EP2007982A1

EP2007982A1 - Apparatus for use of flow energy

Info

Publication number: EP2007982A1
Application number: EP07722210A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nikolas Kelaiditis; Alexis Kelaiditis
Original assignee: Kelaiditis, Konstantin
Current assignee: ITEA ECOTECH GmbH
Priority date: 2006-04-13
Filing date: 2007-04-11
Publication date: 2008-12-31
Also published as: WO2007118462A1; US20090169354A1; US8192140B2; DE102006057677A1

Abstract

The apparatus for use of flow energy has elongated circumferential elements (18) with incident-flow surfaces (34, 35) facing the flow, which elements (8) are connected parallel to one another at intervals to form a rotating cage (1) or to form a strip, which is circumferential on a guide and in which they form crossbars, and the rotation axis or deflection axes is or are arranged transversely to the flow direction, with the elements (8) each having two incident-flow surfaces (34, 35). The two incident-flow surfaces (34, 35) may have the capability to swivel into the direction facing the wind by rotation of the elements (8) when the rotor (1) or strip is running. Outside the rotating cage (1), the apparatus may be provided with essentially radially aligned guide walls (22), and the rotor (1) and the walls (22) may be provided with a roof (24) in the form of a flat truncated cone.

Description

Description:

"Device for using flow energy"

The invention relates to a device for the use of flow energy, in particular wind energy, with elongated circumferential elements, which have the flow facing inflow surfaces. Such devices are known in the form of wind turbines.

The invention has for its object to provide a further type of devices of the type mentioned.

According to the invention, it is provided that the elements are connected in parallel to each other at intervals to a rotating cage or to a band circulating on a guide in which they form rungs, whose axis of rotation or deflection axes is or are arranged transversely to the flow direction.

The device according to the invention differs from the known wind wheels mainly by the direction of movement of the elements. These are parallel to themselves, usually horizontal, moving and rotating, unlike the wind turbine, not in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction. The rotational movement is carried out in the invention rather of the cage or the band on which the elements are mounted. Such a device allows a compact construction e.g. within a tower, so that at the same power the large land area, which occupy the well-known wind turbines, is not needed. Accordingly, the assembly and maintenance costs in the invention is lower. The environment is not disturbed by visible movement and changing shadow.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the

Elements each have two inflow surfaces, one of which is facing towards the flow on the facing side of the rotor or belt and the other during the run on the other side of the flow. By design, one side of the device is always facing the flow and one side is in relation to the flow behind the front elements. Appropriately, a plurality of elements is arranged on the rotating cage or the circulating belt. Depending on the number and inflow surface of the elements, flow energy is thus absorbed on a large part of the flowed surface of the rotor or of the strip.

Since the individual elements are mounted at a distance from each other on the cage or band, always a part of the flow passes through the side facing the flow. This part of the flow is captured by the back elements and contributes to energy transfer.

In order to allow the absorption of energy by a corresponding inclination of the inflow surface at the rear side, the elements may have an overall triangular, preferably symmetrical, shape in which the two inflow surfaces form two sides of the triangle.

This design results in a suitable choice of the respective angle triangle to the desired oblique orientation of the inflow surfaces with respect to the flow direction on both said sides. In the case of symmetrical design of the elements, the axis of symmetry of the elements can be directed parallel to the direction of movement of the cage or of the band.

In a further development of the invention, the elements serving to increase the inflow surfaces on pivotable or elastic plates, which are arranged at the corner between the two Anstrδmflächen of the element such that they align substantially parallel to the acted upon by the flow triangle side.

The elements can be adapted by this measure to the flow direction. Since boards are now used instead of the triangular profile shapes, the cost of materials is reduced in comparison to the other embodiment. In the elastic variant, the boards are bent by the flow and thus reduces the flow attack surface. This regulates the flow force applied to the elements themselves.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the elements have an aerodynamic shape in cross-section, in order to produce a buoyancy caused by this shape. effect on the flow-facing side, on the side facing away from the flow, or on both sides of the cage.

In a further embodiment, the elements themselves are intended to be pivotally mounted and held by springs in such a way that they give way in the case of strong flow, thereby reducing the load of the device on the elements. But it can be supplied to the rear elements and thus still be used as a major part of the flow.

In a further embodiment, the elements have passage openings, which are preferably elongated and arranged parallel to one another. At the openings fixed or movable, the passage openings at least partially closing closure sheets may be arranged. Advantageously, thereby wider rotor blades can be formed and it is only a smaller number of elements on the circumference of the rotor necessary; therefore, only smaller transport units are necessary. Furthermore, thus the production and installation on site is easier.

The opening angle of the shutter blades can be controllable. The power extraction is then easier to control. Part of the flowing medium is guided in parallel. This results in less turbulence and the energy yield from the outgoing flow medium is larger.

In a further embodiment of the invention, different elements of the abovementioned embodiments are arranged on the rotor. By combining the different element shapes and the resulting different types of flow energy absorption, the device can be adapted more easily to the respective flow conditions.

Suitably, the elements are arranged tilted in relation to the axis of rotation.

Thus, in addition to the horizontal force component, the flow also applies a vertical to the elements. As a result, depending on the direction of tilting, a greater stability of the rotor can be achieved or the load on the bearing can be reduced. In another embodiment, the elements themselves are intended to be pivotable so as to be aligned by a mechanism on the flow facing and the facing away from the flow. The swivel angle corresponds to the triangular angles formed in the aforementioned embodiment between the two inflow surfaces. Elements with an aerodynamic shape are pivoted at an angle in which the buoyant forces generated by the mold act. A combination of both is possible. The pivoting can also take place wholly or partly by the flow itself. With an analogous pivoting elements can be provided as an alternative, which have only one inflow area. They are then pivoted by rotation in the orientation to the flow.

