DE102013107122A1 - Hydropower turbine for use in a flowing water - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydropower turbine (10) for use in a flowing body of water (100) for generating electrical current, comprising a housing (20), a turbine (30), a current generator (40) connected in a torque transmitting manner to the turbine (30). and anchoring means (50) for anchoring the hydropower turbine (10) to the ground (110) of the body of water (100) attached to an anchor interface (52), the anchor means (50) including an anchor (54) and armature (54) has secured anchor rope (56) extending between the anchor (54) and the anchor interface (52), the anchor rope (56) having a length (L) that extends between the anchor rope (56) and the ground (110) of the body of water (100) sets an anchor angle (α) which causes the hydropower turbine (10) to descend to achieve a force balance.

Description

The present invention relates to a hydropower turbine for use in a flowing water to generate electricity.

In principle, it is known that hydropower turbines are used to generate electricity. For this purpose, known hydropower turbines on a turbine and a torque transmitting connected thereto power generator to generate from the hydropower rotation of the turbine and by the rotation of the turbine power in the generator. It is also generally known to equip such hydropower turbines for use in a flowing body of water. For example, hydropower turbines can be arranged in rivers, which provide floating production of electric current there. Known hydropower turbines have buoyancy bodies to keep the hydropower turbine at the surface of the water.

A disadvantage of known hydropower turbines is that the floating position in the area of the surface of the flowing water has disadvantages. Thus, a near-surface arrangement of the hydropower turbine causes disturbing influences and disturbing factors from the surface, for. As turbulence or vortex formations that interfere with the efficiency of power generation with the hydropower turbine.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to increase the efficiency of the turbine in a cost-effective and simple manner.

The above object is achieved by a hydropower turbine with the features of claim 1. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In this case, features and details that are described in connection with the hydropower turbine according to the invention, of course, also in connection with the sub-claims to the hydropower turbine according to the invention and in each case vice versa, so with respect to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always reciprocal reference is or may be.

A hydropower turbine according to the invention serves for use in a flowing body of water for the generation of electric current. For this purpose, the hydropower turbine on a housing, a turbine and a turbine with the torque transmitting power generator. In addition, an anchoring device for the anchoring of the hydropower turbine is provided at the bottom of the water body, which is attached to an anchor interface. A hydropower turbine according to the invention is characterized in that the anchoring device has an armature and an armature rope fixed to the armature, which extends between the armature and the armature interface. In this case, the anchor rope has a length that sets an anchor angle between the anchor rope and the bottom of the water, which, in particular depending on the flow velocity of the water, causes a descent of the hydropower turbine to achieve a force equilibrium.

A hydropower turbine according to the invention is thus designed in a similar manner as in principle known hydropower turbines. It is equipped in the usual way with buoyancy bodies to achieve a defined floating position in the water. These buoyancy bodies can, for. B. be part of the housing. However, a housing is not necessarily to be understood as a closed flow channel, as will be explained later. Thus, a housing can also be designed as a frame structure in order to ensure exclusively the mechanical mounting of the individual components, in particular of the turbine, of the current generator and of the anchor device.

A hydroelectric turbine according to the invention is also used from above into the water. This can z. B. done using a crane. If the hydropower turbine is discharged into the water, then a force situation will occur between the buoyancy of all components of the turbine and the weight of all components of the turbine, the z. B. is directly formed by greater buoyancy than the weight and generates a swim of the hydropower turbine. However, in addition to swimming, this swimming must correlate with the flow velocity of the water. Thus, the hydropower turbine is formed using the anchor device for a stationary arrangement in the flowing water. In other words, the hydropower turbine can not be moved with the flow, but opposes the flow of the flowing water. The anchor device must therefore provide a resistance force or a tensile force against the hydropower accordingly.

