Title of Invention

A STRUCTURE OPERABLE TO PUMP FLUID IN RESPONSE TO UNDERWATER FLUID FLOW AND AN APPARATUS COMPRISING THE STRUCTURE

Abstract The present invention relates to a structure operable to pump fluid in response to underwater fluid flow, comprising at least one fluid directing formation formed to define a channel having a flow accelerating constriction shaped such that fluid in the channel is caused to accelerate as it flows through the flow accelerating constriction of the channel; and a conduit extending into said flow accelerating constriction and disposed to provide fluid communication between a portion of the channel having an accelerated fluid flow and a point exterior to the channel. The invention relates to an apparatus comprising the structure.
Full Text The present invention relates to a structure operable to pump fluid in response to underwater fluid flow and an apparatus comprising the structure. These devices are for extracting power from a fluid flow, such as a tidal stream, and structures for pumping fluids in response to such a flow.
With increasing public awareness of environmental pollution and in particular, global warming there is a growing interest in renewable energy sources. A 1994 survey of the energy available in sea or river currents and tidal streams around the UK by the Department of Trade and Industry"s renewable energy unit at Harwell [see publication reference 1], found that considerable fraction of the UK"s energy needs could be met if this energy could be harnessed.
The energy in the currents is kinetic rather than potential, which means that it has to be extracted in a different way from that employed in a conventional hydroelectric scheme. Typically, in a tidal stream installation, a turbine might be placed underwater in the tidal stream to extract the energy - an underwater equivalent of a wind power generator. For example, in a development funded by the EC [2] , it is planned to set up submarine propeller driven turbines in selected locations where the current flows rapidly.
A disadvantage of these conventional underwater systems is that in order to access the energy of the fluid flow the moving parts are placed underwater in a hostile environment making them prone to damage and inconvenient and costly to access and repair. Furthermore, if the water is slowed too much (i.e. too big a fraction of the kinetic energy is extracted), then the head needed to drive it will be increased. To minimize the required head, thereby obviating the need for a barrage, any turbine placed in the stream will have to have its blades highly feathered, making it uneconomic.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for extracting power from a fluid flow, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: at least one fluid directing formation formed to define a channel having a flow accelerating constriction shaped such that fluid in the channel is caused to accelerate as it flows through the flow accelerating constriction of the channel;
a fluid drivable engine disposed at a position exterior to the channel;
a conduit disposed to provide fluid communication between the fluid drivable engine and a portion of the channel having an accelerated fluid flow, an open end of said conduit extending into said flow accelerating constriction the fluid drivable engine being arranged such that fluid flow along the conduit acts to drive the fluid drivable engine.

The apparatus of the present invention alleviates the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a way of using the underwater fluid flow to pump fluid away from the flow so that it can be led to a fluid drivable engine, such as a turbine, sited at position remote from the underwater fluid flow. This can avoid moving parts underwater and the correspondingly high maintenance costs. Furthermore, a controllable fraction of the power in any fluid flow can be extracted. It should be noted that the apparatus will function on any scale and as such is adaptable to many different situations. This property enables the system to be produced as modules that can be combined or used alone depending on circumstances. A further advantage of this apparatus is its low environmental impact; as much of the infrastructure is underwater the only visible signs are the fluid drivable engine housing and pylons bringing the power cables.
Although the conduit can be disposed in any portion of the channel having accelerated fluid flow, preferably it is sited in a portion of the channel formed to provide a maximum fluid velocity. This arrangement provides for increased efficiency of the apparatus.
In preferred embodiments, the at least one channel is substantially symmetrical about a plane mid-way between its ends. Although an asymmetrical channel is possible, and may even be preferable for extracting power particularly, from a one way flow, a symmetrical channel allows a single construction to be used for extracting power in both directions from a two flow, such as tidal flow.
Advantageously, the interior surface defining the channel is generally curved. A curved profile decreases the losses due to
turbulence thereby allowing a greater flow velocity for the same head of fluid.
In an alternative embodiment, a fluid reservoir and a fluid communication path between the fluid drivable engine and the fluid reservoir are provided. Although in some embodiments, fluid may be expelled from the conduit and exit via the fluid drivable engine, and in others the section from the conduit may be used to suck air

