DE202010017800U1 - Hydropower plant - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydroelectric power plant for generating electrical energy by converting flow energy of flowing water, with at least one rotor unit in the form of a trough (3), and with a generator (5) driven by the screw body (4), the trough (3) at its outlet end has a reducing element (8) for reducing the outflow cross-section, and wherein - the reducing element (8) has an inlet cross-section (9) adapted to the end-side trough cross-section (9) and an outlet cross-section reduced on the outlet side (10) compared to the inlet cross-section (9) ), characterized in that the outlet cross section (10) of the reducing element (8) is approximately 10% to 50% smaller than the inlet cross section (9).

Description

The invention relates to a hydropower plant for generating electrical energy by converting the flow energy of a flowing body of water, with at least one housed in a trough rotor unit in the form of a worm body with individual flights, and with a driven by the worm body generator, wherein the trough at its outlet end a Has reducing element for reducing the Ausströmquerschnittes, and wherein the reducing element has on the trough side adapted to the end-side trough cross-section inlet cross-section and outlet side has a relation to the inlet cross-section reduced outlet cross-section.

Hydropower plants for generating electrical energy are known in many ways, including only by way of example on the EP 1 930 597 A2 referenced. There, an Archimedean screw making use of the Archimedean principle is described as a rotor unit. This also applies to the likewise generic DE 41 39 134 A2 ,

Comparable hydropower plants without Archimedean screw for it with a propeller-like rotor unit are in the US 4,868,408 presented. In the known and aforementioned hydropower plant is working with a relative to an inlet cross-section enlarged outlet cross-section with divergent angle associated walls. In fact, the outlet diameter is more than 1.5 times the inlet diameter to create a Venturi effect. This results in a complex housing shape that can not be combined or hardly combined with an elongated Archimedean screw.

In fact, in hydropower plants with Archimedean screws predominantly cylindrical troughs are used. This is what the first two writings do EP 1 930 597 A12 and also the DE 41 39 134 A1 clear. Similarly, in the context of the generic teaching according to the DE 20 2010 004 056 U1 worked. Here, the water movement can be changed by the fact that the diameter of the central tube or trough at the lower and / or upper end outside or within the area provided with Schneckenflügeln is conically reduced.

In such hydropower plants with located in the interior of the trough and designed as Archimedes screw rotor unit, there is a problem in that the outlet side of the trough often turbulent flows occur, what u. a. leads to disturbing noise emissions. There is also the risk that water flows back or can flow back into the outlet end of the trough. These phenomena not only diminish the acceptance of such hydroelectric power plants commonly operated in flowing public waters such as rivers, but also adversely affect the achievable efficiency. Here, the invention aims to provide a total remedy.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a hydropower plant so that an improved flow behavior is observed with at the same time optimized noise behavior and increased efficiency.

To solve this technical problem, a generic hydropower plant in the invention is characterized in that the outlet cross section of the Reduzierelementes is formed in about 10% to 50% smaller than the inlet cross-section.

In the context of the invention, the trough is thus equipped with an additional element, namely the reducing element. This is provided at its outlet end. Since the trough is usually stored at a certain angle between an upper water level and an underwater level of the flowing water or is placed, the outlet end of the trough is in the area of the underwater mirror. At this outlet end, the reducing element according to the invention is provided, by means of which the Ausströmquerschnitt is reduced.

Usually, the trough has a cylindrical shape and consequently a constant trough cross section and may be designed to be open or closed. Without additional reduction element used according to the invention, the trough cross-section corresponds to the outflow cross-section, that is to say the cross-section which is available to the water flowing through the trough as a whole when flowing out. This Ausströmquerschnitt is reduced in the invention by the provided at the outlet end of the trough reducing element. D. h., The Ausströmquerschnitt at the end of the Reduzierelementes is designed smaller than the trough cross section. In most cases, cross-sectional reductions from the trough cross section to the outflow cross section at the outlet end of the reducing element of at least 10% or more are observed at this point. D. h., The water flowing through the trough passes through a cross section, which decreases from the trough cross section in the interior of the trough to the outflow cross section at the outlet end of the Reduzierelementes by at least 10%.