According to the anchor device is formed with an anchor or a screw or other device for attachment to the bottom of the water. If the hydropower turbine is used in the water, so the anchor rope extends from the used and preferably floating hydropower turbine down in the direction of the bottom of the water. It turns that way, by the length of the anchor rope given, a geometric correlation and thus also the orientation of the tensile force, which can be applied by the anchor rope of the anchor device, a. Depending on the flow rate, the hydropower, which acts on the hydropower turbine, varies. With larger hydropower, the counterforce in the direction of hydropower from the traction cable in the geometric correlation in the floating operation of the hydropower turbine is no longer maintained. This then causes the hydropower turbine to submerge. The descent occurs until a force balance between the buoyancy force, the weight, the attacking hydropower and the tension in the anchor rope sets. For this purpose, only the anchor angle, which forms between the anchor rope and the bottom of the water body, changes.

If the hydropower and thus the flow velocity of the flowing water change, so does the force equilibrium correlation. If the only variable variable, namely the water power increases, so will be necessary in this way, a greater drag than pulling force in the anchor rope. Since the forces for the buoyancy and the weight remain constant, the compensation is only possible by changing the geometric correlation. As a result, the armature angle is reduced, which automatically causes the hydropower turbine to continue dipping. If the flow velocity in the flowing water decreases, the reverse process takes place. The hydropower is reduced, so that a reduced correspondence in the opposite direction by the tension in the anchor rope must be provided. The reduced tensile force leads to a changed force equilibrium, which is also achieved by a change, here by an increase in the anchor angle. In other words, an increase in the flow velocity in the flowing water will reduce the anchor angle and increase the anchor angle by reducing the flow velocity in the flowing water. An increase in the flow rate thus corresponds to a descent of the hydropower turbine, while a reduction in the flow rate corresponds to an emergence of the hydropower turbine.

In this case, the ratio between buoyancy force and weight force can be adjusted so that in regular operation at usual water levels, the hydropower turbine is even located on the surface of the flowing body of water. However, it is preferred that the hydropower turbine substantially submerge in all or substantially all operational situations and is no longer located on the surface of the flowing body of water. The arrangement on the surface is only necessary if a low water level prevails in the flowing water, in which a further lowering would be undesirable, otherwise it would take place on the bottom of the water.

By training in accordance with the invention, it is possible in the hydropower turbine to operate this with higher efficiency. Thus, by the rising of the hydropower turbine automatically and, so to speak, in a controlled manner by nature, an arrangement of the hydropower turbine in a flow area of the flowing water reaches, in which there are improved efficiency conditions for power generation. In particular, the hydropower turbine is moved out of an area of disturbing influence in the area of the surface of the flowing body of water by the fall. Possible on the surface located vortex formations or vortex formations can thus no longer or only to a lesser extent get into the turbine and thus exert less influence or no influence on the power generation.

A hydropower turbine according to the invention is also particularly independent of any level within the flowing water. Thus, the operation of the hydropower turbine can preferably be carried out independently of the water level, since even in extreme flood situations, the hydropower turbine is deeply immersed. Accordingly, for the length of the anchor rope, in particular only a fundamental consideration of water levels is necessary, since the descent of the hydropower turbine now no longer represents an error case, but rather is a desired behavior.

The anchor may be z. B. can be a gravity anchor, which can provide a corresponding bearing force by high weight at the bottom of the water. The power generator may in principle be arranged before or after the turbine. In particular, the turbine and the power generator in a direct manner, so transmission-free, torque transmitting connected.

For the purposes of the present invention, a turbine is to be understood as meaning a rotor with turbine blades, which are supplied with water. By approach angle to the turbine blades takes place by the flow of water, a rotation of the turbine and thus the desired power generation in the power generator.

Under an anchor interface is in the context of the present invention z. B. to understand a mechanical bearing connection in which the anchor rope can be hung. For this purpose, for. B. eyelets or snap hooks are formed on the housing. It is also possible that a cable structure is arranged on the housing, which is arranged between the Anchor interface and the rest of the housing allows a division of force. Thus, a distribution or a simple and, above all, cost-effective displacement of the armature interface with respect to the relative position to the center of gravity of the hydropower turbine can take place.

