Energy generation methods and systems for swimming pools and other vessels with recirculating fluid

• US 8,092,675 B2
• Filed: 10/02/2008
• Issued: 01/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zodiac Group Australia Pty Ltd. (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Original Assignee: Zodiac Group Australia Pty Ltd. (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Inventors: Kennedy, Gary Andrew
• Primary Examiner(s): Conley, Sean E
• Application Number:
  US12/244,083
• Publication Number:
  US 20110064626A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,195 Days
• Field of Search: 422/28, 422/37, 204/194, 210/749, 210/167.1, 210/167.11
• US Class Current: 210/167.11
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/4674 with halogen or compound of halogens, e.g. chlorine, bromine
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/42 from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/46165 Special power supply, e.g. solar energy or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/12 Devices or arrangements for circulating water , i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment

Abstract

Detailed is electricity generation for powering devices associated with swimming pools or other structures utilizing recirculating fluid. The recirculating fluid is used to produce electricity for direct or indirect supply to electrical devices. Turbines may be placed in by-pass channels so as to have access to some fluid flow yet not unduly disrupt main flow of the recirculating fluid.

Claims

1. A method of supplying electricity to an electrical device associated with a vessel selected from the group consisting of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs, comprising:

a. causing water to circulate, under influence of a pump distinct from the electrical device, into and out of the vessel;

b. causing the circulating water to flow in a main channel and a by-pass-channel, the by-pass channel having blades of a turbine positioned therein;

c. causing the circulating water to interact with the blades of the turbine so as to generate electricity;

d. storing at least some of the generated electricity; and

e. supplying at least some of the stored electricity to the electrical device for its operation.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising passing the circulating water through a nozzle prior to its interacting with the blades of the turbine.

3. A method according to claim 1 in which the main channel has the electrical device positioned therein.

4. A method according to claim 1 in which the electrical device is a salt water chlorinator.

5. A method according to claim 1 in which the electrical device is selected from the group consisting of automatic or in-floor pool cleaners, pool heaters, controllers, chemical dispensers or monitors, lights, water features, valves, timers, pool covers, service indicators, and water chemistry or temperature indicators.

6. A method according to claim 1 further comprising causing a controller to communicate with the turbine.

7. A method according to claim 6 in which the controller controls generating of electricity by the turbine.

8. A method according to claim 6 in which the electrical device is the controller.

9. A chlorinator assembly comprising:

a. a housing defining a fluid inlet, and fluid outlet, a main fluid flow path, and a secondary fluid flow path;

b. a chlorinator positioned, at least in part, in the main fluid flow path;

c. an electricity-generating mechanism positioned, at least in part, in the secondary fluid flow path and connected electrically to the chlorinator;

d. a pump for causing fluid to flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet; and

e. means for storing at least some of the generated energy for subsequent powering of an electrical device other than the pump.

10. A chlorinator assembly according to claim 9 in which the housing comprises means for changing the flow of fluid in the secondary fluid flow path.

11. A chlorinator assembly according to claim 10 in which the flow-changing means comprises a nozzle.

12. A chlorinator assembly according to claim 11 in which the housing is configured to that fluid flowing in the secondary fluid flow path encounters the nozzle prior to its encountering the electricity-generating mechanism.