To achieve this in detail, the reducing element is generally designed as a ring element connected to the trough. It can the reducing element can be designed as a closed or open ring element, for example as a full ring element, half ring element, three-part ring element etc. D. h., The invention comprises designed as a ring element Reduzierelemente that are closed or open overall and only paint over a certain arc angle. In the latter case, it may be a half-ring element, a three-quarter ring element, etc. As a result, the individual levels of filling inside the trough can be easily taken into account. In fact, the rotor unit located inside the trough and mounted therein is regularly designed as an Archimedean screw (worm). Through this Archimedean screw inside the trough individual screw flights or flights are defined. Depending on the design and installation of the trough, the screw threads are filled to a certain degree with water. One speaks in this context of the Gangfüllungen.

Typically, water flows from the upper water level through the trough to the underwater level. The individual flights or screw flights are filled with water, taking into account the fillings of the gears, and the fillings glide downwards under the influence of gravity in the trough. The desired thrust is exerted on the individual flights and the Archimedean screw is rotated. The turn, in turn, drives the generator. The torque available at the Archimedean screw to drive the generator depends on the weight of the gear fill, so that it is generally desirable to fill the individual flights fully with water.

Since the hydropower plants are typically used in natural waters, this can only be realized to a limited extent because the upper water level and consequently also the underwater level are subject to seasonal fluctuations, for example. In any case, you will interpret, for example, depending on the maximum gear filling the reducing element accordingly as a closed or open ring element. That is, the (maximum) trough cross section used by the water flowing through the trough defines the size of the reducing element. If the entire trough cross section is used by the flowing water, one will typically work with a reducing element designed as a closed ring element. By contrast, if the water flowing through uses only half of the trough cross-section, then it is possible to work with a reducing element designed as a half-ring element.

In detail, the reducing element has two different cross sections, namely an inlet cross section and a contrast reduced outlet cross section. The inlet cross section is adapted to the end trough cross section. In other words, the reducing element has on the trough side the inlet cross section adapted to the end trough cross section. This inlet cross section is in the axial direction of the reducing or in the flow direction of the water in the outlet side over the inlet cross-section reduced outlet cross section over. In this connection, one usually works with a matching cross-sectional shape for the reducing element and the trough. Here, for reasons of a simple production, circular cross-sections have been proven with matching center axis.

In the maximum, the outlet cross-section is reduced to about half in comparison to the inlet cross-section. Very particular preference is given to a variant in which the outlet cross-section is smaller by 20% to 40% than the inlet cross-section and in relation to this.

In addition, it has proven useful if the reducing element has an axial length which is at most half of a trough diameter. That is, the reducer and the concomitant reduction in bleed cross-section typically occurs over a distance that is less than half the trough diameter of its length. Very particularly preferred is an axial length of the reducing element, which measures 0.1 to 0.3 times the diameter in question.

In general, the trough is cylindrical. This is because such a cylindrical shape can be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner. In addition, the cylindrical shape of the trough takes into account the fact that the rotor unit accommodated in the interior of the trough and usually mounted there is generally designed as an Archimedean screw, which already defines an enveloping cylinder jacket with its individual screw flights or worm threads. Compared to the cylindrically executed trough, on the other hand, the reducing element is advantageously designed conical. It is typically worked with a cone angle in the range of 10 ° to 40 °. In particular, cone angles of 10 ° to 30 ° and preferably those in the range of about 20 ° have proven to be particularly favorable.

For reasons of a simple and cost-effective production, the reducing element is generally constructed in several parts. In this case, the reducing element may consist of individual Reduzierelementbestandteilen. These reducing element components may be designed as respective conical bows and taken together form and define conically designed reducing element.