In a further development of the invention, the device has a, preferably programmable, control for automatically aligned to the flow direction and / or strength and / or the rotational speed of the rotor alignment of the elements, each element aligned in each rotor position in each rotor position during the running of the rotor is that the force acting on the element optimally contributes to the rotation of the rotor. The efficiency of the device can thus be further increased.

Further, during operation, the elements may be aligned such that the rotational speed, e.g. To prevent overloading of the device in strong flow, controlled or the rotor is braked. If the rotor is to stand still, the elements are aligned so that the flow as little as possible or no rotor rotating force is applied.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cage is supported and guided by wheels and guides on which the wheels run. The guides can be formed by rails, but there are also simple rolling surfaces conceivable. On the base carrying the device, the cage is mounted vertically and horizontally. The vertical bearing carries the weight of the cage. The horizontal bearing holds the cage against the horizontal forces exerted by the wind on the cage. Accordingly, only a horizontal storage is provided at the top of the cage.

The wheels can be arranged on the rotor and the guide on the base. Alternatively, however, the wheels can also be arranged on the base and so on form the storage. The rotor then has on its underside rails or guide surfaces which sit on the rollers. Accordingly, the rotor and pedestal can have both wheels and guide surfaces.

Alternatively, a single vertical and horizontal guide may be disposed on the inside or outside of the cage. Conveniently, the guide for the wheels of the height of the cage is located near the center. The guide can be arranged on the outside or inside.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the elements are held lengthwise close to their center on the rotor. The guide can be formed by a ring, which also serves as a fixture for the elements.

Conveniently, the axles of the wheels may be connected via a shaft to a generator which converts the rotational energy generated by the rotor at the wheels into electrical energy.

In another embodiment, the rotor is provided with floats and arranged floating on them in a pool of water. In this variant, the bearing is virtually wear-free and the movement resistance is low. In addition, such a leadership is much quieter.

In a further embodiment, the rotor is mounted with braces on an axis arranged on the axis of symmetry of the cylinder formed by the rotor. Depending on the size of the device, circular carrier bars with a corresponding number of braces extending to the central axis are attached to the rotor for supporting or fastening the elements.

Combinations of the various storage possibilities are also provided, e.g. in the lower part of a wheel-rail storage and above the struts to protect against tilting in strong winds.

Conveniently, the cage is provided with a sprocket and coupled by at least one engaging in this, preferably mounted on the inside of the cage pinion with at least one generator.

Similarly, a pulley of said revolving belt provided with a ring gear and by at least one engaging in this, preferably mounted on the inside of the pulley sprocket with at least be coupled to a generator. Furthermore, the pulley could be connected to a generator, for example via a shaft and a gearbox.

In another embodiment, to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy at or near the rotor, e.g. Permanent electrodes or electromagnets are arranged on the base and induce an electrical voltage in induction coils arranged correspondingly on the other side next to the rotor or on the rotor. Advantageously, one can increase or decrease the braking effect by the induction on the rotor depending on the strength of the magnetic field when using electromagnets.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device is provided outside of the rotating cage with leading to the center of the rotor, substantially radially aligned baffles. These serve to focus the wind on the cage. This allows flows that run outside of the cage cross-sectional area to be directed onto the cage.

Depending on the design, it is possible to influence the trapped quantity and the direction of the flow and to direct it more effectively to the inflow surfaces of the elements.

Appropriately, the baffles are placed in such a way that the flow is directed as possible radially on the rotor or the elements. The baffles may therefore have different shapes on the sides which the flow encounters. Since the focus should be possible for all flow directions, the flow guides can be formed from a plurality of individual baffles.

Alternatively, the baffles may consist of a plurality of links connected by joints, the orientation of which can be changed by pivoting at the joints.

The position of the baffles is preferably controllable. The orientation depends on the shape of the elements and is adjusted to the flow rate and rotational speed. It can also be changed during operation of the device, so that the guide walls can be brought into appropriate positions when the device starts or decelerates or changes in flow conditions. Also on the circulating belt, the flow can be focused by baffles, preferably on the area between the pulleys. On the one hand, this increases the cross-sectional area of the absorbable flow. By focusing on the area between the pulleys but also a higher efficiency is achieved because the flow acts only there on the device where the flow surfaces are optimally aligned.

Preferably, in addition, the rotor and the baffles are provided with a flat-truncated cone-shaped roof whose lower, smaller circular area substantially equal to the cross section of the rotor and the upper, larger cross-sectional area in particular has the same radial extent as the walls. The roof increases the receiving cross section of the flow again in height. Conveniently, the lower roof surfaces with which the flow is directed onto the rotor, rounding off to avoid turbulence.

In a further embodiment, the baffles are movably mounted together with the roof, so that they can be aligned according to the flow direction. Suitably, the entire device is mounted on carriers, e.g. Columns arranged at a distance from the ground.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a plurality of rotors can be arranged one above the other in the device. Accordingly, with the same base area of the device, flow energy can be absorbed over a greater height. The rotors are then preferably arranged in a tower which is provided with adjustable baffles. If the device is constructed in bodies of water, the lower rotors may be provided for receiving hydropower and the upper ones for receiving wind energy.

Furthermore, a horizontal alignment of the elements and the axis of rotation of the rotors is possible. The elements are then moved vertically in horizontal projection. Several such rotors can then be arranged side by side. Such a structure is conceivable, for example, under bridges. In a further embodiment of the invention, the roof, the baffles and / or the tower with facilities for the production of solar energy, preferably photovoltaic systems, provided.

Conveniently, the device has overhead lines, with which the electrical energy obtained can be further transmitted directly from the device. The overhead lines are preferably from the roof of the device. Thus, the device can also take over the function of a power pole.

