EP2880302A2

EP2880302A2 - Device for tapping electrical energy from hydropower

Info

Publication number: EP2880302A2
Application number: EP13745332.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Felix Widmer; Martin Ruge; Markus Felix
Original assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
Current assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
Priority date: 2012-07-27
Filing date: 2013-07-22
Publication date: 2015-06-10
Also published as: JP2015522756A; US20150211476A1; TW201422907A; WO2014015446A2; WO2014015446A3; US9494128B2; CH706768A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (1) for tapping electrical energy from hydropower. The system (1) comprises an energy tapping module (2) designed as a mounting unit. Said energy tapping module contains a drive arrangement, having a plurality of flow organs (8), which can be driven by hydropower in a rotational direction (R), two deflection organs (5, 6) at a distance from one another, around which the drive arrangement is guided in a rotating manner, a power generator (10) for tapping electrical energy from the rotating drive arrangement, a water conduction channel (11) for forming water uptake compartments in co-operation with the flow organs (8), as well as a module frame (24), to which the drive arrangement, the deflection organs (5, 6), the power generator (10) and the water conduction channel (11) are connected. The module frame (24) contains interface means (13), via which the energy tapping module (2) is connected to a substructure (7).

Description

DEVICE FOR REMOVING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM HYDROPOWER

The invention relates to a system for removing electrical energy from hydropower.

There are a variety of devices are known which use the potential gradient of water or its kinetic energy to convert electrical energy. In this context, a distinction is basically made between two plant types.

According to a first type of plant, the kinetic energy of the incoming water is used to drive a generator to generate electricity. For this purpose Anströmorgane, such as turbine blades, provided which are flowed through by the water and set in motion. Hydropower plants of the first type can be found in river power plants or storage power plants. Even the mid-submersed water wheel is operated in this way.

According to a second type of plant, not primarily the kinetic energy of the inflowing water but rather its potential energy released during the passage of a potential gradient is used. This means. According to this principle, the gravitational force of the water acting on a Anströmorgan drives a drive member. This principle is used, for example, in the overshot waterwheel. In the present invention, the term "extraction of electrical energy" is used. This term is synonymous with the terms often used such as "energy conversion,""energyproduction" or "energy production." EP-A-1 731 756, for example, describes a hydropower plant which utilizes the potential energy of water to convert electrical energy The system consists of a hydroelectric power unit with a vertical shaft and a power generator connected to the hydro power unit, with shafts attached to a chain which receive a certain volume of water The plant is comparatively inflexible with regard to its possible uses, since it can only be carried out together with a vertical shaft WO 2011/041918 likewise describes a plant for the conversion of electrical energy from hydropower, which contains a circulating drive chain mi t a load and a return. The drive chain is guided in a direction of rotation about two horizontally and vertically staggered arranged deflecting members. The drive chain includes a plurality of arranged in the direction of rotation behind each other and spaced from each other Anströmorgane. The Anströmorgane each form part of a chain link of the drive chain. The Anströmorgane engage on the side of the load tube in an inclined water supply channel and form with the side channel walls and the channel bottom water absorption compartments. The individual water absorption compartments receive a certain volume of water in the inlet area, which is discharged from the water storage compartment only in the outlet area.

Furthermore, the system includes a generator for converting electrical energy from the revolving drive chain. The water is fed to a higher inlet area in the water channel, the in the vanes dipping the water guide channel retain the inflowing water in the formed Wasseraufnahmeabteilen. The blades are driven by the weight of the water, whereby the water in the receiving compartments is guided along the water duct to a lower outlet. The solution described has the disadvantage that the blade guide in the water guide channel is rather imprecise, so that the receiving compartments are too permeable in the direction of movement for the entrained water and a part of the compassionate water unused the water supply channel flows down to the outlet. Furthermore, the installation of the system is relatively complex and cumbersome. Moreover, the energy conversion is not optimally implemented.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve the leadership of the Anströmorgane in the water supply channel and the water supply in general and to optimize the energy conversion, not least to increase the efficiency of the system. Furthermore, the system should be quick and easy to install on site.

The object is solved by the features of the independent claim. Further preferred embodiments and developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the description and the figures.

The invention is characterized in that the system contains a trained as a mounting unit energy extraction module. The energy extraction module in turn includes a drive arrangement with a plurality of Anströmorganen which is driven by water power in a direction of rotation. Furthermore, the energy extraction module contains at least two spaced deflecting members, around which the drive assembly is guided circumferentially.