The reducing element generally has at least one connecting flange. With the help of this connection flange, the reducing element is typically connected by fastening means to the trough, at its outlet end. For this purpose, the reducing element on the port in question the port side, d. H. at its end facing the outlet end of the trough end. The opposite drain-side end of the reducing element can also be equipped with a connection flange. This is particularly recommended in the event that the reducer is placed in the area of a support bracket. With the help of this support bracket can be realized a lower storage of the hydropower plant. On this support bracket, the reducer can be specified if necessary. The drain side connection flange may serve this purpose.

In general, the trough is arranged or stored at a certain angle between the upper water level and the underwater level of a flowing water body. In this context, it has proven useful if the associated installation angle of the trough can be varied. D. h., The trough is pivotally mounted under adjustment of a varying Aufstellwinkels between the upper water level and the underwater mirror. As a result, different water levels can be taken relatively easily.

Moreover, it has proven useful if the reducing element is arranged wholly or partially below the underwater mirror. D. h., The inventively carried out spill reduction is usually underwater, d. H. below the underwater mirror. In this case, the reducing element can advantageously be produced from sheet metal, wherein in particular steel sheet, for example hot-dip galvanized steel sheet or has proven to be particularly advantageous from stainless steel.

As a result, a hydropower plant is provided which has a reduced discharge diameter, which is surprising at first, because one would usually assume an extended discharge diameter to increase the throughput. The corresponding shows the US 4,868,408 and also the DE 41 39 134 A1 (see the 1 and 2 ). Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh as will be explained in more detail below. In this case, the outlet diameter in question is provided by the provided at the outlet end of the trough reducing element available. In fact, the reducing element ensures a reduction of the Ausströmquerschnittes.

In this way, initially an improved outflow of water from the trough or the end-side reducing element is provided. Because the reducing element in question prevents or reduces the formation of turbulent flows in this area. As a result, the flow conditions are improved in the interior of the trough and as a result, the efficiency can be increased. All this succeeds, although the exit velocity of the water or of the medium generally undergoes a reduction in the example case.

Because of the reduced exit velocity and the improved flow conditions, the individual screw flights of the Archimedean screw are more and more uniformly filled compared to a hydropower plant without a reducing element. The weight of the individual Gangfüllungen so tends to increase and thus also transferred from the Archimedes screw on the generator torque and consequently the efficiency.

In the same direction act measures of the invention, according to which the outlet cross-section of the water flowing through the hydropower plant undergoes an increase due to the reduced exit velocity. In other words, the proportion of the total available outflow cross section actually used by the water increases. As a further consequence, outflow losses are reduced and the efficiency is increased again. At the same time any noise emissions are minimized and deposits are avoided by the more even outflow.

In addition, on the output side of the reducing element by the turbulent flows reduced at this point, for example, no backflow into prematurely empty screw flights can be done more. Rather, the reduced exit velocity of the water requires a consistently equal and more or less constant fill or fill the individual flights. As a result, there is also no risk that backflowing water will eventually be expressed laterally by the Archimedean screw again.

Finally, the more uniform running of the Archimedean screw in comparison to a hydropower plant without a reducing element means that low-frequency pumping noise is avoided, in particular when the water level is elevated. Consequently, impairments of the fish population are not expected. A further factor contributing to this is the fact that vibrations are reduced and consequently the dynamic loading of the necessary bearings for holding the trough is also reduced. In conjunction with the same Decreased load changes thus provides a longer bearing life for the bearings. Here are the main benefits.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

1 a hydroelectric plant according to the invention schematically in perspective view,

2 the object after 1 in side view, partly in section,

3 a detail of the hydropower plant after the 1 and 2 in the area of the reducing element and

4 a modified embodiment of the 3 ,

In the figures, a hydropower plant is shown, which serves to generate electrical energy by converting the flow energy of a flowing body of water. The water is in the present case a river, which is dammed at a weir or generally at a level. Following direction one observes an upper water level 1 and an underwater mirror 2 , The hydropower plant has a trough in its basic structure 3 which completely or partially encloses a rotor unit which rotates in its interior. The rotor unit is a worm body 4 with single flights, hence an Archimedean screw or screw. The worm threads have fillings in the water caused by the fact that the water of the river from the upper water level 1 starting from the upper end into the trough 3 flows in and the trough 3 at the lower end or in the lower part of the underwater mirror 2 leaves again. The water fills the individual screw flights and slides under the influence of gravity in the trough 3 down. In this case, a thrust force is exerted on the individual screw flights, which the screw body 4 or the Archimedean screw rotated.

