In-line fluid-driven electric power generator

• US 6,011,334 A
• Filed: 02/28/1997
• Issued: 01/04/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: ELF Aquitaine Production
• Original Assignee: ELF Aquitaine Production
• Inventors: Roland, Louis
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramirez, Nestor
• Assistant Examiner(s): TAMAI, KARL I
• Application Number:
  US08/808,162
• Time in Patent Office: 1,040 Days
• Field of Search: 310/86, 310/103, 310/104, 310/114, 310/266, 290/43, 290/52, 290/54
• US Class Current: 310/86
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/11 with dynamo-electric clutches
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/1823 structurally associated with turbines or similar engines

Abstract

An electric power generator driven by a fluid circulating under pressure in a pipe (9) includes an internal moving contact (1) placed inside a non-magnetic section (10) of the pipe (9), and a stator (4) placed around the pipe (9). The internal moving contact (1) includes permanent magnets (2), a rotational drive means (3), and means (7 and 8) of support. The electric power generator does not require any sealed joints for the passage of mechanical shafts or electric cables and is particularly adapted for the production of electricity from dangerous fluids which circulate in pipes under high pressure. The electric power generator has application in gas and liquid transport networks, particularly at isolated hydrocarbon production sites.

Claims

1. An electric power generator, comprising:

an internal moving contact inside a non-magnetic section of a pipe in which a fluid circulates, including,

at least one permanent magnet,

a mechanical drive power element coupled to the permanent magnet and acted upon by the circulating fluid to produce a rotation of the permanent magnet in response to circulation of the fluid,

and at least one bearing supporting said permanent magnet and the mechanical drive power element in the pipe; and

a stator placed around the section of the pipe, including,

a permanent magnetic circuit having at least one induction coil,

wherein the stator is offset longitudinally with respect to the permanent magnet of the internal moving contact, comprising;

an external moving contact placed between the pipe and the stator, at least made partially of a ferromagnetic material, and positioned longitudinally with respect to the stator, including,

at least one external permanent magnet on an outer periphery of the external moving contact, and

at least one internal permanent magnet on an inner periphery of the external moving contact and positioned longitudinally with respect to the permanent magnet of the internal moving contact,

wherein the external moving contact is driven magnetically in rotation by the internal moving contact.

2. The generator according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical drive power element of the internal moving contact includes a turbine coupled to the internal moving contact.