The Anströmorgan contains a transversely across the water supply channel extending, wall-shaped flow-leading element. In addition, the energy extraction module includes at least one generator for removing electrical energy by means of the rotating drive arrangement. In addition, the energy extraction module also contains a water supply channel for forming water absorption compartments in cooperation with the inflowing organs.

The energy receiving module also includes a module frame, with which the drive assembly with the Anströmorganen, the deflecting members, the power generator and the water supply channel are connected. The module confession can be designed as a cage-like structure. The module frame is in particular a structure with or made of profiles and connecting elements.

The module rack contains interface means by which the power take-off module can be detachably or non-detachably connected to a substructure. The interface means are preferably arranged on the frame base. The module frame is connected via the interface means by means of a form, material and / or frictional connection with the substructure. The connection can z. As a screw, rivet, welding or adhesive connection or a combination of several types of connections.

The interface means of the module frame include according to a preferred embodiment module feet, via which the energy extraction module can be connected to the substructure. For this purpose, the module frame and with this the energy extraction module via the module feet supported on the substructure.

The substructure may be directly a foundation in the ground or a support structure disposed between the foundation and the ground and the energy extraction module.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system includes a substructure designed as a support structure in the form of a base, on which the Energy extraction module is supported via its interface means. That is, the energy extraction module is attached via its interface means on the base.

The subframe is preferably also supported on a foundation via corresponding locking means. In other words, the underframe is releasably or non-releasably fixed on the foundation via its interface means. The subframe is preferably connected via the interface means by means of screw or rivet to the foundation.

The interface means of the underframe may include frame feet which are supported on and connected to the foundation.

According to a preferred embodiment, the lower frame is designed as a ladder frame with longitudinal beams and transverse to these extending rungs. The longitudinal bars preferably run parallel to the direction of rotation of the energy recovery module or parallel to the industrial water supply.

The undercarriage also contains connection interfaces for connecting the same to the connection interfaces of the module frame, in particular for receiving the module feet of the module frame.

The undercarriage is preferably designed individually on the topography of the substrate or on the position of the foundations. However, the subframe has in each case to the connection interfaces, in particular the module feet of the module frame appropriately designed mounting interfaces. As a result, the module racks can always be formed the same regardless of the topography of the installation site or the arrangement of the foundations. The undercarriage exercises in this sense the function of an adapter between the substrate or foundation and module frame. The base can z. B. in order to adapt to the horizontally oriented in an inclination of the ground foundations be stepped.

According to a development of the invention, the module frame contains fastening elements, by way of which the energy extraction module can be connected to a mounting device for mounting on the substructure. The mounting device can, for. B. be a lifting device to which the energy extraction module can be attached via the fasteners. With the lifting device, the energy extraction module is guided over the installation site and placed in the correct position.

The invention also relates to an energy extraction module for a erfmdungsgemässe plant. The energy extraction module is characterized in that it is designed as a mounting unit. The energy extraction module erfmdungs- according to the already mentioned features.

The energy extraction module may further comprise guide means along which the inflow members extend at least in the region of the water guide channel, i. of the load section, are forced. The Anströmorgane preferably have this guide elements, which cooperate with the guide means. The guide means may be part of the module frame.

The guide means are preferably guide profiles running parallel to the direction of rotation. The energy extraction module particularly preferably has two laterally outwardly parallel guide profiles. The guide profiles preferably form running or sliding surfaces for the guide element. The guide profiles preferably form part of the module frame. The two parallel adjacent guide profiles can be connected by cross struts to a cage-like structure. The guide elements can be designed as guide rollers or sliding elements. The sliding elements can be sliding shoes. The term "rollers" includes all bodies that are capable of rolling over a surface. These include z. B. also wheels and balls. Forced means that the guide elements are guided over the guide means, based on a three-dimensional orthogonal or polar coordinate system, at least in two spatial directions. These two spatial directions are preferably opposed to each other. The energy extraction module includes an upper and lower deflecting member. The upper deflecting member is arranged in an inlet region, in which that water is introduced into the water supply channel. The lower deflecting member is disposed in an outlet area in which the water is discharged from the water receiving compartments.