It may be advantageous if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the buoyancy force of the hydropower turbine is greater than the weight of the hydropower turbine. Without activated anchor device, this will cause the hydropower turbine to float on the surface of the water. Only through the already explained correlation of the length of an anchor rope of the anchor device is now the descent of the hydropower turbine. In a stagnant water or at very low flow velocity in flowing water, the hydropower turbine floats again on the surface of the water. By constructive adjustment of the correlation between buoyancy force and weight, it is possible to provide a basic specification for the swimming behavior and especially the Abtauchverhalten the hydropower turbine. The decisive constructive intervention for the desired variation of different floats or different characteristics for the immersion behavior is made available here by the variation of the length of the anchor rope. For example, by the buoyancy force formed according to the invention, a floating positioning of the hydropower turbine can take place at the place of use. So it is possible that the hydropower turbine used on the banks of a flowing water and z. B. is pulled into the area of the middle of the river with a ship. At this location in the middle of the river, the anchor of the anchor device is sunk and thus a stationary operation of the hydropower turbine possible. Only by positioning the anchor at the bottom of the water body, the hydropower turbine according to the invention is formed, so that now results in a descent of the hydropower turbine.

It may also be advantageous if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the armature interface is arranged at a depth below the center of gravity of the hydropower turbine, in particular on or above the deepest extent of the hydropower turbine. The deeper the armature interface is located, the higher the hydropower turbine is relative to the armature interface. Especially at high flow rates, this can lead to room being made in the direction of the bottom of the water. In addition, a tilting moment is generated by this arrangement, which also provides a stabilization of the floating position of the hydropower turbine.

It may be advantageous if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the armature interface is arranged counter to the direction of flow of the water by a distance in front of the center of gravity of the hydropower turbine, in particular in front of the point of application of the hydraulic power. In this way, a so-called sea anchor effect or drag anchor effect is achieved. The lever, which forms between the anchor interface and the center of gravity of the hydropower turbine against lateral deflections is defined by this distance. The greater this distance is formed, the smaller forces are sufficient for the stabilization. Conversely, large lateral forces on the center of gravity of the hydropower turbine are stabilized by an enlarged lever with a large distance from the center of gravity and thus improves the floating position of the hydropower turbine.

A further advantage is when, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the housing has a flow channel for the flow of the water, wherein the turbine is arranged in the flow channel. A flow channel is z. B. as a suction channel or as a suction jacket formed by the housing. For example, the inlet cross section of the housing and thus of the flow channel may be smaller than the opposite outlet cross section for the outlet of the water flow. This results in a diffuser effect, which avoids, as it were, behind the turbine through a suction effect possible turbulence behind the turbine. Also, lateral support slots may be provided in the flow channel, which serve for flow support in front of the turbine, on the turbine, but in particular the turbine downstream. They serve to introduce water flowing from the outside of the suction jacket into the suction jacket in order to provide, by assisted flow behind the turbine, a vortex-free removal of the flowing water.

It is also advantageous if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the anchor rope has a variation device for the variation of the length of the anchor rope. This can be cost-effective and easy adjustment of the length of the anchor rope on site, in special situations, even within the use of running water. The variation device can, for. B. be a variation of a chain length with different snap hooks. It is also possible that an activatable variation device within the body of water allows variation of the length of the anchor rope during operation. Since the length of the anchor rope so to speak, the characteristic of the up and Abtauchverhaltens the hydropower turbine, directly through the variation device, the length of the anchor rope and in this way indirectly the characteristic curve for the submergence and emergence behavior of the hydropower turbine can be varied.

It is also advantageous if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the length of the anchor rope is designed to hold at low water level, the hydropower turbine on the surface of the water. As has already been explained, a placement of the hydropower turbine at the bottom of the water body should be avoided with a high degree of certainty. This is achieved by extending the anchor rope to the effect that now forms an anchor angle, which brings at a low water level correlated flow velocity, a floating of the hydropower turbine at the surface with it. This avoids landing on the bottom and thus sinking in the sediment at the bottom of the water. Nevertheless, it is ensured that until dry traps at a minimum water level still a sufficient power output in the power generation can be achieved.

It is also advantageous if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the armature angle varies as a function of the flow velocity of the body of water between approximately 30 ° and approximately 5 °, in particular between approximately 17 ° and approximately 9 °. These are particularly preferred anchor angles, since they form an additional automatic stabilization, in particular in the range between approximately 5 ° and approximately 9 °. The lower the anchor angle is formed, the greater the influence of even small changes in the anchor angle on the force equilibrium situation. In particular, low anchor angles will result in greater stability in the submerged condition. Deflections with respect to the floating depth of the hydropower turbine lead at low anchor angles accordingly to strong changes in the force situation, so that high restoring forces provide a fast and safe achievement of force balance.

