The present disclosure relates to harnessing of renewable energy. More
particularly, the present disclosure provides a system to harness hydro energy.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding
the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior
art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or
implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Energy, in one form or other, serves as a means to fulfill basic needs of every
individual living on earth. Presently, most of the energy generated by conventional means in
form of electricity gets utilized in urban areas, whereas, rural households, farmers and other
villagers living in remote areas remain deprived. There are still many villages the world, and
especially in India, where regular electricity supply is still a dream. People in such villages are
still struggling to get enough electricity to fulfil their basic need such as irrigation and lightning
of their small huts.
[0004] Migration from villages, ever decreasing rural population, farmer's suicides and
all other problems are directly or indirectly linked to the unavailability of an alternative to fulfil
their individual demand of energy. People from almost all hilly villages are now under concern
as most of the villagers from hilly regions are migrating in search of better living conditions and
livelihood. The major problems faced by farmers are mainly remain concentrated to irrigation for
farming and electricity to illuminate their houses. Irrigation is basic need of every farmer as due
to global warming, the annual monsoon pattern is getting disturbed day by day which force the
farmers to prefer alternative measures such as lift irrigation, use of tube wells/wells, etc.
Irrigation using canals have some limitations especially when water level in canals remain below
the level of land due for irrigation due to which farmers are forced to use diesel pump sets and
electric motors to lift water from the nearby canal/river which ultimately add up the production
cost. Another bigger issue remains related to insuring light connection and uninterrupted power
supply to villager's homes so that they can sleep peacefully and their children can study in nights.
3
[0005] Hydrokinetic energy refers to the energy generated from the moving water of the
currents in oceans, tidal, rivers and artificial water channels and can be utilized as an alternative,
by villagers, to produce electricity. Several technologies have been developed to extract this
energy, such as horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbines, floating turbines, submerged turbines, etc.
However, these have less reliability and low power density. The performance of the hydro
turbines depends on the rotor, shaft, gear box, and the generator characteristics. The blade or the
rotor, which converts kinetic energy of the wind or water current into mechanical energy, is the
most important component of a turbine system. This consists of the hub and several blades. The
turbine blades are conventionally bolted to the hub. The design of the rotor is considered to be
a primary challenge from both hydrodynamic and economic standpoint.
[0006] Conventional hydro turbines, when half submerged in water, experience buoyant
force exerted by water, which may result in reduction of efficiency of the said turbines. Such
turbines may also face turbulence due to flowing water, which can lead to instability in the
turbine, and, further, lead to mechanical failure.
[0007] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide a cost-effective and reliable system
to overcome the above mentioned problems, and provide a means for generating energy from
non-conventional sources.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment
herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for harnessing hydro
energy.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system to convert the
harnessed hydro energy to mechanical energy.
[0011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system to convert the
harnessed hydro energy to electrical energy.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system to reduce
turbulence in fluid body.
[0013] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system to reduce the
effect of buoyant force that is exerted by a fluid.
4
[0014] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system that is efficient,
reliable, and cost-effective.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present disclosure relates to harnessing of renewable energy. More
particularly, the present disclosure provides a system to harness hydro energy.
[0016] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system to harness hydro energy,
the system comprising: a floating assembly comprising one or more floating elements adapted to
float on a fluid; a turbine configured with the floating assembly such that the turbine may be at
least partially submerged in the fluid, the turbine comprising: a cylindrical member; and a
plurality of blades comprising a perforated structure being configured at a first end of each of the
plurality of blades, wherein a second end of each of the plurality of blades may be coupled to the
cylindrical member and positioned along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member; wherein
the plurality of blades of the turbine may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of
the cylindrical member by any or a combination of kinetic energy and potential energy of the
fluid to generate mechanical energy; and wherein the perforated structure may facilitate
reduction in buoyant force exerted by the fluid during the rotation of the plurality of blades.
[0017] In an aspect, the plurality of blades may be having a curved profile such that the
first end of the plurality of blades makes a first pre-defined angle with the second end of the
plurality of blades.
[0018] In an aspect, the system comprises a rope pump assembly comprising one or more
rope pumps operatively coupled to the turbine and configured to receive, from the turbine, at
least a part of the generated mechanical energy to enable movement of the fluid from a first
position to a second position, and wherein the second position may be at a predefined height
above the first position.
[0019] In an aspect, the one or more rope pumps comprise at least one cup coupled to a
rope and configured inside at least one pipe, and wherein the one or more rope pumps may be
movably coupled to each other through one or more pulley such that at least one of the one or
more pulley may be rotatably coupled to the turbine.