The two deflecting members are preferably arranged offset in the mounting position both horizontally and vertically to each other. The water supply channel is formed inclined in the mounting position. Between the upper and lower deflecting member, the drive arrangement forms in the region of the water guide channel a load section in which the inflow members are moved from the upper to the lower deflecting member. Above the load section, the drive arrangement forms a return section, in which the Anströmorgane be returned from the lower deflecting member to the upper deflecting member. The Anströmorgane are oriented in the region of the load section transverse to the water supply channel and engage in this. The load section preferably runs parallel to the direction of flow of the water along the load section. The Anströmorgane move along the load section Favor in the direction of water. The water guide channel preferably runs parallel to the direction of flow of the water. In each case two adjacent Anströmorgane form in the region of the load section a along the water guide channel entrained water receiving compartment. The moving water storage compartment is viewed laterally from stationary channel walls as viewed in the direction of movement. The Anströmorgan, which is flowing in an inlet region of the water, thus serves as a partition, which limits the Wasseraufnahmeabteile in the longitudinal direction of the Wasserfülirungskanals.

The individual water absorption compartments receive a certain volume of water in the inlet area, which is released from the water storage compartment only in the outlet area.

The plant preferably contains a water supply channel, which leads the useful water from the inlet region to the water supply channel of the energy extraction module.

According to a further development of the invention, the system includes a coupling unit, via which the water supply channel of the energy extraction module can be coupled to the water supply channel. The coupling unit is arranged corresponding to the inlet region. The coupling unit may include a slider device by means of which the inflow of the water from the water supply channel into the water supply channel can be regulated. The coupling unit preferably also has connection interfaces, via which these with the substructure, for. B. a base or a foundation is connectable. The coupling unit can be designed as part of the energy extraction module or as a separate assembly.

The water guide channel preferably forms a U-shaped cross-sectional profile with a channel bottom and two channel side walls. The Anströmorgane are suitably guided without contact to the water supply channel. Since the position of the Anströmorgane can be determined very accurately relative to the water guide channel thanks to the positive guidance by the guide means, the Anströmorgane only small distances to the adjacent channel walls. The gap distance can z. B. only 1 to 5 mm, in particular only 2 to 3 mm.

An essential advantage of the system according to the invention is that the energy extraction module can already be prefabricated by the manufacturer with correspondingly low manufacturing tolerances, in particular with regard to the interplay between the inflow member and the water duct, and can be delivered as a complete assembly and installed on site. Accordingly, no adjustments need to be made to the power take-off module during on-site installation. The adjustment and alignment of components, as inevitably occurs in a local assembly, is no longer necessary. The Anströmorgane are preferably designed as wall elements, in particular as schaufeiförmige wall elements. The Anströmorgane can z. B. on both sides, against the direction of movement of the drive assembly have curved side wall areas, which form a blade-like receptacle. Thanks to such a shape of the inlet process of the water is optimized. In order that the wall-shaped Anströmorgane receive a sufficiently high rigidity to withstand the water pressure, these each preferably at least one stiffening element, also called reinforcing element, on. The Anströmorgane preferably each have at least two, off-center or laterally arranged stiffening elements. The stiffening elements are preferably arranged in a lateral end region of the Anströmorgane. The stiffening elements may, for. B. be formed as stiffening ribs or stiffening walls or transverse walls.

The design of the drive arrangement may be different with respect to the functional interaction between the individual inflow organs.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the Anströmorgane are not interconnected, i. formed independently of each other. The drive arrangement is driven according to this embodiment by the transmission of compressive forces between the inflow members. The Anströmorgane are designed as a pressure body and contain power transmission organs for transmitting pressure forces from a trailing in the direction of rotation Anströmorgan on a, preferably immediately, leading Anströmorgan. The power transmission organs can, for. B. form pressure surfaces over which the pressure forces between the Anströmorganen be given. In this way, the drive assembly can be similar to a drive chain in the direction of rotation to move around the deflecting, but without the Anströmorgane are interconnected.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the drive assembly as a contiguous drive structure, similar to a drive chain, formed with a plurality of contiguous drive members, similar to the chain links, wherein the drive members preferably correspond to the Anströmorganen. The Anströmorgane contain connecting members for articulating adjacent Anströmorgane to a drive structure.

