Methods and systems forhydroelectric power generation

Abstract

A system and method for generating hydroelectric power. More specifically, a system for generating hydroelectric power which transforms the kinetic energy in water, supplied to a consumer via a utility conduit, into electrical energy wherein water pressure is conserved or maintained at a desired water pressure within the device using a compressible gas headspace region.

1 . A hydro-electric power generator system, comprising:
 a housing having a compressible gas region, an inlet, and an outlet in communication with a water reservoir region, and;   a turbine positioned, at least in part, within the compressible gas region; and   a generator connected to the turbine.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of turbines within the system. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of generators within the system. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the compressible gas region contains at least one of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, or argon. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of gas contained in the compressible gas region is sufficient to create a gas pressure capable of maintaining a desired water pressure. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the inlet is configured to direct flow of water over the turbine thereby causing the turbine to rotate and generate electrical power in the connected generator. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , configured to control the water pressure exiting through the outlet at a specified rate that is less than or equal to the water pressure entering through the inlet. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the water reservoir region has a waterline height in the housing and the outlet is placed below the waterline. 
     
     
         9 . A method for controlling water pressure and generating electrical power comprising the steps of:
 placing a generator comprising a turbine at least partially in a fluid flow path, wherein the fluid causes rotation of the turbine to generate electrical power in the generator;   forming a compressible gas region at least partially around the turbine; and   forming a water reservoir below the compressible gas region, wherein the water reservoir has an outlet below the waterline of the water reservoir, and wherein the compressible gas region exerts a constant force on the surface of the water reservoir region causing water to flow through the outlet at a specified water pressure.   
     
     
         10 . A hydro-electric power generator system, comprising:
 a plurality of hydroelectric devices, wherein each hydroelectric device has:   a compressible gas region, an inlet, and an outlet in communication with a water reservoir region, and;   a turbine positioned, at least in part, within the compressible gas region; and   a generator connected to each turbine.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the hydroelectric devices are connected inline in such a manner so that the outlet of an upstream hydroelectric device is in communication with the inlet of a downstream hydroelectric device.