For large installations, the interior can also be used for other purposes, e.g. for the conversion and storage of electrical energy (storage batteries, hydrogen) can be used. This further increases the effectiveness of the systems. Weather-related fluctuations can thus be compensated.

The drawings represent embodiments of the invention.

1 shows an overall view of a first device for the use of wind energy,

2 shows a lower section of the apparatus of FIG. 1 on a larger scale,

FIG. 3 shows a further lower section of the device according to FIG. 1 on the larger scale, FIG.

4 shows the detail IV of FIG. 1 on a larger scale,

Fig. 5 shows the detail V of FIG. 1 on a larger scale, Fig. 6 shows the detail IV of an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a larger scale, Fig. 7 shows the detail IV of a further embodiment of

Device of FIG. 1 on a larger scale,

8 shows a selection of parts of an embodiment of the device from the side,

9 shows a selection of parts of a further embodiment from above,

10 shows a detail in plan view,

Fig. 1 1 shows schematically a second device for the use of wind energy,

12 shows a further detail in plan view,

13 shows details of an embodiment in plan view,

14 shows details of another embodiment in plan view, 15 shows parts of a further embodiment in an oblique plan view,

16 shows parts of a further embodiment in an oblique plan view,

17 shows a selection of parts of the device of FIG. 1 obliquely from above, FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 show further devices in plan view,

Fig.21 shows schematically another device for using the

Wind energy in plan view,

FIG. 22 shows a detail from FIG. 10 on a larger scale in plan view, FIG. 23 shows an overall view of an embodiment of the device according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 24 shows an overall view of a further embodiment of the invention

Device according to FIG. 1,

25 shows parts of a further embodiment in side view, FIG. 26 shows the detail XXVI according to FIG. 25, FIG.

FIG. 27 shows the section XXVII according to FIG.

28 shows a selection of parts of an embodiment of the device in an oblique plan view,

29 shows a selection of parts of an embodiment of the device in side view,

FIG. 30 shows details of an embodiment according to FIGS. 28 and

29

31 shows a selection of parts of an embodiment of the device in an oblique top view, FIG. 32 shows a detail from FIG.

FIG. 33 shows details of an embodiment according to FIG. 31, FIG.

FIG. 34 shows details of an embodiment according to FIG. 31, FIG.

FIG. 35 shows details of an embodiment according to FIG. 31, FIG.

Fig. 36 shows an embodiment of parts of the device, Fig. 37 shows parts of an embodiment of the device according to Fig. 1,

FIG. 38 shows an overall view of an embodiment of the device according to FIG. 1 in an oblique plan view, FIG.

39 shows an overall view of an embodiment of the device according to FIG. 1 in side view, FIG. 40 shows a detail on a larger scale,

FIGS. 41-47 show further devices in plan view,

48 shows the device according to Fig. 47 in an oblique plan view,

Fig.49 shows a detail in side view, 50 shows an embodiment of the device in an oblique plan view,

51-55 show further details in side view,

56-58 show overall views of embodiments of the device in plan view,

FIGS. 59-62 show further devices in plan view,

Fig. 63 shows a detail in side view,

FIG. 64 shows a further device in plan view, FIG.

65 shows a detail according to FIG. 64 in plan view, FIGS. 66-68 show details of an embodiment in plan view,

FIG. 69 shows a further device in plan view, FIG.

FIG. 70 shows the device according to FIG. 69 in an oblique plan view, FIG.

71 and 72 show other devices in an oblique plan view,

Fig. 73 shows a further device in plan view, and Fig. 74 shows parts of another device in plan view.

In a first embodiment, the individual elements, as shown in Fig. 1, connected to a cage 1. This cage 1 is mounted on a base 2, on which it rotates. In addition, the cage 1 is mounted on its upper side 3. The mounting is shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5. As can be seen in Fig. 2, both a vertically and a horizontally oriented wheel-rail system is mounted on the base 2. In the vertical direction, the rail 4 is mounted on the run vertically spaced wheels 5, which carry the cage 1. The rail 4 is circular in accordance with the cage shape. The horizontal guide shown in Figure 2 consists of the horizontally and viewed from the center of the cage outwardly directed rail 6, which is shown in section and the horizontally mounted wheels 7, which are seen both in section and in perspective.

The above wheel-rail systems are shown in detail in FIG. The elements 8, which form the cage 1, stand on a bar 9, which serves both for storage 10 of the axes 1 1 of the vertical wheels 5 and for storage 12 of the axes 13 of the horizontal wheels 7. The strip is provided with the corresponding recesses 14 and holes 15. The elements 8 are mounted on the cage at such a great distance from each other that the wheels 5 or 7 can be inserted between them. Between the elements 8, a vertical wheel 5 or a horizontal wheel 7 are alternately mounted. In Figure 5 is the storage shown at the top 3. The bar 16 of the top is the same structure as the bar 9 of the bottom. Analogous to the bar 9, the elements 8 are mounted in the bar of the top 16. Here, only a horizontal wheel-rail system is used to guide the cage, in which the wheels 17 on the rails (not shown) of the top run. The recesses 18 for the vertically oriented wheels remain empty.

As can be seen in Fig. 6, the wheels 52,55 may alternatively be attached to the base 2 and so form the storage. The rotor 1 then runs with its lower edge 56 directly on the rollers 52,55. Rails are then no longer mandatory, but can be beneficial. The mounted on the axes 53,54 rollers 52,55 are no longer moved with the rotor. Thus, the moving mass is lower and the wind energy can be used more efficiently.