The drive members of the drive structure can be driven along its orbit by transmission of tensile, compressive or a combination of tensile and compressive forces in the direction of rotation. A combination of tensile and compressive forces is to be understood as driving the drive links in one of the orbit sections via tensile and other sections of the orbit via compressive forces.

Each drive member can, viewed in the direction of rotation, contain guide elements attached thereto on both sides for positively guiding the drive structure at least in the area of the load section along the water guide channel.

Furthermore, viewed in the direction of rotation, each drive member, viewed in the direction of rotation, may contain connecting members mounted thereon for the articulated connection of adjacent drive members to a drive structure. The drive members are pivotally connected to each other in particular in a plane parallel to the direction of movement or orbit of the drive structure.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide elements are arranged on the connecting member and connected via a connecting axis with this. The connection axis is preferably simultaneously formed as a connecting element between the drive members. The connection axes take the function of a connecting bolt was. Of course, the connection between the drive members can also be formed independently of the connection of the guide elements. The guide elements are viewed in the direction of rotation preferably each outside the lateral end of the Anströmorgans arranged.

The guide profile can z. B. formed as a guide rail for leading receiving the guide elements. The guide rail in particular contains a guide channel. The guide rail or the guide channel has a running surface for the guide elements, for. B. a sliding surface for the sliding elements or a rolling surface for the guide rollers, also called rollers on. The guide channel is preferably designed so that it forms a sliding or rolling surface on two opposite sides.

The guide channel is preferably U- or C-shaped and has z. B. two profile legs and a connecting wall. The guide channel is open to the guide elements. According to a particular embodiment, the guide channel to the water channel is open.

One of the profile legs forms z. B. the tread of the guide elements. The connecting wall between the two profile legs forms z. B. the guide surface for a side guide element on the Anströmorgan. Since the Anströmorgane preferably on both sides has at least one guide element, a Führungsprofi 1 is provided correspondingly in each case on both sides of the Anströmorganen. These preferably run parallel to one another. If open U or C guide profiles are used for the water guide channel, they have two guide surfaces lying opposite one another for the guide elements. As a result, the Anströmorgane can not be pushed away or raised by the water pressure in the region of the load section. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the deflecting elements are formed by arc sections of the guide profile, which connect the guide profiles in the load and return section with each other. In this way, the Anströmorgane are forcibly guided in the deflection by the guide profiles. The elbows of the guide profiles can also be part of the deflection, which z. B. as described below may include a rotary body with.

According to a preferred development of the invention, one of the deflecting members, in particular the upper deflecting member arranged in the inlet region, contains a rotary body, in particular a drive wheel, which is driven by the movement of the drive assembly partially guided around the rotary body. The drive assembly is z. B. in a teilumfiden positive and / or frictional engagement with the rotary body, so that it by the drive arrangement z. B. at the speed of the drive assembly is driven.

If the deflecting element is formed by the guide profile itself, the above-mentioned and subsequently described rotary body is assigned to the deflecting element. The rotary body and the guide rail can also form the deflection element jointly by definition, since both devices are involved in the deflection of the drive arrangement.

The rotary body has e.g. arranged along its circumference drive recesses, in which engage elements of the Anströmorgane and drive in this way the rotary body. These elements may be connecting elements of drive links or roller axes of guide rollers.

The said deflection member is coupled, for example, with the power generation generator. The power generator may be coupled directly to the rotational axis of the rotating body. Furthermore, the rotational movement can also be achieved via a gearbox be transmitted from the rotary body to the power generator. The generator coupled to the upper deflecting power generator is driven by the pressure and / or tensile force of the Anströmorgane. The power generation generator may also be part of a towed drive, in which the drive arrangement or the moving Anströmorgane drive in the load section, a rotating, flexible power transmission member, which in turn drives the power generation generator. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, that deflecting member, which is not assigned to any power generator or both deflecting on both sides of the Anströmorganen arranged curved guide rails, in which the Anströmorgane positively guided over its guide elements and deflected from the load section in the return section or vice versa.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the Anströmorgane be forcibly guided over their guide elements along the entire orbit in guide rails. That is, the system has along the orbit of the drive assembly on a closed forced operation of the Anströmorgane. The closed positive guide is used in particular in drive arrangements in which the Anströmorgane not interconnected, i. are not linked together. Another independent invention also relates to a plant for the extraction of electrical energy from hydropower. The attachment contains:

- A drive arrangement with a plurality of Anströmorganen which is driven by hydropower in a circumferential direction;

- At least two spaced deflecting members, by means of which the Antri ebsanordnung is guided circumferentially; - At least one driven by the revolving drive assembly power generation generator for the removal of electrical energy; such as

- A water channel, especially for the formation of water absorption compartments in cooperation with the Anströmorganen.