through the fluid drivable engine, in this alternative embodiment a fluid reservoir is provided so that fluid is sucked from the fluid reservoir passes through the fluid drivable engine and is expelled via the conduit into the channel
In preferred embodiments, the at least one fluid directing formation is arranged to defme a plurality of channels arranged in parallel and having a corresponding pluralitv of conduits. The channels can be arranged in parallel in a single flmd directing formation or. alternatively, a plurality of fluid directing formations defining a plurality of channels can be arranged in parallel across the fluid flow. A plurality of channels arranged in parallel within the fluid flow allow an increase in the power extracted from a fluid flow. In addition multiplexing is simple; pipe connections to all fast streams in the vicinity can be connected in parallel to drive a single fluid drivable engine, thereby achieving economy of scale. Alternatively, a plurality of fluid drivable engines can each be arranged in fluid communication with a corresponding conduit
and channel.
A multiplexed arrangement. such as that described above allows small quantities of power .0 be extracted from a wide!y distnbuted area. This obviates the need for a lage head of water, conventionally produced by a dam. Furtherrore, the extraction of small quantines of power over a large area reduces the impact on existing
eco-svstems..
" In some embodiments, a centnfugai pump havmg a fluid inlet and low velocity and hiah velocity fluid outlets is arranged in the channel such that the fluid.-inlet receives fluid flowing through the channel, the low velocity fluid outlet being arranged to remrn fluid to the channel and the high velocity fluid outlet being arranged to expel nuid into the conduit. Thus, m this embodiment fluid exits via the conduit rather than
being sucked into it.
Preferably, a generally flat circular drum with a fluid channel comprising a helix is arranged to receive fluid flowing through the channel such that fluid entering the drum forms a swirling disk and a portion of the fluid is expelled into the conduit. This arrangement allows fluid to be expelled into the conduit, without the provision of moving parts that are liable to wear and need servicing, within the fluid flow.

Advantageously, the circular drum has a double wedge shaped
cross section, such that the cross section is wider at the outer
circumference than it is in the middle section. This arrangement
increases viscous drag in the central region and decreases the
formation of vortices. In an alternative embodiment vortex
formation is reduced by concentric vanes on the inside of the
drum.
In preferred embodiments, the apparatus for extracting power comprises: at least two containers arranged in parallel in a fluid flow path between the channel and the fluid drivable engine, each container comprising a replenishment valve allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the container; and an isolation valve arrangement such that the fluid communication between individual containers and the channel and fluid drivable engine can be inhibited, so that when a fluid contained in one container that is in fluid communication with the channel and fluid drivable engine is exhausted the isolation valve arrangement is operable to temporarily inhibit the fluid communication between the channel and fluid drivable engine via that container so that the container can be replenished using the replenishment valve. This embodiment allows an alternative fluid to that present in the fluid flow to flow between the tanks and the fluid drivable engine and to drive the fluid drivable engine. Thus, a fluid with a lower viscous drag than the fluid of the flow can be used to flow between the fluid drivable engine and tanks, reducing losses in the system. This is particularly imOportant if the fluid drivable engine is located at some distance from the fluid flow as may be the case in, for example, tidal flows if the fluid drivable engine is located on shore. Furthermore, if the system is driving a gas turbine this arrangement acts to produce a reduced exhaust pressure for the gas turbine which increases its efficiency. It should be noted that this system is highly compatible with a gas turbine generator in which hydrocarbons are used to supplement, say tidal energy.
According to another aspect of the device there is provided a structure operable to pump fluid in response to underwater fluid flow, comprising at least one fluid directing formation formed to define a channel having a flow accelerating constriction shaped such that fluid in the channel is caused to accelerate as it flows through the flow accelerating constriction of the channel; a conduit extending into said flow accelerating constriction and disposed to provide fluid