Another embodiment of the bearing of the rotor 1 is shown in Figs.25, 26 and 27. As in the example of Fig. 6, the wheels are fixed to the base 2. The lateral bearings 80, on which the axes 81 of the wheels 82 are arranged, are held by springs 83 and guided horizontally. Thus, the bearing 80 can adapt to shape inaccuracies of the rotor 1. In the horizontal direction, the guide 84 has outwardly and inwardly stops, which limits the displacement of the bearing 80 by the rotor 1. The wheels are provided with ball bearings 85 on which the lower edge 56 of the rotor 1 runs. This can move horizontally on the vertically supporting lower wheels 86.

On the inside of the rotor 1, a ring 87 is arranged to stabilize against tilting. On the inside of the rotor in the device are columns to which the brackets 88 are attached. These attack laterally and from above to the ring 87. There are six such holders 88 on the columns at equal distances from each other.

In Fig.27, the holder 88 is shown in detail. It is guided horizontally from the side and held by a spring 89. Analogous to the example mentioned above, the guide 90 has two stops in the horizontal direction. On the brackets 88 two ball bearings 85 are arranged, one of which acts horizontally and vertically from above to the ring.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show another embodiment of a holder for the elements 8, in which the elements 8 are not at their top and bottom, but are held exclusively at their center. The elements 8 are, as shown in Fig. 30, fixed to a ring 92 which is rotatably supported horizontally on a circular support surface 91. For better stabilization, a holding element 98 is arranged on the ring 92 and on the elements. The mounting of the ring 92 on the support surface 91 has a bearing element 93 which is held by wheels 94, 95 which are mounted on axes 96, 97 fixed in the support surface 91. Thus, the ring 92 can be rotatably moved together with the elements relative to the fixed support surface 91. To protect against lateral tilting the horizontally arranged wheels 94 are provided with a flange.

Furthermore, it is conceivable to fasten the rotor 1 with the retaining ring 92 to the inner baffles shown in FIGS. 18-20 and 59-60. A holding surface 92 is then not necessary.

In a further embodiment, the rotor 1 is mounted on floats 57 in a basin 59 filled with water. As shown in Fig. 7 and 8, the basin 59 is arranged in a circle exactly below the carrier strips 9 of the rotor 1. On the underside of the carrier strips 9, the floats 57 are attached. A similar storage is also possible for the device variant shown in Fig. 11.

The following shows how the kinetic energy of the rotor is converted into electrical energy.

In Figure 3, a gear is seen, through which the rotational energy of the cage 1 is transmitted to generators 19. It consists of a gear 20, which, as can be seen in Figure 2, is mounted on the inside of the cage, and a pinion 21, which sits directly on the shaft of the generator 19. By rotation of the cage, the pinion 21 is rotated and the generators 19 driven.

An alternative way of transmitting the rotational energy is shown in FIG. 63. The elements 8 are fastened there to a ring 220. The ring 220 itself is, as also seen in Fig. 64, held laterally by horizontally disposed wheels 221. The weight of the rotor 1 is carried by wheels 224 on which the ring 220 runs. Around the ring a plurality of such supporting wheels 224 are arranged. The wheels 224 have axes 222, which are held on bearings 223 on both sides of each wheel 221 and are connected via a shaft with generators 19. Upon rotation of the rotor 1, the ring 220 rolls up the impeller 224 from. The rotational energy thus generated is converted in the generator 19 into electrical energy. An analogous energy conversion is also possible for the embodiment according to FIG. 6.

In Figure 9 is shown in another embodiment, as are arranged on the support bar 9, the rotor 1 at equal intervals from each other electromagnet 60. On the base 2, coils 61 are arranged on the inside of the rotor, in which a voltage is induced upon rotation of the rotor 1. The coils 61 are arranged in three groups 62, each with three coils 61. The distance between the electromagnets 60 on the rotor 1 is greater than the distance from the first to the third coil 61 of a group 62. Advantageously, only one magnet 60 induces voltage in one coil group 62. Further arrangements of coils 61 and magnets 60 are imaginable. Since it is now possible, with the use of electromagnets, to control the braking effect with the strength of the magnetic fields, the rotor may e.g. In strong wind braked accordingly stronger, in weak wind correspondingly weaker magnetic fields are created.

An embodiment of the elements 8 is shown in FIG. 12. Are symmetrical and generally triangular, but rounded, and have a narrowed portion 32 and a wide portion 33. The flanks 34 and 35 on the two sides are the inflow surfaces. The direction of movement when using the wind energy is indicated in Fig. 1 1 by an arrow 39. Since the elements have two inflow surfaces, they can absorb wind energy both on the windward and windward sides and contribute to the movement of the cage. The portion of the air flow, which is not used on the windward side, and thus penetrates through the cage, is used on the rear side.

The elements 8q shown in FIG. 74 have a symmetrical drop shape. Advantageously, the aerodynamic shape on the windward and the windward side of the rotor 1 contribute to the rotation.

Another embodiment of the elements 8 for the central storage shown in Figs. 28 and 29 is shown in Fig.36. The element 8 is divided into an upper part and a lower part, which are connected by a connecting part 15 1. The surfaces of the upper and lower part can be flat and are preferably made of one Cover made of canvas. The connecting part 1 15 also serves to fasten the elements.

In a development, to increase the surfaces 34,35 of the elements 8 at the corners between the two Anströmflächen boards 63 are pivotally mounted on joints 64. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the boards 63 stably align with wind in two positions 75, 76. You can switch by folding, shown with the arrow 65, about the hinge axis 64 between the positions 75 and 76. The positions 75, 76 are aligned such that the boards 63 are arranged substantially parallel to the wind-loaded triangle sides 34, 35.

In another development, an elastic plastic board 67 is clamped in the corner 66 of the elements. In Fig. 14, the arrows 68 show how the board 67 bends, depending on the direction of the incoming air. Advantageously, the size of the directly impacted profile surface then changes as a function of the wind strength, since the bending becomes greater with stronger wind. The elements 8 can be manufactured together with the boards 67 by means of coextrusion.

