Importance

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Abstract

A hydroelectric system converts kinetic energy from water flowing off a roof of a building into electrical energy. The system comprises a turbine having a rotor and a generator disposed in a down pipe. The down pipe has an upper end that receives water running off the roof via gutters. The down pipe comprises first and second channels that extend from the upper end to respective outlets. Each of the outlets direct water onto the rotor causing rotation in the same direction. The channels are configured in a manner so that water entering the down pipe initially flows through the first channel and out from a first outlet. However in a heavy downpour the first channel may overflow into the second channel to subsequently flow out of a second outlet providing further drive to the rotor. A regulating reservoir is provided at the upper end of the down pipe to provide a controlled steady flow of water through the first channel. The reservoir has an upright wall provided with a lower outlet and an upper outlet. When water collects in the reservoir at a level below the outlet it flows into the first channel via the first outlet. If rain water volume within the reservoir increases sufficiently water will eventually flow through the second outlet into the first channel providing additional pressure to drive the turbine. Should the water level in the reservoir increase at a sufficiently greater rate than it flows out from the outlets it may then overflow the wall to flow down the second channel.

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First Claim