communication between a portion of me channel having an accelerated fluid flow and
a point exterior to the channel.
The structure of the present invention alleviates the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a way of using the underwater fluid flow to pump fluid away from the flow so that it can be led to a site remote from the flow, possibly an on shore site.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the profile of an angular and smooth structure having a
constricted channel;
Figure 2 illustrates the head of water needed to achieve a given speed for the
two channels shown in Figure I;
Figure 3 illustrr.es an apparatus for extracting power from a fluid flow
according to an embodiment c: the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a plurality of strucmres each comprising a constricted chamiel and condu>t connecf.n; :r.e constncted channels to each other and to an
external pipe;
Figure 5 illustraies a cen:r.r-gal pump activated by a low pressure stream of
water;
Figure 6 illustrates a self-acting centrifugal pump;
Figure 7 illustrates the cross section of the self-acting centrifugal pump of
Figure 6; and
Figure 8 illustrates the fiuid communication means, turbine and buffer tanks of
an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 1 ar.d 2 relate to the technological background of the present invention, whereas Figures 3 to 8 relate to embodiments of the present invention.
With reference to Figure :. a sirucmre 10 providing a constricted channel 20 is .llustrated schematically, Tne soid line represents a schematic diagram of an angular constricted channel 20 whereas the dotted line represents the smoothed version. The flow of nuid through narrow channels in which viscous forces are dominant and in which streamline tlow is maintained are predicted by Bernoulli"s theorem, wherein v2

- pgh is constant. This means that provided no energy is lost through friction or in any other way. the effective pressure pgh will go down as the speed increases. This principle forms the basis of a Venturi flow rate meter.
Laminar flow only occurs in mbes at relatively low velocities and with relatively small diameters, thus in a system with large flow rates turbulent flow will prevail. Even if the flow through a constriction is turbulent, the pressure still falls as the bulk velocity rises, as described by Bernoulli"s equation. This is because, to conserve water the flow must accelerate as the tube narrows. Therefore a force has to be exerted on it. by pressure difference between the narrow and wide parts of the tube. .A. simple calculation (.Appendix I) and direct experiment shows that the pressure difference needed is that descnbed by Bernoulli for streamline flow. Thus it seems that a pressure reduction is associated for turbulent flow just as for streamline flow.
Turbulent flow involves energy loss, so a head of water is required to force a fluid through a pipe. The more streamlined the pipe, the less turbulent die flow, so the design of a pipe affects the head of water needed to create flow. Figure 2, illustrates the head of water (in mm) on the vertical axis and the velocity squared (in m S ) on the horizontal axis of water flowing through the smooth and angular channels illustrated in Figure 1. The steeper line representing flow through the angular channel. .A.S is clear from Figure 2. the share of the constricted channel influences the head of water needed to achieve a given sreed. Thus, a smoothed constriction produces a larger flow of water for a given pressure drop. Clearly, a reduction of turbulent losses is important to the design of the device, as it produces a corresponding reduction in the head of water needed to produce satisfactory operation. Similarly the matching of the device to the particular conditions available, must form an important part of any practical application of this invention.
Figure 3, illustrates an apparatus for extracting power from a fluid flow according to an embodiment of the invention. In this device concrete structures 10 are sunk onto the bed of, for example, a tidal estuary. These are shaped to form a constricted channel 20. The dimensions of the concrete structure and constricted channel are typically an inlet diameter of about 10m, a length of about 30m, and a

constricted diameter of 3m. A pipe 30 from the surface of the sea is introduced into the centre of the high speed flow region of the channel. This pipe connects to a turbine 40 and then passes back into the sea. A turbine is taken, for the purpose of this document, to be any type of machine in which the kinetic energy of a moving fluid is converted into mechanical energy. The suction effect as described above (albeit in turbulent conditions), causes a pressure drop at the outlet of the pipe 30 within the channel 20. If water is allowed to flow down the pipe 30, then, in the absence of losses due to viscosity or turbulence, the speed of the main current through the channel 20 will remain unchanged; the potential energy lost by the free fall of the water from the surface down the pipe 30. driven in addition by atmospheric pressure from behind, will exactlv equal its kmetic energy at the bottom, so that it will join the channel current with the same speed v. In fact, in this hypothetical situation no energy will have been gained or lost. Overall, water has come from the surface at v, and eventually been transferred to the depths at v, - convection has in effect occurred.
If however, the water in pipe 30 is made to do work on the way, then the resistance to flow will be increased, the speed of the fluid stream will be reduced and energy will be extracted from the submanne current. Thus, by making the water in the pipe do work by, for example, dnving mrbine 40, power can be generated at a place remote from the underwater current such as on shore. The placing of the turbine on shore makes it convenient for servicing access and subject to less extreme conditions
than it would be underwater.
The fact that turbulent flow produces pressure reduction analogous to that produced by laminar flow means that large flow rates of water can be used in the device of the present invention. The data illustrated in Figure 2 show that for an efficient system a smoothed profile for the constricted channel 20 is preferred.
The slowing down of the channel current by the introduction of water down the nine 30 from the surface will result m an increase of pressure on the outlet side. In order for the system to work, the pressure difference between the two ends of the channel 20 through the concrete structure 10 must exceed this increase. Thus a limit is set to the quantity of water that can be sucked down the pipe by the head of water