In a further embodiment, the elements themselves, as shown in Fig. 12, held by springs 41. By tilting the elements by strong wind, the load on the wind-facing elements can be reduced and thus greater stability of the device can be ensured.

FIGS. 41 to 47 show various embodiments of the elements designated therein as 8b to 8g and the corresponding bearings and guides.

In Fig. 41 rotatably mounted flat elements 8b are shown on a bearing 130, which align depending on the flow direction s. Their deflection is carried along by the rotor and on its outside next to the

Elements arranged holders 131 limited. When the elements 8b move in the direction of flow s according to the direction of rotation d of the rotor 1, they align in the wind direction.

In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 42, flat members 8c are mounted on an outer side of a square spar 132 which limits the deflection of the members 8c outwardly on their sides 133 and 134. *** " Corresponding to the wind direction s and the direction of rotation d, the elements 8c are directed in this way that the absorbed flow force contributes to the rotation of the rotor or does not brake. The elements 8c are pushed by the flowing medium in the stop of the maximum deflection. In the case of wind as a flowing medium, the elements 8c can also be made of canvas.

An embodiment with circular bars 136 with the attachment points 135 and 137 is shown in Fig.43. The elements 8d are mounted in the circular spar and are oriented as described above for the wind direction s.

FIG. 44 shows a further embodiment of the elements 8e as extrusion profiles, which are rotatably mounted in their middle 138. The elements are individually controlled as described below and adapted to the wind direction s, depending on their position on the rotor. On the right side in the wind direction, the elements 8e are perpendicular to the flow direction, since this is there the direction of rotation d of the rotor. On the left side, they align themselves largely parallel to the flow direction s in order to absorb as little as possible the rotation-braking flow energy. The position of the elements 8e may be, e.g. also be chosen so that the rotor does not rotate by a parallel orientation to the flow direction. This may serve to drive the rotor, e.g. in too strong wind to keep in a rest position.

The rotor with analogous operation to that in FIG. 44 is shown in FIG. 45. In this embodiment, symmetrical profiles 8f are used. Advantageously, a rotation of the elements by 180 °, as it must be performed in the embodiment in Fig.44 the left side, not necessary here.

A further embodiment of the elements 8e shown in FIG. 44 is shown in FIG. The elements 8g are not formed in the form of extrusion profiles, but made of canvas.

In Fig. 62, elements 8p having an aerodynamic shape of aircraft wings in cross-section are shown. On the thicker side in cross section of the airfoil shape, the elements 8p are rotatably mounted at the point indicated at 232 so that they can align themselves in the respective wind direction. In addition to the elements 8p, inner stops 231 and outer stops 230 are arranged which limit the rotational movement of the elements 8p. The attacks are arranged such that due to the wing shape on the Elements 8p exerted force makes the largest possible contribution to the rotation of the rotor 1.

The attacks themselves can also be designed adjustable. The stops 230a and 231a shown in Fig. 65 can be moved by a pneumatic adjusting system. The rotational latitude and the orientation of the element 8p can thus be changed depending on the position of the element 8p on the rotor 1 to the wind and during rotation.

In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 47, four strips 144 are arranged on the rotor, on each of which three elements are fastened in a fixed position. The strips 142 are aligned during the rotation of the rotor in the direction of rotation d in accordance with the wind direction s about an axis 141. As a result, fewer control points are advantageously required than in the examples of FIGS. 44-46. FIG. 48 shows a rotor according to FIG. 47 in a side view. Above and below the storage and rotation axis 141 are each a set of three elements 8g attached to strips 142.

FIGS. 49 to 55 show, in various embodiments, elements having passage openings for the flowing medium. Such an upper and lower member 8h is shown in FIG. It has a holding part 150 which connects the two parts and serves for storage. The element 8h consists of a frame 154, on which rods 153 are guided, the shutter blades 151 carry. These can, as shown in Fig. 51 c and d, be movably mounted and adapt to the wind force. The maximum deflection of the shutter blades 151 may be formed by a limitation in the bearing or by, as shown in Fig. 51 d, ropes 154 are held. The arrangement of the elements 8h on a rotor is shown in FIG. The elements 8h are rotatably mounted on the holding element 150 on the rotor and can thus be adapted to the wind direction. The shutter blades 151 are arranged symmetrically to the holding element 150.

In another embodiment for an element with passages, an element 8i with fixed closure leaves 161 is shown in FIG. A further embodiment of such elements 8k is shown in FIG. 52, in which closure sheets 151b are mounted in their center on a support rod 153b fixed to a frame 154b. In another embodiment, the shutter blades may be aligned along the direction shown by a double arrow H as shown in FIG become. In this way, the elements 81 can be adapted to the magnitude of the flow.

An element 8m is shown in FIG. 54, in which passages for the flowing medium are formed between symmetrical extrusion profiles 171. These

Elements 8m are suitable to absorb flow energy from both sides.

The element 8n shown in Fig.55 is provided with shutter blades 181 mutually tilted in a frame 184 are arranged. Even with this arrangement, flow energy can be absorbed from both sides of the elements 8n.

In principle, the various embodiments of the elements described above in the rotor can be combined with each other. The rotor then has different elements. By combining the advantages of the various element shapes, the device can then be more easily adapted to the weather-related flow conditions.

In another embodiment, the elements 8 are arranged tilted in the rotor 1 in relation to the axis of rotation. In Fig. 15, the elements 8 are shown tangentially tilted to the circular shape of the cage, tilted in Fig. 16 to the circle center point inwardly. In both cases, in addition to the force component that causes the rotor to rotate, a force component is generated in the vertical direction to the ground by the wind on the rotor and thus stabilized the run of the rotor 1. In an orientation such that the force component is e.g. is acting in a direction opposite to the force of gravity, the rotor is slightly raised and it can be reduced by the lower weight applied to the bearing, the friction and thus the wear.