[0020] In an aspect, each of the at least one pipe comprises an inlet configured to
facilitate flow of the fluid inside the at least one pipe from all directions.
5
[0021] In an aspect, the system may comprise a generator operatively coupled to the
turbine and configured to convert the mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy.
[0022] In an aspect, the generator may be configured inside the cylindrical member of the
turbine.
[0023] In an aspect, the one or more floating elements of the floating assembly may be
configured to form a bell shaped structure at two opposite ends of the floating assembly such that
one of the two opposite ends of the floating assembly facilitates inflow of the fluid towards the
turbine and the other end facilitates outflow of the fluid, and wherein the bell shaped structure
facilitates reduction in turbulence of the fluid to provide stream line flow of the fluid through the
turbine.
[0024] In an aspect, the turbine may be configured inside the floating assembly such that
the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member of the turbine is perpendicular to a direction of
inflow of the fluid.
[0025] In an aspect, the system may comprise an anchoring assembly coupled to the
floating assembly, the anchoring assembly may be configured to hold and position the floating
assembly at a predefined position on a surface of the fluid.
[0026] In an aspect, the system may comprise a protective casing to provide protection to
the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of
the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The
drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0028] The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present
disclosure, and wherein:
[0029] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary structural diagrams of the proposed system
to illustrate its overall working in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrate exemplary structure of turbine, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
6
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted
in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate
the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated
variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as
defined by the appended claims.
[0032] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a
claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art
have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0033] In some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written
description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired
properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the
numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and
parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are
approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely
as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective
testing measurements.
[0034] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0035] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a
shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as
if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any
suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to
certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
7
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice
of the invention.
[0036] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed
herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed
individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found
herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons
of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the
specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0037] The present disclosure relates to harnessing of renewable energy. More
particularly, the present disclosure provides a system to harness hydro energy.
[0038] According to an aspect the present disclosure pertains to a system to harness
hydro energy, the system can be including: a floating assembly that can be including one or more
floating elements adapted to float on a fluid; a turbine configured with the floating assembly
such that the turbine can be at least partially submerged in the fluid, the turbine can be including:
a cylindrical member; and a plurality of blades, which can be including a perforated structure
being configured at a first end of each of the plurality of blades, wherein a second end of each of
the plurality of blades can be coupled to the cylindrical member and positioned along a
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member; wherein the plurality of blades of the turbine can be
configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member by any or a
combination of kinetic energy and potential energy of the fluid to generate mechanical energy;
and wherein the perforated structure can facilitate reduction in buoyant force exerted by the fluid
during the rotation of the plurality of blades.
[0039] In an embodiment, the plurality of blades can be having a curved profile such that
the first end of the plurality of blades makes a first pre-defined angle with the second end of the
plurality of blades.
[0040] In an embodiment, the system can include a rope pump assembly that can be
including one or more rope pumps operatively coupled to the turbine and configured to receive,
from the turbine, at least a part of the generated mechanical energy to enable movement of the
8
fluid from a first position to a second position, and wherein the second position can be at a
predefined height above the first position.
[0041] In an embodiment, the one or more rope pumps can include at least one cup
coupled to a rope and configured inside at least one pipe, and wherein the one or more rope
pumps can be movably coupled to each other through one or more pulley such that at least one of
the one or more pulley can be rotatably coupled to the turbine.
[0042] In an embodiment, each of the at least one pipe can include an inlet configured to
facilitate flow of the fluid inside the at least one pipe from all directions.
[0043] In an embodiment, the system can include a generator operatively coupled to the
turbine and configured to convert the mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy.
[0044] In an embodiment, the generator can be configured inside the cylindrical member
of the turbine.
[0045] In an embodiment, the one or more floating elements of the floating assembly can
be configured to form a bell shaped structure at two opposite ends of the floating assembly such
that one of the two opposite ends of the floating assembly facilitates inflow of the fluid towards
the turbine and the other end facilitates outflow of the fluid, and wherein the bell shaped
structure can facilitate reduction in turbulence of the fluid to provide stream line flow of the fluid
through the turbine.
[0046] In an embodiment, the turbine can be configured inside the floating assembly
such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member of the turbine is perpendicular to a
direction of inflow of the fluid.