available. In a tidal flow the maximum head available is of the order of the height of the tide.
Appendix 2 shows that a power output of 1.5 MW requires a hydrostatic pressure of 10cm in the 30m length of the concrete submarine structtires over and above that needed to force The water through the channel at 20m/s in the absence of power extraction. This is an additional water gradient of 3m in 1km which is not unusual. .Alternatively, the extra height differential of 10cm could be created locally if a line of concrete structures formed a submarine barrage.
In the embodiment shown in Figtire 3, the constricted channel 20 is
symmetrical and the conduit 30 can be rotated, for example, by the water flow itself,
such that the outlet can face either channel opening. This makes the structure suitable
for extracting energy from fluids flowing in either direction in the constricted channel
20 and thus can be used to e.Ktract energy from flows that periodically change direction
such as tidal flows. Embodiments of the invention designed to be used, for example,
in one way fluid flows may have asymmetrical constricted channels. Asymmetric
channels may also be used in some situations for two way flows. This is because
streamline structures are not reversible and thus for maximum power extraction
efficiency a channel specially shaped for streamlined flow in a particular direction may
he preferred. Thus, in some situations it may be advantageous to provide separate
differently shaped channels for the two flow directions. A disadvantage of doing this
is an increase in the capital cost associated with providing the additional channels."
In the embodiment shown, the channel 20 is formed within the concrete structure 10. An alternative in which two concrete structures fonn a constricted channel, the structures possibly being modified bridge supports is also possible. In certain situations, such as in shallow estuaries, the channels may also be formed from a "picket fence" type structure.
Figure 4, illustrates a front elevarion of a plurality of strucnires 10 with constricted channels 20 arranged in parallel within a fluid flow. A plurality of conduits 30 are arranged to connect the constricted portion of each channel 20 together and then to a single turbine 40. Thus, the ponion of the energy extracted from a stream can be

increased, and a greater flow produced to drive the turbine 40. Such an arrangement could be sited across, for example, a tidal estuary so that energy could be efficiently harnessed from across a wide flow. In another embodiment, a plurality of turbines 40 are placed in fluid communication with each conduit 30.
In alternative embodiments, the fluid flow is used to expel fluid from the conduit rather than sucking it into it.
It is clear that an underwater flow such as a tidal stream could be made to drive a centrifugal pump. A "water wheel" type device, for example, could be placed in a narrow portion of the channel and be used to drive a centrifugal pump mounted on the same axis. As a fiinher refinement, the water wheel and pump could be combined into one unit as shown schematically in Figure 5. In the device of Figtire 5, the vanes of the pump 50 are driver, round by the fast water inflow, and a fraction of the total water throughput, say 10%. is taken off at the edge of the drum where both the pressure and the speed are high.
It is clear from Figure 5 that, if the water enters at high speed and low pressure tlirough pipe 60. it will have a similar speed and higher pressure, due to centrifugal force, when it reaches the entrar.ce to the peripheral take off pipe 65. If some water, say 10% of the total fiow. is aiiowed to flow out through pipe 65, the remaining flow will exit at a lower speed through outlet pipe 70. A small fraction of the water has tiiereby obtained a high speed a.-d pressure at the expense of the remainder slowing down.
The vanes have the effect: of forcing the water to rotate as though it were a solid.
Appendices 2 and 3 give calculations showing fluid acceleration in a centrifugal pump and conservation of fluid and momentum when a fraction of the flow is bled off If we consider water being compelled to move around a vertical axis with uniform angular velocity GJ and that its velocity at the outer perimeter is V2. Due to so called "centrifugal force", there will be a radial pressure gradient from the hub to the rim of the disk of the liquid. .A simple integration (Appendix 2) shows that this gives a pressure difference between the hub and rim of 2pgh. The pressure on the inside of the

