System and method for extracting power from fluid using a Tesla-type bladeless turbine

摘要

Smooth, preferably variable-sweep fluid collection device surfaces disposed into opposition with wind, river, surf, ocean or tidal currents generate enhanced velocity fluid flows at length driven into onboard work-extracting disc turbines at advantageous angles of attack. Keyed to shafts turning freely through optionally extendable volutes, disc turbines comprising a dense population of smooth, axially fixed or adjustably spaced discs conducting preferably laminar flow between adjacent elements develop significant torque through boundary layer adhesion and viscous shear-stress between fluid layers. Exhaust of disc turbine throughput into divergent channels drafting into external currents of initially higher than ambient velocity and lower pressure may reduce turbine discharge backpressure, rapidly clear system throughput, and allow normally disadvantageous drag to be utilized to develop greater work generation. Gainfully turning with, instead of at odds to natural or anthropogenic currents provided, disc turbines utilized as disclosed may provide unprecedented renewable energy from fluids in motion.

主权项

1. A fluid energy conversion system comprising:
a) one or more Tesla-type disc turbines each comprising a shaft and one or more operatively associated disc runners, each of said disc runners comprising: two or more parallel discs, each axially separated by a space, wherein the space between each of said discs is adjustable, said discs configured to extract energy to drive said shaft, from working fluid passing through one or more discharge openings between all of said discs, and wherein at least one of said discs is inflatable; b) one or more fluid inlets configured to guide said working fluid to said disc turbines parallel to said discs and co-tangential to a periphery thereof; and c) one or more fluid outlets configured to release said working fluid discharged from said disc runners through discharge openings of discs at either or both ends of said disc runners.