[0047] In an embodiment, the system can include an anchoring assembly coupled to the
floating assembly, the anchoring assembly can be configured to hold and position the floating
assembly at a predefined position on a surface of the fluid.
[0048] In an embodiment, the system can include a protective casing to provide
protection to the system.
[0049] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary structural diagrams of the proposed system
to illustrate its overall working in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] In an embodiment, FIG. 1A illustrates the 3-dimensional (3D) structure of the
proposed system 100, and, FIG. 1B illustrates the 2-dimensional (2D) structure of the proposed
9
system 100. As illustrated, in an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include a floating
assembly 110 and a turbine 120.
[0051] In an embodiment, the floating assembly 110 can include one or more floating
elements 112-1, 112-2… 112-N (also collectively referred to as floating elements 112, and
individually referred to as floating element 112) adapted to float on a fluid. The floating elements
112 can be configured, at the floating assembly 110, to form a bell shaped structure at two
opposite ends of the floating assembly 110, whereby one of the two opposite ends of the floating
assembly 110 can facilitate inflow of the fluid towards the turbine 120 and the other end can
facilitate outflow of the fluid, hence, can aid in reduction of turbulence and facilitate streamlined and laminar flow of the fluid. In an illustrative embodiment, the floating elements 112 can
be coupled to each other using coupling elements 114, such as, but not limited to, metallic or
non-metallic bar, rod, nails, screws, and hinges.
[0052] In an embodiment, the floating assembly 110 can enhance velocity of the fluid, in
order to enhance power extraction capability of the proposed system 100.
[0053] In an embodiment, the turbine 120 can include a cylindrical member, and a
plurality of blades (also, collectively referred to as blades, and individually referred to as blade)
coupled to the cylindrical member, where the cylindrical member is also referred to as hub, or
rotor. In an illustrative embodiment, the blades can be positioned, equally spaced, around the
cylindrical member, and along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member. Performance of the
turbine 120 can be highly dependent on turbine parameters, which can include any or a
combination of number of the blades, tip speed ratio, type of air foil, power coefficient, and pitch
associated with the blades, chord length, and twist and distribution along the blade span.
[0054] In an embodiment, the blades of the turbine 120 can include a perforated
structure, which can be configured at each of the blade, where the perforated can facilitate in
reduction of buoyant force, which can be exerted by the fluid during rotation of the blades.
[0055] In an embodiment, the blades can have a curved profile. In an illustrative
embodiment, the blades can be coupled to the cylindrical member such that each of the blades is
tilted at a pre-defined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member.
[0056] In an embodiment, when a first end of the blade gets submerged in the fluid, the
perforated structure can easily let the fluid in from the backside of the curved surface of the
blade. Once, the blade is completely submerged in the fluid, flaps attached at a second end of the
10
blade can block the way of the fluid due to which the turbine 120 can trap the kinetic energy of
the fluid. Such a mechanism can enhance potential of the turbine 120, and can produce high
torque even in low velocity sites.
[0057] In an embodiment, the blades of the turbine 120 can be configured to rotate, due
to any or a combination of kinetic energy and potential energy of the fluid, about the longitudinal
axis of the cylindrical member, and the rotation of the blades can result in generation of
mechanical energy.
[0058] In an illustrative embodiment, the turbine 120 can be configured inside the
floating assembly 110 such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member of the turbine
120 is perpendicular to a direction of inflow of the fluid. In an embodiment, the fluid can enter
the blades of the turbine 120 radially, and can come out of the turbine 120 axially, or vice versa.
[0059] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include a rope pump assembly.
The rope pump assembly can include one or more rope pumps, which can be operatively coupled
to the turbine 120. The rope pump assembly can be configured to receive at least a part of the
generated mechanical energy from the turbine 120, which can enable movement of the fluid from
a first position to a second position. In an illustrative embodiment, the second position can be at
a predefined height above the first position.
[0060] In an embodiment, the one or more rope pumps can include at least one cup (not
shown) and a rope (not shown), such that the at least one cup is coupled to the rope. In an
illustrative embodiment, the at least one cup can be a suction cup.
[0061] In an embodiment, the at least one cup and the rope can be configured inside one
or more pipes 130-1, 130-2, 130-3… 130-N (also, referred to as at least one pipe 130, or pipe
130 herein), where each of the pipe 130 can include an inlet 132 and an outlet 134. The inlet 132
of the at least one pipe 130 can be configured to facilitate flow of the fluid inside the pipe 130
from all directions. The fluid can be moved from the first position to the second position through
the one or more rope pumps. In an illustrative embodiment, the outlet 134 of the pipe 130 can be
configured at the second position, whereby the fluid can be extracted from the outlet 134. In
another illustrative embodiment, the outlet 134 can be coupled to a holding element 150, hence,
the extracted fluid can be stored in the holding element 150, which can be utilized further as per
requirement.