A further advantage can be achieved if, in a hydropower turbine according to the invention, the anchoring device has a lifting aid, in particular on the housing, for an active lifting of the floating position of the hydropower turbine. It may be z. B. act with a buoy provided additional lifting cable. This is z. B. provided on the housing, so that despite the submerged turbine, a buoy on the surface of the flowing water indicates the position of the hydropower turbine. To raise the hydropower turbine can, for. For example, the lifting aid can be attached to the buoy by means of a crane. By lifting preferably at least partially against the flow direction of the flowing water now emergence of the hydropower turbine is enforced. In the now emerging hydropower turbine maintenance can take place. Also can be done by further lifting with a crane removal of the hydropower turbine from the flowing water.

It is also advantageous if in a hydropower turbine according to the invention the housing has at least one inflow surface with an angle of attack to the flow direction of the water body for a force acting transversely to the flow direction. Such inflow can z. B. are formed by wing surfaces. Such wing surfaces or also on the upper side arranged inflow surfaces can form an additional force on the already existing force equilibrium situation. In particular, they can serve to improve the stabilization of the hydropower turbine with respect to its floating position in flowing water. Onflow surfaces, which may be formed in particular on the upper side of the hydropower turbine, can also serve to defend against flotsam in near-surface floats.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any desired combination. They show schematically:

1 a first embodiment of a hydropower turbine according to the invention,

2 the embodiment of the 1 in a first steady state,

3 the embodiment of the 1 and 2 in a second steady state,

4 a further embodiment of a hydropower turbine according to the invention in two different states,

5a a representation of the force equilibrium in the stationary state and

5b a representation of an altered balance of power.

In 1 schematically is a first embodiment of a hydropower turbine according to the invention 10 shown. This has a housing 20 on, with this case 20 with a flow channel 22 is designed in Diffusorbauart. In the flow channel 22 is a turbine 30 arranged with turbine blades. The turbine blades of the turbine 30 is subordinate gearless and torque transmitting a power generator 40 with the turbine 30 connected.

Of the 1 it can also be seen that the focus S of the hydropower turbine 10 a buoyancy force A and a weight force G are arranged. By the arrow length the respective size can be seen, so that in this embodiment of the hydropower turbine 10 There is a higher buoyancy force A compared to the weight force G.

Also in this embodiment is a buoyant body 26 at the top of the case 20 arranged. In addition, there is an inflow area 24 provided, which also a rejection of flotsam near shallow operation of the hydropower turbine 10 provides.

Also clearly visible is an anchor interface 52 , which by two rope-like connections with the housing 20 or a stem in front of the housing 20 connected is.

The location of the anchor interface 52 is offset by a depth T below the center of gravity S. At the same time is the anchor interface 52 arranged by a distance B against the flow direction R in front of the center of gravity S. At the anchor interface 52 is the anchor rope 56 the anchor device 50 arranged.

The 2 and 3 show two different swimming situations. Will the hydropower turbine 10 the embodiment according to 1 into the water 100 at the water surface 120 used, so a force situation is formed in relation to the water power W, as described below with reference to the 5a and 5b is additionally explained in which force vectors are shown.

Due to the purely vertical effect of buoyancy force A and weight G, hydropower W can only be achieved by a corresponding design of a tensile force Z in the anchoring device 50 be caught. This is in 5a illustrated, wherein the buoyant force A and the weight G are formed constant. In order to stay in the force balance, the tensile force Z, which is divided by the direction of the anchor rope 56 is given in the two components of the tensile force in the X direction Zx and the tensile force in the Y direction Zy on. If the sum of all forces A, G, Zy, Zx and W equals zero, then the hydropower turbine is located 10 in the stationary position. Such a stationary position show the 2 and 3 ,

Changes by a variation of the flow velocity of the water 100 Now the hydropower W, so this z. B. enlarge, like this 5b shows. An enlarged hydropower W is represented here by a longer force vector for the water power W. The only force component which can counteract this increase in the water power W, the tensile force in the X direction Zx, as well as the 5b shows. However, since all other forces, in particular the force in the Y direction Zy, are predetermined, the increase in the tensile force in the X direction Zx can take place only by a change in the anchor angle α. This leads to the fact that by increasing the water power W on the basis of an increased flow velocity of the water 100 the reduction of the anchor angle α takes place. The 5a So z. B. according to the force balance 2 while the 5b the changed power balance according to 3 represents.

