Method of Generating Hydroelectric Power

Abstract

A system and process for generating hydroelectric power within a body of water relying on the pressure head existing between two depths of the water. A vertically arranged conduit or penstock has an upper water intake and is in fluid communication with a reservoir situated at a lower depth. In a first cycle, water flow is established in the conduit or penstock between the water intake and lower reservoir when the reservoir is substantially full of air. A turbine housing is mounted adjacent the reservoir at a lower depth than the water intake and houses an electric turbine generator having blades mounted within the conduit or penstock to be driven by the flow of water to generate electricity. As water is introduced into the reservoir, air is exhausted out an air exhaust tube to a point above the surface of the body of water. After the reservoir is generally full of water valves are provided to cease the flow of water through the water intake and flow of air out the exhaust tube. An air pump thereafter introduces air into the reservoir to force water out of a reservoir water outlet port. The generating cycle is then repeated.

1 . A method of generating hydroelectric power comprising the steps of:
 positioning an air filled reservoir at a predetermined depth beneath the surface of a body of water;   mounting a submerged water intake at a pre-determined position above the reservoir;   connecting a conduit between the water inlet and the reservoir;   creating a flow of water through the conduit to introduce water into the air filled reservoir until a selected quantity of water is collected;   situating an electric generator in operative connection to the flow of water in the conduit;   generating electric power through the electrical generator during the flow of water;   ceasing the flow of water upon a predetermined amount of water being collected by the reservoir, and   introducing a flow of air into the reservoir to force a substantial portion of said predetermined amount of water from the reservoir.   
     
     
         2 . The method of generating hydroelectric power according to  claim 1  further comprising the steps of:
 ceasing the flow of air into the reservoir after removal of the substantial portion and sealing the reservoir, and   repeating said step for generating electricity.   
     
     
         3 . The method of generating hydroelectric power according to  claim 1  further comprising the step of:
 exhausting air from the reservoir while said water is being collected in the reservoir.