11
[0062] In an illustrative embodiment, the at least one cup can be of round shape, and can
be made up of foam type material. The at least one cup can be having a pre-determined size, such
that the at least one cup can easily move along inner diameter of the pipe 130. The pipe 130 can
be made of PVC, CPVC, Wood, Bamboo, or any kind of metal or non-metal material with
smooth inner surface to allow easy passage of at least one cup, which is fitted tightly to the
endless rope.
[0063] It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the one or more rope
pumps can be including, any or a combination of the elements such as, but not limited to, a
metallic wire, a cable, a cord, and a metallic or non-metallic string, in place of the rope, without
deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0064] In an implementation, the one or more rope pumps can be movably coupled to
each other through one or more pulley 136-1, 136-2, and 136-N(also, referred to as pulley 136,
herein), where at least one of the pulley 136 can be rotatably coupled to the turbine 120, such
that, when the blades of the turbine 120 are rotated due to a force exerted by the fluid, the
rotation of the blades can provide a torque for facilitating movement of the at least one of the
pulley 136, which can, further, facilitate movement of the at least one cup, hence, enabling
movement of the fluid from the first position to the second position. In an embodiment, the
holding element 150 can also be adapted to hold at least one of the pulley 136.
[0065] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include one or more supporting
elements 138-1, 138-2… 138-N (also, referred to as supporting elements 138, herein). The
supporting elements 138 can provide support, and to aid in standing straight, to any or a
combination of the pipe 130, the pulley 136, and the holding element 150. The supporting
elements 138 can also maintain balance over the floating assembly 110. The supporting elements
138 can be made up of any material and can be of any dimension according to the need.
[0066] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include a generator, where the
generator can be operatively coupled to the turbine 120, and can be configured to convert the
mechanical energy of the turbine 120 into electrical energy. In an illustrative embodiment, the
generator can be configured inside the cylindrical member of the turbine 120.
[0067] In an illustrative embodiment, the rope, attached to the at least one suction cup,
can be wrapped around eight deep grooved drive pulley 136. All the eight pulley 136 can operate
in synchronization with the turbine 120, hence, providing a constant positive tension to the rope
12
attached to the drive pulley 136. Such configuration enables the drive pulley 136 to continuously
eliminate any slack in the rope, and enhance the water pumping efficiency of the one or more
rope pumps. In an embodiment, the drive pulley 136 based power transmission arrangement to
transmit power from the turbine 120 to the one or more rope pumps can be connected to a single
power drive shaft that can be externally mounted to facilitate easy maintenance and repair, when
required.
[0068] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include an anchoring assembly
140. In an illustrative embodiment, the anchoring assembly 140 can be coupled to the floating
assembly 110, such that the anchoring assembly 140 can be configured to hold and position the
floating assembly 110 at a predefined position on a surface of the fluid. In an illustrative
embodiment, the anchoring assembly 140 can have hook like structure for anchoring purposes to
make lift, drag, assemble and dissemble and transport of the proposed system 100 easy.
[0069] In an illustrative embodiment, the anchoring assembly 140 can include four or
more poles, installed in the bed of water body or the banks of water body. The anchoring
assembly 140 can include ropes, and with ropes, the proposed system 100 can get anchored and
float on the surface of the water body. The anchoring assembly 140 can hold the the proposed
system 100 against the water velocity direction, and also to make the proposed system 100
steady, so that the the proposed system 100 can remain stable against the velocity and the turbine
120 can remain half submerged inside the running water. The anchoring assembly 140 can also
facilitate easy evacuation and easy installation of the proposed system 100 inside the water body.
[0070] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include a protective casing,
which can provide protection to the proposed system 100.
[0071] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can be utilized to lift water, up to a
height of several meters, from the water body, such as, rivers and canals, where the proposed
system 100 can use kinetic energy derived from velocity of running water to rotate pulley 136,
and hence, lift the water. In another embodiment, the proposed system 100 can utilize the derived
energy to generate electricity.
