Differential fluid pressure energy conversion system

摘要

A differential fluid pressure energy conversion system includes a valve (V1) for regulating an input from a pressure source to define a fluid flow; and a lower piston chamber (LPC) in fluid communication with an output of V1, the LPC disposed about a central vertical axis of the system; Further included is a double acting reciprocatable piston (DAP) having an integral lower portion (PI) and an integral upper integral portion (P2), each portion having a bottom radial surface area, the radial surface area of P1 greater than that of P2, an outer peripheral edge of the P1 in fluid-tight slidable continuous contact with an inner complemental surface of LPC, DAP further including an elongate axial channel, co-axial with the vertical axis of the system, the channel extending an entire axial length of the DAP. Also included is an upper piston chamber (UPC) disposed in vertical axial alignment with the system axis and without fluid communication with the LPC, an inner surface of the UPC in fluid-tight slidable continuous contact with a complemental peripheral edge of the P2 of the DAP. The system also includes a valve (V2) within the axial channel of the DAP, the valve effecting closure of the channel during each upstroke of the DAP and opening of the axial channel during each downstroke; and a fluid exit port in fluid communication with the UPC disposed above a greatest extent of upward travel of the DAP, the port permitting release, to an ambient atmosphere, during upward axial displacement of the DAP, of pressurized fluid injected through the axial channel into the UPC during downward axial displacement of the DAP when the valve V2 is open, whereby a ratio of pressure of the fluid in the UPC relative to that in the LPC is generally determined by the ratio of the lower radial surface area of P1 to that of P2.

主权项

1. A differential fluid pressure energy conversion system, comprising:
(a) a valve (V1) for regulating an input from a pressure source to define a fluid flow; (b) a lower piston chamber (LPC) in fluid communication with an output of said V1, said LPC disposed about a central vertical axis of said system; (c) a double acting reciprocatable piston (DAP) having an integral lower portion (PI) and an integral upper integral portion (P2), each portion having a bottom radial surface area, the radial surface area of P1 greater than that of said P2, an outer peripheral edge of said P1 in fluid-tight slidable continuous contact with an inner complemental surface of said LPC, said DAP further including an elongate axial channel, co-axial with said vertical axis of the system, said channel extending an entire axial length of said DAP; (d) an upper piston chamber (UPC) disposed in vertical axial alignment with said system axis and without fluid communication with said LPC, an inner surface of said UPC in fluid-tight slidable continuous contact with a complemental peripheral edge of said P2 of said DAP; (e) a valve (V2) within said axial channel of said DAP, said valve effecting closure of said channel during each upstroke of said DAP and opening of said axial channel during each downstroke of said DAP; (f) a fluid exit port in fluid communication with said UPC disposed above a greatest extent of upward travel of said DAP, said port permitting release therethrough, to an ambient atmosphere, during upward axial displacement of the DAP, of pressurized fluid injected through said axial channel into said UPC during downward axial displacement of said DAP when said valve V2 is open; (g) a conduit having said fluid flow therethrough at pressure established by said pressure source, said source having a pressure greater than that of said ambient atmosphere, said conduit comprising an input to said V1; and (h) a primary reservoir surrounding said LPC and UPC, providing said pressure source to said conduit at said V1 at an established depth within said reservoir, whereby a ratio of pressure of said fluid in said UPC relative to that in said LPC is generally determined by the ratio of said lower radial surface area of P1 to that of said P2.