
5. Retrofit compatibility enhances capacity of existing hydropower plants without altering natural water flow.
6. Fail-safe discharge and PLC/SCADA integration ensure reliability and easy control.
7. Low hydraulic losses and low maintenance improve cost-effectiveness.
, Claims:1. A stand-alone or retrofit cyclic buoyancy-based torque generation system comprising a plurality of buoyant modules arranged on a closed-loop pulley system, generating torque through sequential charging, submerging, discharging, and uplifting cycles.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein torque is directly coupled to a horizontal-axis synchronous generator without intermediate gearboxes.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein a robotic discharge station at the lowest point enables automated gravity-driven emptying of water from modules into a penstock or reservoir.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein discharge is regulated by PLC-controlled valves and flexible pipes, ensuring complete emptying within predetermined cycle time.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein an electromechanical or bearing based self-locking orientation system maintains horizontal alignment of modules throughout operation.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the buoyant modules are configured as detachable units, enabling torque improvement by either:
a) attaching additional buoyant modules to the closed-loop path, or
b) replacing existing modules with larger-volume modules,
such that the system maintains required torque output under varying water head conditions without altering the fixed structural arrangement.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein larger volume modules replace smaller ones to generate higher torque without increasing module count.
8. The system of claim 1, operable in both stand-alone mode for direct electricity generation from reservoirs, rivers, or dams, and in retrofit mode wherein discharged water from buoyant modules is directed to turbine inlets of existing hydropower plants, thereby producing additional power without altering natural water flow.
9. Claim (Independent): A robotic discharge system for buoyancy-driven hydropower generation, comprising:
• a pair of robotic discharge modules (18, 18′) positioned adjacent to a bottom pulley section (16, 16′),
• wherein the first robotic discharge module (18) is configured to travel along a discharge path of approximately 260° and the second robotic discharge module (18′) is configured to travel along a bidirectional path of approximately 100°,
• each robotic discharge module including an electromagnetic robotic arm (17, 17′) operable to attach to and detach from the outlet port of a buoyant module,
• the system being configured such that, during operation, one robotic discharge module engages with the outlet port of a filled buoyant module at point (C), while the other disengages from an emptied buoyant module at point (D),
• thereby enabling automated, synchronized, and cyclic discharge of buoyant modules without halting the motion of the dual-cable modular support track.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein discharged water is recycled to the reservoir or turbine inlet, ensuring zero net water consumption.