The drive arrangement, the deflection members, the power generator and possibly also the water supply channel can be arranged in a frame. The drive arrangement forms a load section in the region of the water guide channel. The load portion is characterized by that portion of the drive assembly in which the water acts with its weight on the Anströmorgane the drive assembly and thereby set in motion. That is, in the load section, the inflow organs are guided from a higher gravitational potential, on which the water flows into the water supply channel, to a lower gravitational potential, on which the water leaves the water supply channel. The Anströmorgane are oriented in the region of the load section transverse to the water supply channel and engage in this. For this purpose, the inflow members each contain a wall-shaped inflow element extending transversely in the water supply duct. Two adjacent Anströmorgane form in each case in the region of the load section a along the water guide channel entrained water receiving compartment. The moving water storage compartment is viewed laterally from stationary channel walls as viewed in the direction of movement. The Anströmorgan which flows in a arranged on the higher gravitational potential inlet region of the water Thus, serves as a partition, which limits the Wasseraufnahmeabteile in the longitudinal direction of the water guide channel.

The individual water absorption compartments receive a certain volume of water in the inlet region, which is released from the water absorption compartment only in the outlet region, which is arranged at the lower gravitational potential.

The inflow organs are forcibly guided in the water supply duct via appropriate guide means. The guide means may correspond to the guide means described above.

The Anströmorgane may be formed as described above as a pressure body or be connected to each other via connecting means to a chain-like drive assembly.

The drive arrangement forms a return section lying opposite the load section, in which the inflow organs are moved back from the lower gravitational potential back to the higher gravitational potential.

The load section is preferably arranged below the return section. However, the load section can also be arranged above or laterally of the return section. The system according to this further invention may in particular correspond to a system with module frame described above.

According to the present invention, the power generation generator is a linear generator. The linear generator is characterized by the fact that this is a resulting in a mechanical longitudinal movement kinetic energy into electrical energy transforms. For this purpose, the linear generator forms an energy extraction path described below, which lies at least partially in the load section.

A linear generator comprises an exciter magnet, which forms a magnetic field, as well as an exciting coil cooperating with the magnetic field. By the movement of the exciter coil relative to the magnetic field of the excitation magnet, a magnetic flux change is generated. The induced by the magnetic flux change in the excitation coil voltage is tapped by appropriate means. According to the present invention, the Anströmorgane or the drive assembly by the potential gradient, i. driven by the weight of the entrained in the water guide compartments water. The moving Anströmorgane or the moving drive assembly cause a relative movement between an exciter coil and an exciter magnet of the linear motor, which in turn induces an electrical voltage. The electrical voltage is tapped by appropriate means.

The kinetic energy from which electrical energy is converted in the linear generator is generated by a body moving along a non-self-contained path, in the present case an inflow element.

The path section along which electrical energy is converted by a corresponding arrangement of excitation coils and excitation magnets is referred to below as the energy extraction path.

In contrast to a rotary generator, the kinetic energy thus does not fall through a body rotating around a rotation axis. The non-self-contained energy extraction path of a linear generator is thus handled in comparison to a conventional generator in the broadest sense. The said energy extraction path, along which kinetic energy into electrical energy is preferably rectilinear or substantially rectilinear. However, it can also follow the course of a curve.

The linear generator corresponds in a certain way to the functional reversal of the linear motor, which conversely converts electrical energy into a translatory kinetic energy.

In the case of the linear generator, the exciter magnets and the exciter coil are displaced relative to one another in a mechanical longitudinal movement, in particular in a linear movement, which leads to a temporally changing magnetic flux and correspondingly to a voltage induction. The excitation coil is arranged along a non-self-contained energy extraction path of the type described above. In the case of the linear generator, either the exciter magnet or the excitation coil are arranged in a stationary manner, while the other or the other components move longitudinally, in particular linearly.

The energy extraction path runs at least partially, preferably completely in the load section. However, the energy extraction path may also extend into the area of the deflecting elements or into the return section. Further, along the orbit of the drive assembly several energy extraction paths can be provided with multiple linear generators.