outer surface of the circular drum must therefore be at least equal to this. In other words. the centrifugal force compensates for the loss in pressure predicted by Bernoulli"s equation when the water speeds up from 2m/s to 20m/s as it negotiates the throttie. This means that, at the periphery of the drum, a stream of fluid, a fraction of the fluid flowing through the constriction can be bled off at a pressure of at least 2pgh and a speed of 20m/s. If an underwater water flow such as a tidal flow is being considered, the stream of fluid can be bled off and led via a suitable pipe to sea level. The fluid flow should arrive at sea level at a speed of 20m/s and at least at atmospheric pressure. If its speed is reduced, its pressure will increase correspondingly.
In another embodiment the mechanical intermediary (the vanes of Figure 5) can be omitted and the fluid persuaded to act as its own centrifugal pump.
Figure 6 illustrates a fia: circular drum 80, split and twisted slightly to form a helix. This forces the fluid to form a swiriing disc similar to that formed by the pump of Figure 5. but without any mechanical moving pans.
If viscous forces are dominant then the fluid would move through the circular drum 80 as though it were a solid disc. If, however, viscous forces are not dominant then vortices form to conserve ang"iiar momentum. Tnis has the effect of speeding up the flow near the centre of the disc and slowing it down at the periphery - the opposite of what is needed.
In order to circumvent this problem a drum with a wedge shaped cross-section, as illustrated in Figure 7, may be used. This increases viscous effects near the centre, where the surfaces of the drum are close together, and decrease them at larger radii, while still maintaining the radial pressure gradient. Another option would be to fit concentric vanes on the insides and top and bottom surfaces of the drum to inhibit flow vectors which incorporate a radial component. .As the exact form of radial velocity gradient is not too critical, a self-driven centrifugal pump may possess a wide range of such mechanical conflgurations.
Figure 8. illustrates the fluid communication means, turbine and buffer tanks of an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment buffer tanks 90, 91 are located between the conduit 30 and turbine 40. These tanks 90, 91 are located underwater near

to the undervater fluid flow. Fluid communication means 95 connect these tanks to the turbines. Valve 100 connect alternate tanks 90, 91 to the conduit 30 and turbine 40, such that water is sucked from a full tank 90 through the conduit 30 into the channel 20: air flows through the turbine 40 and fluid communication means to replace the water flowing from the tank 90. When this tank 90 is empty of water and fuill of air, the valve 100 switches such that the other tank 91 that is full of water becomes connected to the conduit 30 and water is sucked from this other tank 91. While this tank 91 is emptying valve 100 on tank 90 opens to allow this tank to fill with water. Other valve means (not shown) on the tank are opened to allow the air to be exhausted. This arrangement means that instead of water flowing between ±e turbine 40 and underwater fluid flow, air flows for some of this distance. Thus, if the turbine 40 is located on shore at a remote distance from the underwater flow, the tanks can be arranged such that the majority of the distance is covered by the air flow and thus viscous losses caused by fluid flow between the turbine 40 and the underwater structure are reduced.
In conclusion, calculations have shown that a stream of water can be made available on the siiore with a flow rate of 14m/s and a pressure differential of about 2 atmospheres, neglecting friction and viscosity from an offshore cunent flowing at 2 m/s at a depth of about 9 m (30 feet). All that is required to achieve this is a structure, preferably concrete, that can be manufactured in a shipyard and sunk on site, and through which appropriately shaped channels have been sculpted, together with the necessary connecting pipes. .A concrete structure has the advantage of being buoyant when water is pumped out of it, allowing it to be floated for cleaning or for relocation to another site.

publication References
1. 1994 survey of the energy- available in currents and tidal streams around the
UK by the DTI"s renewable energy unit at Harwell (ETSU T/fD5/O0155/REP).
2. 1996, Fraenkel et al, "Power of Motion in the Ocean", Anjana Ahuja, The Times 7/10/98.

APPENDIX 1 Justification of "simple calculation"
Consider the movement of a molecule of mass m within the pipe shown.

The equation of continuity states that:
A2 V = A3W
As A2 > A3 then u > v. Hence the kinetic energy of the molecule will increase from C/:)mv^ to ("/i)mu-.
To conserve energy, the potential energ>" of the molecule must have decreased, i.e. the molecule must have "fallen" through a height H where:

In a liquid, the height through which a molecule can "fall" is increased as the local pressure is reduced. Hence the pressure at the end of the pipe is an amount pgh lower than at the entrance to the pipe.
Hence we have that: as required.