[0072] In an implementation, the proposed system 100 can be configured at the water
body such that the turbine 120 can be at least partially submerged in the flowing water at the
water body. The flowing water can impose certain amount of force on the blades of the turbine
120, where the amount of force imposed can be directly proportional to the velocity of the
13
flowing water. The force imposed, by the flowing water, can provide torque and, hence, can
facilitate rotation of the blades of the turbine 120. So, the hydrokinetic energy of the flowing
water can be converted into mechanical energy by the turbine 120.
[0073] In an embodiment, it can be clearly understood, the proposed system 100 can
work and perform the above functions, with equal efficiency, using potential energy of water, in
case, the proposed system 100 is configured at the site of a dam, a waterfall, etc.
[0074] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can be easily self-started with less
torque fluctuation, can have high efficiency and can operate at high speeds. In an embodiment,
running and maintenance cost for the proposed system 100 can be almost negligible, and
maintenance can be rarely required as the proposed system 100 includes minimum running parts.
[0075] FIG. 2 illustrate exemplary structure of turbine, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0076] In an embodiment, the proposed system 100 can include a turbine 120. The
turbine 120 can include a cylindrical member 222, and a plurality of blades 224-1, 224-2, 224-
3… 224-N (also, collectively referred to as blades 224, and individually referred to as blade 224)
coupled to the cylindrical member 222, where the cylindrical member 222 is also referred to as
hub, or rotor. In an illustrative embodiment, the blades 224 can be positioned, equally spaced,
around the cylindrical member 222, and along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 222.
Performance of the turbine 120 can be highly dependent on turbine parameters, which can
include any or a combination of number of the blades 224, tip speed ratio, type of air foil, power
coefficient, and pitch associated with the blades 224, chord length, and twist and distribution
along the blade span.
[0077] In an embodiment, the blades 224 of the turbine 120 can include a perforated
structure, which can be configured at a first end 226 of each of the blades 224, and the blades
224 can be coupled to the cylindrical member 222 through a second end 228 of each of the
blades 224. The perforated structure at the first end 226 of each blade 224 can facilitate reduction
of buoyant force, which can be exerted by the fluid during rotation of the blades 224.
[0078] In an embodiment, the blades 224 can have a curved profile. In an illustrative
embodiment, the first end 226 of each of the blades 224 can make a first pre-defined angle with
the second end 228 of the said blade 224. In another illustrative embodiment, the blades 224 can
14
be coupled to the cylindrical member 222 such that each of the blades 224 is tilted at a second
pre-defined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 222.
[0079] In an embodiment, when the first end 226 of the blade 224 gets submerged in the
fluid, the perforated structure can easily let the fluid in from the backside of the curved surface of
the blade 224. Once, the blade 224 is completely submerged in the fluid, flaps attached at the
second end 228 of the blade 224 can block the way of the fluid due to which the turbine 120 can
trap the kinetic energy of the fluid. Such a mechanism can enhance potential of the turbine 120,
and can produce high torque even in low velocity sites.
[0080] In an embodiment, the blades 224 of the turbine 120 can be configured to rotate,
due to any or a combination of kinetic energy and potential energy of the fluid, about the
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 222, and the rotation of the blades 224 can result in
generation of mechanical energy. In an embodiment, the fluid can enter the blades 224 of the
turbine 120 radially, and can come out of the turbine 120 axially, or vice versa. Each of the
blades 224 of the turbine can be curved to form a thin air foil like cross section, such that when
the fluid flows at the blade 224 a low pressure can be produced at one side of the blade 224 and a
high pressure can be produced at other side of the blade 224, which, further, produces a lift.
[0081] In an embodiment, each of the blade 224 can be curved in such a way that the
blade 224 can make an angle that can take advantage of the ideal lift-to-drag force ratio. Lift can
be defined as the force that acts at a right angle to the direction of motion of the fluid, and can be
created by differences in pressure. While, drag can be defined as the force that acts opposite to
the direction of motion of the fluid, and can be caused by friction and differences in pressure.
[0082] In an illustrative embodiment, the turbine 120 can include 6 specially designed,
curved blades 224 that can interact with running fluid (also, referred to as water, herein), and
create obstruction to the flow of water in order to trap hydrokinetic energy. In another illustrative
embodiment, curve angle of each of the blades 224 can be 55 degree. The blades 224 can be
directly fixed at outer surface of the cylindrical member 222 in precise distance i.e. in between
each blade 224, the gap is constant with an exact angle that can be 60 degree. The blades 224 can
be fixed at the cylindrical member 222 through various fixing mechanisms, such as, but not
limited to, welding, bolting, slot based or any other suitable mechanism which facilitates each
blade 224 to function properly, and in case of any damage, enables replacement of the damaged
blade, without changing the whole turbine 120.
