Name of Inventor:
Robert William Jackson

“Municipal Hydroelectric Power Generator”

 This concept was developed by Robert William Jackson.

 This is an idea in which the variation of the arrangement for each project is almost unlimited but the basic features are common to all hydroelectric projects.  Each project would require an engineer to get the greatest return on the investment. I would recommend the power that is generated first be used to run all the functions of the water utility.  This ensures that water flow is maintained even if the power grid is down.  This also saves the municipality money. I am just using existing water pressure to run hydroelectric generators.

 This concept would work best with municipal water source that is located at a higher elevation than the municipality itself.  With this concept I will call this reservoir (water supply) the “head.”  In my opinion, the higher the head the higher the power potential.  This is a natural-flow principle. I believe this concept can also be used by any water utility.  I believe the power generated by the hydroelectric generators would be more than enough to run any water-pumps that might be in use within the system. My idea is to put a hydroelectric generator or generators along the main water line.  You can also put smaller generators on smaller feeder water lines throughout the system. 

 Types of turbines and generators would be determined by gallons per minute water flow and water pressure.  Impulse or reaction turbines could be used depending on the water-flow.  I have designed my own turbine.  I call it the Pinwheel turbine.  It is a round disk with cone-shaped receptors around the perimeter. The receptors are spaced evenly.  The dimensions are the same as the Pinwheel firework.  I have described this turbine in 2 prior provisional applications patent #60/363271 is one.  The other is still outstanding.  It is an impulse type turbine.  I believe this to be an outstanding design.  There is existing standards for these calculations but I have decided to leave out these formulas until I’m sure these standards for turbines and generators would be right for my concept due to the importance of maintaining water pressure throughout the whole system.  It is important to maintain as much as possible the water pressure of the water coming out of the hydroelectric generator.

 I would put as many hydroelectric generators as possible throughout the whole system but still meet the requirements for water pressure in the system. My idea would divert all water from water line and direct it into the turbine or turbines of the hydroelectric generator via a closed pipe or conduit.  The water is then returned to the water-line via a closed pipe or conduit draft tube.  There should be no loss of water.  I would also install a valve that would enable you to bypass the hydroelectric generator in case of generator failure or maintenance on the generator.  I would recommend a valve that would open automatically in case of generator failure.

 Water-flow would vary due to water usage.  Water-flow would be higher in summer months due to watering by water customers.  Also, time of day determines water-flow.  Peak times would be 6:00 am in the morning to about 10:00 am in the morning due to the fact this is when people use the most water. Any excess power could be stored in a battery system or be sent into the power grid.  It would be up to the municipality on how to use this power.  I would suggest City Hall, Police and Fire Departments would be a good choice.  If power grid went down the government could still function.
 My idea also calls for the turbines, generators and their auxiliary equipment be located in what I call a powerhouse.  This could be above or below ground.