APPENDEX 2 Extraction of energy due to suction

where: Vj > V3 and so the pressure at outlet has increased by an amount pgh; h = head of water needed to drive the water through
Sum of areas: (1)
A2 -r a = A3 Conservation of water: (2)
AT VS + au = A3 V3 Conservation of energy: (3)

Using (1) and (2) to eliminate Vj and A3, then: (4)



Suppose that the velocity, u in the insert is some fraction, (3 of the inlet velocity, V2. i.e.: (6)

and find the value of /3 for which X is close to zero. Using numerical methods it is found that/3 = 0.8 whenX = 0.
Suppose that the velocity into the inlet, v, is 20ras"" then the velocity in the insen, u is 16 ms"" from (6).
The energy per unit time (i.e. power) extracted from the system is:

is obtained from a device with an inlet diameter of 10m and a pipe throttle of diameter 3m and area Aj = Tr.(1.5)".
N.B. This is the head needed to supply the power calculated above. A greater head of water will be needed to overcome turbulent flow.


Caption: A disk of water, inner radius R^, outer radius R, rotating at angular velocity u has a pressure differential between its centre and circumference.
Water in a cylindrical container, height h, inner radius R^, outer radius R, is rotating at angular velocity w. The mass of liquid in a thin cylinder height h and thickness dr at radius r is
dm = 2phdr
The centrifugal force exened by this is dF=rcj-dm. Hmce the outward pressure across dr is
dP = dF/lrrh = proj-dr
Integration of this between R0 and R shows that there is a pressure difference between the inner and outer walls of the container equal to


According to Bernoulli"s theorem, the total energy content of the water must be conserved, provided it is flowing along a streamline path. We have achieved this by slowing down the water near the centre of the disk, and using the kinetic energy so released to increase the pressure at the circumference. Furthermore, we can say that if the kinetic energ>" content of the water in the rotating disk has come predominantly from its hydrostatic content when flowing into the venturi at a low speed, then, according to Bernoulli"s equation,
y-llg = H
where pgB. is the hydrostatic pressure. Hence, as P^ cannot be less than zero, the pressure at the circumference of the cylinder shoudl be similar to the hydrostatic pressure of the water at the point at which it enters the venmri.

APPENDIX 4: CONSERVATION EQUATIONS

Caption: The water enters the central section of the venturi at speed Vj. We suppose that a fraction is bled off at speed u, and that the speed at which the remainder exits the central section of the venturi is Vj.
Area of the pipe, and area of main exit pipe is AT. Area of bleed pipe to shore is a. The hydrostatic pressure is pgh at the venturi inlet and outlet, where h = 0, and pgK at the side tube.

2 CONSERVE ENERGY
In other words, ensure that power in = power out. So, for unit mass of water,

using (1). Hence


Therefore, provided v^ does not equal v-, we obtain (2)

What does this mean in practice? It means that provided the local pressure near the bleed off mbe can be increased to H (by invoicing centrifugal force, for instance), then the relationship expressed by the above equation can be satisfied.
3. EXAMPLE
For example, make the area of the bleed off pipe 10% of that of the main central venmri tube, so a=A2/10. This defines the geometry, and means that u = 10(v2-V3). In addition, let Vj =9v2/10. This defmes the quality of kinetic energy that has been removed from the main flow. So,
U = V2
and to satisfy equation (2) H-h=0.85v22/2g
We have already seen from Appendix 1 that centrifugal forces can be used to raise the equivalent depth to V2^/2g.
To put this another way, if water can be forced out of the side mbe by centrifugal force, then, depending on the effective value achieved for H, Vj/Vj will fall to the fraction defmed by equation (2).