Because the snail body 4 in the example shown, the same axis with a generator 5 interacts or the generator 5 coaxially to the snail body 4 is connected, the generator follows 5 the rotations of the worm body 4 and generates in this way the output side, the desired electrical energy. This is the greater, the more the individual Gangfüllungen are filled with water, as has already been described in the introduction.

The entire rotor unit or the trough 3 including the inside of the rotating screw body 4 is at a certain angle α between the upper water level 1 and the underwater mirror 2 stored. The setting angle α may vary, because the trough 3 swiveling between the upper water level 1 and the underwater mirror 2 is stored. This is a pivot bearing 6 in conjunction with a base 7 to disposal. However, this is only to be understood as an example and not a mandatory requirement for the invention.

Because this is essential that the trough 3 at its outlet end with a reducing element 8th equipped, which in detail in the 3 and 4 is pictured. With the help of the reducing element 8th the flow cross-section of the hydropower plant is reduced as a whole.

In fact, the trough is 3 in the example shown cylindrical and closed (see. 1 to 3 ) or open (cf. 4 ) and thus has a circular and in the sectional view according to 2 indicated trough cross section 9 , This trough cross section 9 or the outflow cross section available to the water is through the reducing element 8th reduced. In fact, that happens from the upper water level 1 through the trough 3 flowing through and at the underwater mirror 2 outflowing water at the outlet end of the Reduzierelementes 8th an outlet cross section 10 , which compared to the trough cross section 9 is reduced by about 10 to 40%. The trough cross section 9 represents the inlet cross section 9 of the reducing element 8th dar. The inlet cross-section 9 consequently decreases by about 20% to 40% along the reducing element 8th , up to the output side of the outlet cross section 10 is observed. So it applies in the example case: (0.6 ... 0.8) × inlet cross section 9 = outlet cross section 10.

For this purpose, the reducing element 8th as to the trough 3 connected ring element formed. The trough 3 has a total of a closed or open cylinder jacket. Consequently, the reducing element 8th as a closed ring element or solid ring element according to the right representation in 3 and according to the 1 and 2 executed. Alternatively, the reducing element 8th but also be designed as an open ring element, for example, half-ring element, as shown in the left illustration of 3 is shown and in connection with the embodiment according to 4 is used.

The reducing element 8th is trough-side with the at the end-side trough cross section 9 adapted inlet cross-section 9 educated. Because the trough 3 as already described cylindrical design, it has a consistently same trough cross-section 9 , which the end-side trough cross section in question and thus the inlet cross section 9 of the reducing element 8th equivalent. Outlet side, the reducing element 8th in contrast, the outlet cross section 10 on, which opposite the inlet cross-section 9 is reduced.

In detail has the reducer 8th over an axial length L which is at most half of the trough diameter D. According to the embodiment, that the axial length L of the reducing element 8th is approximately 0.1 to 0.3 times the trough diameter D, according to the embodiment of its length corresponds to 0.2 times the trough diameter D. As a rule, therefore: L = 0.1 .. 0.3 × D.

Because the trough 3 , as already explained, is cylindrical, has the reducing element 8th typically over a conical shape. This conical shape is best recognized by looking at the 3 and 4 , In fact, a cone angle β of approximately 10 ° to 40 ° corresponds to the tapered reducing element 8th , In the example, the cone angle β is about 20 ° and can be located in particular in the range between about 10 ° and 30 °.

Based on 3 In addition one recognizes that the reducing element 8th Usually constructed in several parts and consists of individual Reduzierelementbestandteilen 8a . 8b composed. In fact, the embodiment draws on two respective conical half-bowls, taken together, the conical reducing element 8th or the ring element closed in this way as shown 3 to shape. In this way, even with only one Reduzierelementbestandteil 8a be worked, as in the left part of the 3 and in the 4 is shown.