According to a preferred embodiment, the excitation magnets are moved. For this purpose, the moving excitation magnets cooperate with the Anströmorganen. Cooperation means that the excitation magnets are taken from the Anströmorganen at least in sections. This can be done by the exciter magnets are attached to the Anströmorganen.

However, the excitation magnets can also be performed via a separate circulating device independently of the Anströmorganen. In an area of the load Cut the excitation magnets cooperate with the Anströmorganen and are taken away by these. For this purpose, the exciter magnets in the said area in engagement or in mechanical operative connection with the Anströmorganen. This engagement can be formed for example by a toothing or a frictional connection.

The exciter magnet arrangements are preferably attached to the moving Anströmorganen while the excitation coils or the exciter windings are part of stationary generator means. This simplifies the tapping of the generated electrical spamiung. The excitation magnet arrangement corresponds in this sense to the rotor or the rotor. The field coil arrangement corresponds in this sense to the stator or stator.

The exciter magnets as magnetic induction sources are z. B. permanent magnets or electromagnets.

The generator means, which contain the stationary parts of the power generator, are preferably arranged in the region of a linearly extending load section. The generator devices are preferably arranged above the opening of the water guide channel in the region of the positive guidance of the Anströmorgane. The generator devices are arranged in particular with respect to the Anströmorganen.

The generator devices are preferably attached to a frame of the system, in particular a module frame. The generator devices are preferably arranged within the frame between the load and return section and between the at least upper and lower deflecting member. The generator devices preferably comprise support components arranged above the channel opening, on which the exciter coils are arranged. Since the Anströmorgane are constrained by guide profiles, the linear generator can be designed for low tolerances. Thus, an air gap of only 1/2 to 1/20 mm can be provided between the magnet and the exciter coil. This has an advantageous effect on the efficiency of energy extraction.

The use of a linear generator has the great advantage that the force acting on the Anströmorgane by the water load is removed there, where it is generated, namely in the load section. Thus, the weight of the water is applied to the wall-shaped inflow elements of the inflow organs which extend across the water supply duct. The Anströmorgane be driven by the weight of gravity of the water. However, the movement of the Anströmorgane simultaneously causes a relative movement between an excitation coil and a magnetic field of a field magnet. The induced stress induced in turn leads to a force which counteracts the weight of the water.

Since the excitation coil or the excitation magnet of the linear motor are each attached to the flow organ and the load is removed to generate electrical energy, in particular on the channel bottom opposite region of the Anströmorgans, both forces act directly on the Anströmorgan namely at the place of their formation, namely in the load section.

This leads to a considerably lower mechanical load on the connecting elements of the Anströmorgane when they are connected to a chain, or the pressure surfaces, if they are designed as a pressure body.

The drive assembly is thus claimed considerably less mechanically. In particular, much less compressive or tensile stresses occur, since the forces which generate these stresses are already present in the load at the point of origin. be removed by the linear generator. As a result, the life of the drive assembly is substantially increased and reduces the maintenance costs.

Furthermore, thanks to the arrangement according to the invention of a linear generator in the load section, there is no restriction with regard to the length of the load section. The length of the drive assembly is in fact restricted in conventional systems by the load of the drive assembly increasing with its length by tensile and compressive forces. This limitation falls away for the reasons mentioned above. Furthermore, thanks to the arrangement according to the invention of a linear generator in the load section, the load section can also contain a plurality of sections with different inclinations or curvatures. This can be followed with the load section the terrain. According to a further development of the invention, a plurality of linear generators arranged one behind the other in series can be provided along the load section. Furthermore, a plurality of parallel generators arranged parallel next to one another can be provided along the load section. A combination of serial and parallel arrangement is also conceivable.