In a further development of the invention, the elements 8 can be mounted individually rotatable on their support in the rotor. Depending on the wind direction and their

Position on the rotor, the elements 8 can be rotated horizontally by means of an alignment system 99 shown in FIGS. 34 and 35. The storage of an element 8 is provided with an element enclosing gear 1 1 1, in which a cooperating with a motor 1 13 gear 1 12 laterally engages. The motor 1 13 is attached via the holding member 1 14 on the ring 92. By means of a control, each element 8 can be continuously brought into desired positions by the motor 113 during the rotation of the rotor. The Device can thus be adapted in operation to the wind direction and strength and the rotational speed of the rotor 1. A possible guidance of the elements is shown in FIG. 44 in relation to the flow direction.

Particularly in the aerodynamic shape of the elements, the flow velocity plays a major role, because the buoyancy force generated by the shape is relevant only at higher flow velocities. Therefore, the individual elements to start or deceleration are each aligned so that they make the greatest possible contribution to the respective movement. Further, if the device is e.g. due to strong wind should not run, be aligned so that the rotor is moved as little as possible by the flow or stands still.

In Fig. 32, an element 8 with the alignment system 99 is shown individually. The arrangement of such elements 8 with the alignment system 99 on the retaining ring 92 and on the retaining surface 91 is shown in Fig.31. As shown in Fig. 34, the elements 8 may also have the cross-sectional area of a wing.

In Fig.33 an embodiment for the storage of the elements 8 is shown on the retaining ring 92, in which the elements 8 carrying support members 100 aufeisen on their outer sides bearing pin 101, which are rotatably mounted in bearings 102. This bearing is arranged together with the element 8 in recesses in the ring 92. The mounting of the retaining ring 92 on the support surface 91 is designed analogous to the storage of Fig.30.

Another way to individually control the orientation of the elements 8p is shown in FIG. The wing-shaped elements 8p are rotatably mounted at the point 232 on the viewed in cross-section thicker side of the wing shape. At the point 233 on the other side of the wing shape, the element 8p is held with a wire rope, which is connected via a spring 234 with another wire rope 235. The orientation of the element 8p is controlled by winding the wire rope 235 onto a shaft 236 connected to an electric motor 237. By rolling up and unwinding the steel cable 235, the element is aligned tangentially to the ring or more radially. By the spring 234 fluctuations in the strength of the flow can be compensated.

As shown in Fig. 67, the airfoil shape of an element can also be achieved by being limited by a plurality of interlocking ones individual elements 8r which can be tilted relative to one another are formed, which as a whole have the shape of wings tapered on one side and rounded on the other side. The elements 8r can thus adapt to form a curved wing shape to the respective, depending on the position of the elements 8r in the rotor during the rotational movement wind direction. The advantageous embodiment of the curved airfoil shape can thus be formed both on the front wind direction and on the rear side to the wind direction. The deflection of the elements 8r can be controlled via the holder described above at the point 233 via the steel cable 235 and the electric motor 237.

In Fig. 68, a further embodiment is shown, in which the elements 8r, as already described above, are rotatably mounted at the point 232, but are provided on the cross-sectionally different side of the wing profile with a holder having a guide wheel 242. The guide wheel 242 runs on an inner guide rail 241 or an outer guide rail 240 depending on the orientation to the wind. In the transition from the front to the rear side, the guide wheel 242 changes from the inner to the outer guide rail 241 or 240 and vice versa.

In Fig. 11, a belt 36 with elements 8 and pulleys 37 is shown. By the arrow 38, the wind direction is shown and by the arrow 39, the direction of movement of the belt or the direction of rotation of the pulleys. The elements move in the direction of the wider part of the elements. By this movement, the pulleys 37 are rotated. The movement can be transmitted either directly via a shaft or via a sprocket and pinion system to a generator.

In a further embodiment, baffles 40 can be mounted in front of the belt 36, which guide the air flow 38 on the region of the belt 36 which lies between the two deflection rollers 37. As a result, the air flow acts only there on the device where the flow surfaces are optimally aligned. In addition, by the baffles 40, the cross-sectional area of the absorbable air flow is increased.

In a further embodiment, radially oriented guide walls 22 are mounted outside of the cage 1 to the circular shape. The walls are used to focus the wind and to increase the cross-sectional area for wind absorption. In the embodiment, as seen in Fig. 17, six such walls are equidistantly mounted. The baffles 22 close on the Cage side 23 almost with the cage from, to ensure optimum supply of the wind.

Conveniently, the baffles 22 are pivotable to better direct the flow of air to the elements can. These joints 25 and 26 are attached to the baffles, which divide the baffles in wall elements 27 and 28. As shown in Fig. 10 by the arrows 29 and 30, the wall elements 27 or 28 can be brought by pivoting in other positions.

In Figs. 18, 19, 20 and 59, mounting positions for fixed baffles 22 are shown. Free spaces 77 are provided between the individual guide walls 22 so that the air can strike the rotor 1 directly when the incidence is parallel to the guide walls 22. Basically, the arrangement is chosen so that the air flow is always guided in the radial direction of the elements 8, wherein it does not matter largely, from which direction he comes. In the arrangement in FIG. 18, the air flow strikes a different profile in the air flow direction 78 on the left side 69 than on the right side 70. On the left side 69 the air is directed radially onto the elements. As a result, the braking effect on the left side 69 is reduced to the wider side of the elements 8. On the right side 70, the air for accelerating the rotor 1 shown by the arrow 79 is guided tangentially. Furthermore, guide walls 200, as shown in FIG. 59, can also be aligned tangentially to the rotor 1. Advantageously, the flow on the side where it promotes the rotation, brought to the elements and deflected away on the other side.