The reducing element 8th is with at least one connection flange 11 equipped. About this connection flange 11 becomes the reducer 8th for example, detachable with the trough 3 coupled at its outlet end. This is the flange 11 with the trough 3 connected via fasteners, not shown, such as screws. Of course, there is also a permanent and non-detachable connection between the trough 3 and the reducing element 8th in the context of the invention.

Usually, however, one works with a removable reducing element 8th for maintenance purposes or repairs, for example, the reducer 8th to be able to remove and following this the worm body 4 expand and reinstall. In addition to the previously mentioned trough-side connection flange 11 can the reducing element 8th also via another drain-side connection flange 12 feature. With the help of this drain-side connection flange 12 can be the reducer 8th or at this point realized conical full or half ring on a support bracket 13 additionally attach in the 4 indicated and illustrated by way of example. With the help of this support bracket 13 is the illustrated hydropower plant or its trough 3 at its underwater end alternatively or in addition to the base 7 according to 2 kept and stored. In this case, the reducing element likes 8th with its additional drain-side connection flange 12 in addition to the local support bracket 13 be connected. This is only an example and not necessarily to understand.

Based on the representation after 2 you realize that the reducer 8th or at this point provided full or half ring wholly or partially below the associated underwater mirror 2 is arranged. As a result, the flow conditions are influenced as described particularly advantageous. In addition, the reducing element 8th made of sheet metal and especially sheet steel, so that the desired shape of the conical Volloder half-ring can be easily produced by conventional machining operations, such as a rolling or rolling process.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1930597 A2 [0002]
• DE 4139134 A2 [0002]
• US 4868408 [0003, 0021]
• EP 1930597 A12 [0004]
• DE 4139134 A1 [0004, 0021]
• DE 202010004056 U1 [0004]

Claims (14)

Hydropower plant for generating electrical energy by converting the flow energy of a flowing water body, with at least one in a trough ( 3 ) received rotor unit in the form of a screw body ( 4 ) with individual screw flights, and with one of the screw body ( 4 ) powered generator ( 5 ), where - the trough ( 3 ) at its outlet end a Reduzierelement ( 8th ) to reduce the Ausströmquerschnittes, and wherein - the reducing element ( 8th ) on the trough side to the end-side trough cross section ( 9 ) adapted inlet cross-section ( 9 ) and on the outlet side one opposite the inlet cross section ( 9 ) reduced outlet cross section ( 10 ), characterized in that the outlet cross-section ( 10 ) of the reducing element ( 8th ) in about 10% to 50% smaller than the inlet cross-section ( 9 ) is trained. Hydroelectric power plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet cross section ( 10 ) of the reducing element ( 8th ) 20% to 40% smaller than the inlet cross-section ( 9 ) is trained. Hydroelectric power plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) as to the trough ( 3 ) connected ring element is formed. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) is designed as a closed or opened ring element, for example, full ring element, half ring element, three-quarter ring element, etc. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) and the trough ( 3 ) have a matching cross-sectional shape, for example, each circular. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) has an axial length (L) which is at most 0.5 times, in particular 0.1 to 0.3 times, a trough diameter (D). Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the trough ( 3 ) cylindrical and the reducing element ( 8th ) are conical. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) in several parts from individual Reduzierelementbestandteilen ( 8a . 8b ) is composed. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) with at least one connecting flange ( 11 . 12 ) is equipped. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) in the area of a support bracket ( 13 ) is arranged. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the trough ( 3 ) at a certain angle (α) between a surface water table ( 1 ) and an underwater mirror ( 2 ) is stored a flowing body of water. Hydroelectric power plant according to claim 11, characterized in that the trough ( 3 ) with adjustment of a varying angle of deployment (α) pivotable between the upper water level ( 1 ) and the underwater mirror ( 2 ) is stored. Hydroelectric power plant according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) wholly or partially below the submarine level ( 2 ) is arranged. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the reducing element ( 8th ) made of sheet metal, in particular sheet steel.

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