WE CLAIM:
1. A structure operable to pump fluid in response to underwater fluid flow, comprising at least one fluid directing formation formed to define a channel having a flow accelerating constriction shaped such that fluid in the channel is caused to accelerate as it flows through the flow accelerating constriction of the channel; and a conduit extending into said flow accelerating constriction and disposed to provide fluid communication between a portion of the channel having an accelerated fluid flow and a point exterior to the channel.
2. An apparatus operable to extract power from a fluid flow, the apparatus comprising a structure according to claim 1 and a fluid drivable engine disposed at a position exterior to the channel, wherein the conduit is disposed to provide fluid communication between the fluid drivable engine and a portion of the channel having an accelerated water flow, an open end of said conduit extends into said flow accelerating constriction, the fluid drivable engine being arranged such that fluid flow along the conduit acts to drive the fluid drivable engine.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the conduit is arranged to provide fluid communication between the fluid drivable engine and a portion of the channel formed to provide a maximum fluid velocity.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the exterior of the channel in a fluid flow direction is enclosed by the at least one fluid directing formation and an inlet of the channel has a larger cross sectional area than a central section of the channel.
5. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one channel is substantially symmetrical about a plane mid-way between its ends.
6. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the interior surface
defining the channel is generally curved.

7. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the conduit is flexible.
8. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein it comprises a fluid reservoir and a fluid communication path between the fluid drivable engine and the fluid reservoir.
9. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 8, comprising an electricity
generator, the generator being arranged to be driven by the fluid drivable engine.
10. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the fluid flow is an underwater fluid flow and at least a portion of the at least one fluid directing formation is located underwater, the apparatus comprising a floating structure, the fluid drivable engine being disposed on the floating structure.
11. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the at least one fluid directing formation is arranged to define a plurality of channels arranged in parallel, having a corresponding plurality of conduits.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of conduits are arranged in fluid communication with each other and with the fluid drivable engine.
13. The apparatus according to 11, wherein the apparatus for extracting power comprises a plurality of fluid drivable engine, each in fluid communication with a corresponding conduit and channel.
14. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 13, wherein it comprises a centrifugal pump having a fluid inlet and low velocity and high velocity fluid outlets, the pump being arranged within the channel such that the fluid inlet receives fluid flowing through the channel, the low velocity fluid outlet being arranged to return fluid to the charmel and the high velocity fluid outlet being arranged to expel fluid into the conduit.

15. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 13, comprising a generally flat
circular drum with a fluid channel comprising a helix, the drum being arranged to
receive fluid flowing through the channel and comprising a fluid outlet arranged in
fluid communication with the conduit, such that fluid entering the drum forms a
swirling disk and a portion of the fluid is expelled into the conduit.
16. The apparatus according to any of claim 15, wherein the circular drum has a double wedge shaped cross section, such that the cross section is wider at the outer circumference than it is in the middle section.
17. The apparatus according to any of claim 15, wherein the generally flat circular drum comprises concentric vanes inside the drum.
18. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 17, wherein it comprises at least two containers arranged in parallel in a fluid flow path between the channel and the fluid drivable engine, each container comprising a replenishment valve allowing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the container; and an isolation valve arrangement such that the fluid communication between individual containers and the channel and fluid drivable engine can be inhibited, so that when a fluid contained in one container that is in fluid communication with the channel and fluid drivable engine is exhausted the isolation valve arrangement is operable to temporarily inhibit the fluid communication between the channel and fluid drivable engine via that container so that the container can be replenished using the replenishment valve.

Documents:

in-pct-2001-46-che abstract.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che assignment.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che claims-duplicate.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che claims.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che correspondence-others.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che correspondence-po.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che description (complete)-duplicate.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che description-(complete).pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che drawings.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-1.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-13.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-19.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-26.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-3.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-5.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che form-6.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che others.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che pct-search report.pdf

in-pct-2001-46-che petition.pdf


Patent Number 215996
Indian Patent Application Number IN/PCT/2001/46/CHE
PG Journal Number 13/2008
Publication Date 31-Mar-2008
Grant Date 05-Mar-2008
Date of Filing 10-Jan-2001
Name of Patentee HYDROVENTURI LIMITED
Applicant Address 49 Barrington Road, London N8 8QT,
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 HASSARD, John, Francis Selkirk Hall, Princes Garden, South Kensington London SW7 1LU,
2 ROCHESTER, Geoffrey, Kenneth 49 Barrington Road, London N8 8QT,
PCT International Classification Number F03B 17/06
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB99/01876
PCT International Filing date 1999-06-14
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 9812792.1 1998-06-12 U.K.
2 9901350.0 1999-01-21 U.K.