In particular, a plurality of excitation coils arranged serially one behind the other and / or parallel to one another can be provided, which cooperate with corresponding exciter magnets on the inflow organs. The inventive system described above with at least one linear generator is to be understood as an independent invention, which is not necessarily bound to a modular design of the system. The corresponding features with respect to the linear generator are therefore to be regarded as independent. The load section and optionally also the return section preferably run in an inclined plane. That is, the Anströmorgane be moved in these areas linearly and with a constant angle of inclination to a horizontal plane. However, it is also conceivable that the angle of inclination in the region of the load section and / or Rückführabsclinittes is variable. The water supply channel and, accordingly, the load section can also be used in several z. B. linear channel sections or Lastteilabschnitte be divided, which in each case have different angles of inclination compared to the adjacent sections. The water guide channel extends between the upper and lower deflection preferably parallel to the guide or the profiles. The water guide channel is therefore preferably also in an inclined plane. The inclination angle α of the inclined plane is greater than 0 °. Further, the inclination angle α is less than or equal to 90 ° (degrees). Preferably, the angle of inclination is greater than 10 ° and in particular greater than 20 °. Furthermore, the angle of inclination is preferably less than 80 ° and in particular less than 70 °. Particularly preferably, the angle of inclination is in a range of 30 ° to 60 °.

To operate the system according to the invention, water is introduced into the inclined water supply duct of the system in a higher inlet area. Anströmorgane be performed by the upper deflecting member in an arcuate, in particular circular trajectory from the return section in the inlet region and immerse in the water supply channel. During the immersion process, water flows from the feed channel into the water guide channel and flows to the submerged Anströmorgan. The inflowing water is thus introduced into the simultaneously forming water absorption compartments. The water is kept in the water absorption compartments. That is, the water can not freely go down the water guide channel. The water drawn in the receiving compartments drives the inflow organs through the potential gradient, that is, due to gravity, along the water guide channel in the direction of the lower deflecting element or outlet region. At the lower deflecting member, the inflow members are swiveled out of the load section and correspondingly out of the water guide channel via an arcuate or even partially circular path, so that the entrained water in the outlet region is released from the water absorption compartments and can be removed. Of course, may be provided from case to case between the upper and lower deflecting further deflecting organs.

The principle of operation of this system differs from other systems in that the Anströmorgane and accordingly the drive assembly is driven by the weight of the water in the water absorption compartments, so by their gravitational pressure.

The hydroelectric power plant according to the invention is used wherever water has to flow through a height difference. This can z. B. flow waters or outlets of dams. Since the regulatory requirements for buildings in rivers and streams can be very stringent, the use of the plant according to the invention is particularly suitable for existing hydro-technical structures or other industrial installations. For example, the plant is used in sewage treatment plants, eg. B. before the purified water is released into a body of water, or in industrial plants, in which larger amounts of process water for processes are implemented. The inventive system is already suitable for fall heights of 2 to 20 m. However, it is also possible to use larger drop heights. The positive guidance of the Anströmorgane in the load section allows an exact alignment derselbigen in the water supply channel. Therefore, the preferably non-contact guided to the water guide channel Anströmorgane can be designed with relatively low tolerances compared to the water supply channel.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. The figures show particular embodiments and further developments of the invention, which are in no way to be considered as conclusive. Show it:

Figure 1: a perspective view of a erfmdungsgemässen plant;

Figure 2: a perspective view of a erfmdungsgemässen plant without

Energy extraction module;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a system according to the invention during assembly of the energy extraction module;

Figure 4: a perspective view of the feed channel of a erfmdungsgemässen

Investment;

Figure 5: a side view of a particular embodiment of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a further particular embodiment of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a cross section through an inflow element guided in a guide channel;

8a shows an enlarged section from the region of the exciter coil / magnet arrangement according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 8b shows an enlarged section from the region of the exciter coil / magnet arrangement according to FIG. 7; 9 is a perspective view of the guided in a guide channel Anströmorgans according to FIG. 7

The inventive system 1 shown in Figure 1 for the removal of electrical energy from hydropower is installed in a water-bearing area with gradient. The plant 1 contains an energy extraction module 2. The water supply channel 11 of the energy extraction module 2 is fed by a water inlet region 15 via a water supply channel 17, useful water in the flow direction W. The useful water is guided along the gradient through the water supply channel 1 1 and released in an outlet 16 again from the energy extraction module 2.

The power take-off module 2 contains a drive arrangement with a plurality of Anströmorganen 8. The Anströmorgane 8 of the drive assembly are circumferentially guided or driven around a first upper deflecting member 5 and spaced from the first deflecting 5 second lower deflecting members 6 in a circumferential direction R.