FIG. 73 shows another embodiment in which the wind is focused on the rotor 1 by guide walls 240 of the windward side. On the right side facing away from the wind, a shield 241 is arranged. This serves to prevent at this point that the elements 8p are flown. There they would exert a force on the rotor 1, which acts counter to the direction of rotation. Such a shield 241 could also be arranged on the inside of the rotor 1.

FIG. 60 shows baffles consisting of a fixed part 201 and a movable part 202. The movable part 202 can be aligned about an axis of rotation which is arranged on the rotor 1 side facing away from the fixed parts 201. The orientation of the moving parts 202 of the baffles can also be adjusted according to the flow direction s with motors, if necessary automatically. In a further embodiment of FIG. 60, the outer movable baffles 212 are movably mounted on its outer side. You can between two stop positions, which are formed by the fixed inner walls 21 1, are moved and strike between the outside of two baffles 21 1. In this type of leadership of the baffles no control is necessary. The outer baffles 212 align themselves from the wind direction S accordingly.

In principle, the orientation of the said movable guide walls can be controlled. The baffles can be provided with motors, preferably electric motors.

The baffles of the embodiments described above are to be installed up to a distance from the center of the rotor 1, which corresponds approximately to twice the radius of a rotor 1. The guide walls do not necessarily end outside on an imaginary circle. Also, different numbers of guide walls are conceivable. Thus, in residential neighborhoods, quadrangular arrangements of the end points of baffles can be optically and energetically interesting.

Advantageously, fixed guide walls are arranged directly in the vicinity of the rotor, so that they can serve there as a bearing for the rotor, and as a support element for structural parts or the controls. Thus, the baffles can also be used as a holder for the rotor described above for FIGS. 28 and 29. An inner support surface 91 and corresponding support elements for this support surface are then no longer necessary.

In Fig.21 a cage with pivotable elements 42 is shown. The elements 42 are pivoted on the two outer sides 43 of the cage. The elements are rotatably mounted and are pivoted about the axis 44. They are connected on one side 45 with a guide band 46. This is performed on the side facing the wind in the inner half 47 of the carrier strip, on the side facing away from the wind in the outer half 48. By the deflection of the guide belt between the positions 47 and 48 on the outer sides 43, the elements 8 are rotated. The elements 42 are aligned by rotation in both the windward and windward sides to assist movement of the rotor 1. The wind direction is shown by the arrows 49 and the direction of rotation of the cage 1 by the arrow 50.

In a further embodiment, the air flow with two guide walls 51 is passed to the cage 1. The two baffles 51 are convex shaped and mounted symmetrically to each other. Between them the cage 1 is placed. The baffles are mounted on the sides 43 of the cage. Preferably, the device is constructed so that the air flow direction is parallel to the symmetry axis between the two walls 51. In a further embodiment, the entire device is rotatably mounted and can be adapted to the wind direction.

In FIGS. 56-58 possibilities for the arrangement of several rotors are shown. The rotors can be arranged one behind the other in series or parallel to each other. Here are the cases to distinguish in which the flow come only from a single direction and those where the flow can come from two opposite directions.

56, a rotating cage 1 and a rotor with elements guided on a circulating belt 36 are arranged one behind the other in the flow direction s. To guide the flow, a guide wall 201 is arranged on the left side in the flow direction s, which directs the flow onto the cage so that the elements are not flown against their direction of rotation. For this purpose, the guide wall 201 is guided on the left side close to the rotor and surrounds it at least partially. On the opposite side, however, the guide wall 202 is guided so that the flow is brought laterally to the rotor 1 and there drives the elements in the direction of rotation. To further obtain the remaining flow energy, the flow is passed with further guide walls 200 on the arranged on a rotating belt 36 elements.

An exemplary embodiment of such a rotor 1 is shown individually in FIGS. 69 and 70 for the use of water energy. The rotor is surrounded by side walls 201 and a roof cover 251 supported by supports 250. In addition, the flow s is guided by ramps 252 in addition to the rotor 1.

In a further example in FIG. 57, three groups of cages 1 a, 1 b and 1 c arranged parallel to one another are arranged one behind the other in the flow direction. The cages rotate in two opposite directions dl and d2. The first flow group Ic has four cages. On the outsides of the group I c baffles 201 are placed, the which act in the same way as in the example shown in FIG. 56. In the area between an outer and an inner cage, the flow direction contributes to the rotation in both the direction dl and d2. In the area between the two inner cages, the flow would slow down the rotational movements. Therefore, the flow is directed by a baffle 203 laterally and the rotational movement promotional on the cages. Analogous to the preceding examples, a guide wall 203 is arranged in the following group of cages 1 b between the cages lying in the flow direction on the right side, a guide wall 202 on the right side and a guide wall 201 on the left side. According to the direction of rotation of the two In the cage group 1 a arranged cages baffles 201 are arranged on their outer sides, which divert the flow of the elements moving counter to their direction.

In another embodiment, shown in Rg. 58, the baffles are arranged so that the flow energy can be absorbed in two flow directions sl and s2. The baffles are arranged so that the cages arranged behind one another in groups Id, 1 e and If always move in a direction of rotation d 1. So that the flow from both directions of flow always hits the cages in such a way that it does not slow down the rotation, guide walls 201 are guided close to the cages on both sides. Accordingly, such baffles 203 must be arranged on both sides of the cage groups. Such arrangements of elements are e.g. interesting for tidal power plants, where the current comes from opposite directions at low tide or high tide.

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the device for focusing the air with guide walls 22 and a roof 24 is arranged to be rotatable about the rotor 1. The roof is supported by support beams 72. As shown in detail in FIG. 40, the entire apparatus is arranged on circular rails 71 which are guided on rollers 73 fastened to the ground 2. The focusing device is driven in the wind so that the opening is oriented perpendicular to the wind direction of arrival. The then back opening creates an additional suction effect.