In the 2 and 3 is also a help for lifting 51 to recognize which on the housing 20 is attached. Over a Bergeboje is also the position of the lifting aid 51 and indirectly also the hydropower turbine 10 to recognize. At the anchor 54 this anchor device 50 it is a gravity anchor at the bottom 110 of the water 100 , Good to see here is the length L of the anchor rope 56 ,

In 4 is schematically the effect of a variation device 58 shown. So here's an active variation device 58 provided during the operation of the hydropower turbine 10 a reduction in the length L of the anchor rope 56 can perform. In the submerged state, therefore, in the case of a water power W in the direction of flow R, the stationary state of the hydropower turbine becomes 10 achieved in the power balance. In order to force an emergence without changing the flow velocity and thus the water force W, here the length L of the anchor rope can 56 through the variation device 58 be enlarged.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of example. Of course, individual features of the embodiments, if technically feasible, can be combined freely with one another, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Hydropower turbine

20

casing

22

flow channel

24

inflow area

26

buoyancy

30

turbine

40

power generator

50

anchoring device

51

lifting assistance

52

Anchor interface

54

anchor

56

anchor rope

58

varying means

100

waters

110

reason

120

surface

A

buoyancy

G

weight force

R

Flow direction of the water body

W

Hydropower

Z

Traction in the anchor rope

zx

Tensile force in the X direction

zy

Pulling force in Y direction

L

Length of the anchor rope

T

Depth of the anchor interface

B

Distance of the anchor interface

S

Focus of the hydropower turbine

α

anchor angle

Claims (10)

Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) for use in flowing waters ( 100 ) for generating electricity, comprising a housing ( 20 ), a turbine ( 30 ), one with the turbine ( 30 ) torque transmitting connected power generator ( 40 ) and an anchoring device ( 50 ) for anchoring the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) at the bottom ( 110 ) of the water body ( 100 ), which at an anchor interface ( 52 ), characterized in that the anchor device ( 50 ) an anchor ( 54 ) and an anchor ( 54 ) anchored anchor rope ( 56 ), which extends between the armature ( 54 ) and the anchor interface ( 52 ), wherein the anchor rope ( 56 ) has a length (L) that extends between the anchor rope ( 56 ) and the reason ( 110 ) of the water body ( 100 ) sets an anchor angle (α), which is a descent of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) to achieve a force balance. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyancy force (A) of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) greater than the weight (G) of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) is trained. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor interface ( 52 ) by a depth (T) below the center of gravity (S) of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ), in particular at or above the deepest extent of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) is arranged. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor interface ( 52 ) against the flow direction (R) of the water body ( 100 ) by a distance (B) in front of the center of gravity (S) of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ), in particular in front of the point of application of the hydropower, is arranged. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the housing ( 20 ) a flow channel ( 22 ) for the flow of the water ( 100 ), wherein in the flow channel ( 22 ) the turbine ( 30 ) is arranged. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor rope ( 56 ) a variation device ( 58 ) for the variation of the length (L) of the anchor rope ( 56 ) having. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length (L) of the anchor rope ( 56 ) is designed to be at low water level the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) on the surface ( 120 ) of the water body ( 100 ) to keep. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor angle (α) as a function of the flow velocity of the water body ( 100 ) varies between about 30 ° and about 5 °, in particular between about 17 ° and about 9 °. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchor device ( 50 ) a lifting aid ( 51 ), in particular on the housing ( 20 ), for actively raising the floating position of the hydropower turbine ( 10 ) having. Hydropower turbine ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing ( 20 ) at least one leading surface ( 24 ) with an angle of attack to the flow direction (R) of the water body ( 100 ) for force acting transversely to the flow direction (R).

Images