Patent Application for Energy Recovery from Wastewater in Tall Buildings

Strategic Insights -

In a significant innovation, international business conglomerate INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP. has filed a patent application for a system that recovers energy from wastewater in tall buildings. The system, titled "RECLAIMING ENERGY FROM WASTE WATER IN TALL BUILDINGS," utilizes two or more reservoirs to generate electrical power from falling liquids, such as captured rainwater, gray water, and black water. The innovative concept involves a cycle of filling and dropping reservoirs to harness mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical power without the need for turbines or impellers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent application, filed under No. 20130341937, was published on December 26, 2013, and attributed to inventors Mark B. Stevens and John David Wilson.
  • The system involves two or more reservoirs, with fill valves controlled to optimize energy recovery from falling liquids such as rainwater, gray water, and black water.
  • The innovative process ensures that electrical power is generated without the liquid contacting or passing through a turbine or impeller.
  • The patent application highlights the potential for this technology in tall buildings, where wastewater generation is substantial.
  • The system's energy recovery mechanism is dependant on the cycle of filling and dropping reservoirs, which creates mechanical energy that is converted into electrical power.
  • The assignee of the patent is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP., Armonk NY.

Statistics:

  • The patent application was filed on January 14, 2013.
  • The system utilizes two or more reservoirs to generate electrical power.
  • The reservoirs are filled and emptied in a controlled cycle to optimize energy recovery.
  • The energy recovery mechanism avoids the need for turbines or impellers.
  • The technology has the potential for significant energy savings in tall buildings.

Sources:

  • "U.S. Patent && Trademark Office: Published Patent Application No. 20130341937"
  • "U.S. Patent && Trademark Office: Inventors and Assignees"