In Fig. 24 it is shown how the device can be mounted on columns as support beams 74. FIGS. 37 to 39 show a further embodiment of a device for focusing the air on the cage 1 with centrally mounted elements 8. The elements 8 are correspondingly centered on a retaining ring in FIGS. 28 to 30 and FIGS 92 attached and stored on a holding surface 91 above. The support surface 91 is supported by outer support beams 1 17 and an inner support bracket 121. These support beams 1 17 and 121 are on a circular plane 1 18, which is mounted on columns as support beams 74 on the ground. The support surface and the elements are covered by a supported by Stützträgem 1 17 and 121 roof with photovoltaic systems 1 16 upwards. As shown in Fig. 38, the device is provided with baffles 22 and a roof 24 which can be rotatably rotated on the circular plane 1 18 in the wind direction. Parking spaces 1 19 or offices 120 can be arranged below the circular level 1 18. The generated current can be continued directly from the device via an overhead line 122, the free lines 122 preferably leaving the central support beam 121. The device thus assumes the additional function of a power pole.

In a further embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 71, a plurality of the rotors described above are arranged one above the other in a tower. Each rotor has a height of about 40 m. There are 7 rotors arranged one above the other. At the height of each rotor then the wind direction can be measured and the individual rotors are aligned depending on the nature of the above-mentioned embodiment of the wind. Thus, for example, the baffles can be turned to wind or / and the individual rotor blades are aligned in the respective rotors.

Furthermore, such a tower can also be constructed on a hydroelectric power plant according to FIGS. 69 and 70. FIG. 72 shows such a system in which the flow energy of water, e.g. can be obtained in a river or marine areas with strong current and in the area above the water, the wind energy can be used in the same manner as in the figures 37 to 39 and 72 embodiments shown. In addition, photovoltaic systems 116 can also be arranged on such a system.

Advantageously, such a multifunctional device is subject to less weather-related fluctuations, as a result of the possibilities for generating energy Wind, water and solar energy can be used on different energy sources.

In addition, the interior of large equipment can be partially used to store energy, e.g. in batteries or hydrogen. The stored energy can be used to fill the energy gaps, e.g. be used in wind-poor time intervals.

Claims

claims:

1. An apparatus for utilizing flow energy, in particular wind energy, with elongated circumferential elements (8, 42), which have inflow faces facing the flow, characterized in that the elements (8, 42) are parallel to one another at intervals to a rotating cage (1). or to a band (36) circulating on a guide, in which they form rungs, whose rotation axis or deflection axes are or are arranged transversely to the flow direction.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements (8, 42) each have two inflow surfaces, one of which when running on the side facing the flow of the rotor (1) or band (36) and the other at Run on the other side of the flow is facing.

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the elements (8) have a whole triangular, preferably symmetrical cross-sectional shape, in which the two flow surfaces (34,35) form two sides of the triangle.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the two Anstrδmflächen when running the rotor (1) or belt (36) by rotation of the elements (42; 8b; 8c, 8d), preferably by the action of the flow, are pivotable in the orientation to the flow.

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the elements (8) are pivotally mounted about an axis parallel to the inflow axis and in the pivoting direction of springs (41) are held.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elements have only one inflow surface which is pivotable in the orientation of the flow during rotation of the rotor or belt by rotation of the elements, preferably by the action of the flow.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the elements (8) are independently pivotable and the orientation of each element is individually controllable.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the device is a, preferably programmable, control for automatic, flow direction and / or strength and / or the

Having rotational speed of the rotor adapted alignment of the elements (8).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the elements (8) are held lengthwise near their center on the rotor (1).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotating cage (1) by both vertically and horizontally mounted wheels (5.7, 224.221) is mounted in a rail system and at the bottom of the cage a vertical (4) and a horizontal guide (6) and at the top a horizontal guide is provided or approximately at mid-height of the cage (1) on the inside or the outside of a vertical and a horizontal guide (220) is provided.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one wheel (5, 7, 221, 224) is coupled to a generator (19).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cage (1) with a sprocket (20) is provided and by at least one engaging in this, preferably mounted on the inside of the cage, pinion (21) with at least a generator (19) is coupled.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the bearing of the rotor is arranged on its geometrical axis and the connection from the rotor to the bearing is preferably formed by struts.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one guide roller (37) of said revolving belt (36) is provided with a ring gear and by at least one engaging in this, in particular mounted on the inside of the guide pulley, pinion is coupled to at least one generator.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that on the rotor (1) or next to the rotor (1) permanent magnets or electromagnets are arranged and accordingly on the other side next to the rotor (1) or on the rotor (1) induction coils are arranged.

16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, 14 or 17, characterized in that the flow through baffles (40) on the circulating belt (36), preferably to the area between the pulleys, is focused.

17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13 or 15, characterized in that the device outside of the rotating cage (1) with the center of the rotor, substantially radially aligned Guide walls (22) is provided, wherein preferably the baffles consist of several members whose orientation is variable by rotation at joints (25; 2ό), which serve to connect the individual members.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the rotor (1) and the walls (22) are provided with a flat-frusto-conical roof (24) whose lower, smaller circular area is substantially equal to the cross section of the rotor and the upper , bigger ones

Cross-sectional area in particular has the same radial extent as the walls.

19. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that a plurality of cages (1), preferably in a tower, are arranged one above the other and preferably the lower cages 1 are provided for receiving water power and the upper for receiving wind energy.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the roof (24), the baffles (22) and / or the tower with facilities (1 16) are provided for the production of solar energy.

21. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the device has overhead lines (122) and the overhead lines (122) preferably emanating from the roof (24).