15
[0083] In an embodiment, the cylindrical member 222 can be directly mounted on a
turbine axis rod 210, which remain situated at the exact centre of a combination of the cylindrical
member 222 and the blades 224, and can facilitate each blade 224 to rotate freely along with the
cylindrical member 222. The combination of the cylindrical member 222 and the blades 224 can
rotate with the turbine axis rod 210, and can transfer mechanical torque to one or more rope
pumps and other mechanically driven units. The turbine 120 can be made up of any or a
combination of metal alloy, metal, fibre, plastic and any other possible material which is light
weighted, long lasting and rust proof.
[0084] In an embodiment, parameters of the blades 224, such as, but not limited to, size,
dimensions, weight, material, and rotation per minute (RPM) of the blades 224 can variate
according to conditions of an installation site, where the proposed system 100 is to be
configured.
[0085] In an illustrative embodiment, the turbine 120 can be configured inside the
floating assembly 110 such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member 222 of the
turbine 120 is perpendicular to a direction of inflow of the fluid.
[0086] In an embodiment, a generator can be configured inside the cylindrical member
222 of the turbine 120. In an illustrative embodiment, the cylindrical member 222 of the turbine
120 can be configured to house a permanent magnet generator in its hollow part. Installation of
the generator inside the cylindrical member can minimise losses associated with power
transmission to 99.9%, facilitate the generator to work in cool environment, eliminate any need
of a gear box.
[0087] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is
intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other
contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located
between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used
synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are
also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two
or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or
more intermediary device.
[0088] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts
16
herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms
should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular,
the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,
components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components,
or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of
something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted
as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0089] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and
further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not
limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a
person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with
information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0090] The present disclosure provides a system to convert the harnessed hydro energy to
mechanical energy.
[0091] The present disclosure provides a system to convert the harnessed hydro energy to
electrical energy.
[0092] The present disclosure provides a system to reduce turbulence in fluid body.
[0093] The present disclosure provides a system to reduce the effect of buoyant force that
is exerted by a fluid.
[0094] The present disclosure provides an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective system.

We Claim:
1. A system to harness hydro energy, the system comprising:
a floating assembly comprising one or more floating elements adapted to float on
a fluid;
a turbine configured with the floating assembly such that the turbine is at least
partially submerged in the fluid, the turbine comprising:
a cylindrical member; and
a plurality of blades comprising a perforated structure being configured at
a first end of each of the plurality of blades, wherein a second end of each of the
plurality of blades are coupled to the cylindrical member and positioned along a
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member;
wherein the plurality of blades of the turbine are configured to rotate about the
longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member by any or a combination of kinetic energy and
potential energy of the fluid to generate mechanical energy; and
wherein the perforated structure facilitates reduction in buoyant force exerted by
the fluid during the rotation of the plurality of blades.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades are having a curved
profile such that the first end of the plurality of blades makes a first pre-defined angle
with the second end of the plurality of blades.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a rope pump assembly
comprising one or more rope pumps operatively coupled to the turbine and configured to
receive, from the turbine, at least a part of the generated mechanical energy to enable
movement of the fluid from a first position to a second position, and wherein the second
position is at a predefined height above the first position.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more rope pumps comprise at least
one cup coupled to a rope and configured inside at least one pipe, and wherein the one or
more rope pumps are movably coupled to each other through one or more pulley such
that at least one of the one or more pulley are rotatably coupled to the turbine.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the at least one pipe comprises an inlet
configured to facilitate flow of the fluid inside the at least one pipe from all directions.
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6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises a generator operatively
coupled to the turbine and configured to convert the mechanical energy of the turbine into
electrical energy.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the generator is configured inside the
cylindrical member.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more floating elements of the
floating assembly are configured to form a bell shaped structure at two opposite ends of
the floating assembly such that one of the two opposite ends of the floating assembly
facilitates inflow of the fluid towards the turbine and the other end facilitates outflow of
the fluid, and wherein the bell shaped structure facilitates reduction in turbulence of the
fluid to provide stream line flow of the fluid through the turbine.
9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turbine is configured inside the floating
assembly such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member of the turbine is
perpendicular to a direction of inflow of the fluid.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises an anchoring assembly
coupled to the floating assembly, the anchoring assembly is configured to hold and
position the floating assembly at a predefined position on a surface of the fluid.