US 11,988,185 B2
Valve with an integrated turbine for energy harvesting
Bernd Zähe, Sarasota, FL (US); Steven J. Meislahn, Sarasota, FL (US); and Hailee Morgan, Sarasota, FL (US)
Assigned to Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Sarasota, FL (US)
Filed by Sun Hydraulics, LLC, Sarasota, FL (US)
Filed on May 9, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/739,293.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/209,441, filed on Jun. 11, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0397089 A1, Dec. 15, 2022
Int. Cl. F03B 13/00 (2006.01); F15B 1/26 (2006.01); F15B 13/02 (2006.01); F15B 15/00 (2006.01); F15B 21/14 (2006.01); F16K 11/07 (2006.01); F16K 17/04 (2006.01); F16K 37/00 (2006.01); G01F 1/115 (2006.01); G01F 15/00 (2006.01); G01F 15/06 (2022.01); H02K 7/18 (2006.01)
CPC F03B 13/00 (2013.01) [F15B 13/02 (2013.01); F15B 13/026 (2013.01); F15B 15/00 (2013.01); F15B 21/14 (2013.01); F16K 11/07 (2013.01); F16K 17/048 (2013.01); F16K 37/005 (2013.01); G01F 1/115 (2013.01); G01F 1/1155 (2013.01); G01F 15/005 (2013.01); G01F 15/066 (2013.01); H02K 7/1823 (2013.01); F05B 2220/706 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve comprising:
a seat member;
a spool configured to be seated on the seat member to block fluid flow from a first port to a second port when the valve is in a closed state, wherein fluid at the first port applies a fluid force on the spool in a proximal direction;
a spring applying a biasing force on the spool in a distal direction toward the seat member, wherein as the fluid force overcomes the biasing force, the spool moves in the proximal direction off the seat member, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first port to the second port through a flow area formed between the spool and the seat member;
a turbine configured to rotate as fluid flowing through the flow area flows downstream across the turbine, wherein the turbine is mounted to a turbine shaft configured to rotate with the turbine;
a stator disposed upstream of the turbine and the flow area, wherein the stator is configured to direct fluid to impact the turbine at an angle; and
an electric generator coupled to the turbine shaft, such that rotation of the turbine shaft with the turbine causes the electric generator to generate electric power.