Hydroelectric in-pipe turbine uses

Abstract

An in-pipe turbine has uses in energy storage and circulation. Specific applications are in storage systems working by elevation, smart grid systems, pressure release, and heating/cooling systems.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for storing excess energy, comprising:
 at least one electricity producing in-pipe turbine, in communication with at least one electrical grid through power lines, and in communication with at least one water grid; and,   at least one processor, the processor configured for matching supply and demand between water in the at least one water grid and electricity in the at least one electrical grid, and responding to received sensor data from said water and electrical grids by a subsequent matching of supply and demand for water in the water grid and/or electricity in the electrical grid and providing electricity to the electrical grid, based on imbalance of supply and demand.   
     
     
         2 . A method for storing excess energy and providing it on demand, comprising:
 providing at least one in-pipe turbine, in communication with the electrical grid and the water grid, releasing energy stored in pressure and/or elevation in the water grid, and a processor that receives data derived from water and electrical sensors, said data flowing into the microprocessor from both the water grid and electric grid simultaneously, said microprocessor in communication with the two grids;   
       receiving sensor data from said water and electrical grids, and,
 responding to the received data by a subsequent matching of supply and demand for water in the water grid and/or electricity in the electrical grid and providing electricity to the electrical grid, based on imbalance of supply and demand. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the excess stored energy of the system is released during peak hours. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the excess energy of the system is stored within the water system. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the water grid is associated with a water source comprising: a utility or sewage system. 
     
     
         6 . A method of decreasing pressure in a water system, comprising: Providing an in-pipe turbine system, including a generator system, nozzle, and blades, configuring the in-pipe turbine system to reduce excess pressure to a predetermined amount. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein regulation of the in-pipe turbine is based on at least one of: nozzle size, nozzle shape, shape of blade, torque characteristics of the generator system, and revolutions per minute characteristics of the generator system, and said regulation contributes to determining the pressure drop of the excess pressure to a predetermined amount.