The Anströmorgane 8 are connected together to form a drive chain. The Anströmorgane 8 are positively guided in pairs and parallel to each other, laterally arranged by the An Strömorganen 8 guide profiles 9a, 9b. The guide profiles 9a, 9b form a circumferentially closed guide for the Anströmorgane 8. The Anströmorgane 8 have laterally mounted guide rollers 32 which are guided in the guide profiles 9a, 9b. The guide rail pair 9a, 9b has between the two deflecting members 5, 6 straight trained and parallel to each other guide rail sections. The straight guide rail sections are inclined in the assembled state of the system 1. The inclination corresponds to the useful gradient. The guide rails 9a, 9b are guided in the region of the deflection in an arc around the deflecting members 5, 6. The Führungspro filpaar 9a, 9b forms a continuous lateral guide for the Anströmorgane 8. The guide profiles 9a, 9b are formed as U-profiles, which are each open to the Anströmorgan 8 out. In the area of the load section 3, the guide profiles 9a, 9b are arranged laterally and above the water guide channel 11.

The energy extraction module 2 further includes a in the lower region of the upper deflecting member 5 to the lower deflecting member 6 extending water supply channel 1 1. The water supply channel 1 1 forms a U-shaped channel and has in the assembled state of the system 1 on an inclination, which corresponds to the effective gradient ,

The drive arrangement forms a load section 3 in the region of the water guide channel 11 and a return section 4 extending over the load section 3 and parallel to it.

The forcibly guided Anströmorgane 8 run in the load section 3 in the water supply channel 1 1. The arranged transversely to the water supply channel 1 1 Anströmorgane 8 form together with the water supply duct 11 Wasseraufnahme- compartments.

The upper and lower deflecting members 5, 6 each contain a rotary body which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation. The rotary body is driven by the movement of the partially driven around this drive arrangement. The drive arrangement is in a partially circumferential positive and / or frictional engagement with the rotary body.

The energy extraction module 2 further includes a power generator 10, which is coupled to the upper deflecting member 5 and with its rotary body via a transmission. The power generator 10 converts potential Energy of the guided in the water receiving compartments along a potential gradient down to the outlet area indirectly via the driven along an orbit driven drive assembly into electrical energy. The drive assembly with the Anströmorganen 8, the deflection members 5, 6, the power generator 10 and the water supply channel 1 1 are housed in a module frame 24 and connected thereto. The guide profiles 9a, 9b form part of the module frame 24. The two guide profiles 9a, 9b arranged parallel to one another are connected to a cage-like structure via transverse struts 25 for this purpose.

The module frame 24 comprises interface means in the form of four module feet 13 each arranged laterally on the frame base. The system 1 further comprises a base frame 7. The base frame 7 is in the form of a lead frame and contains two parallel longitudinal beams 21a, 21b and the longitudinal beams 21a, 21b interconnecting rungs 22. The longitudinal beams 21a, 21b are parallel to the plane, which is formed by the circumferential direction R of the energy extraction module 2 aligned.

The base frame 7 includes on its frame base four frame feet 12, via which the base frame 7 is supported on the foundation.

The base frame 7 further has interface means 23 for receiving the module feet 13 on its upper side of the frame. The module frame 24 is bolted to the base frame 7 via the module feet 13 (see also FIG. 2).

The undercarriage 7 is designed individually for the topography of the substrate 14 or for the position of the foundations. The base 7 is bolted to the frame feet 12 in the foundation. The energy extraction module 2 further includes a coupling unit 26 arranged to the inlet region 15, via which the water supply channel 11 is coupled to a water supply channel 17. The water supply channel 17 carries the useful water from the inlet region 1 to the water supply channel 1 1.

The coupling unit 26 is also bolted to the base 7 via corresponding screw connections. The module frame 24 includes in its upper, the water supply channel 1 1 opposite frame section four attachment points in the form of retaining rings 19. On the retaining rings 19, the tether 20 a lifting device, such as crane, attach. The module frame 24 can be positioned in this way by means of the lifting device on the installation site and set with the module feet 13 accurately on the connection interfaces 23 of the already installed undercarriage 7 (see Figure 3). The system 1 also includes a control device 18, via which it is controlled.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged perspective detail of the water supply channel 17, which connects the inlet region 15 with the water supply channel 1 1 of the energy extraction module 2. The opening of the water supply channel 17 pointing towards the inlet region 15 is provided with a passage-limiting device 30. The passage restricting means 30 includes a grille 31 extending across the passage opening which serves to prevent coarse matter from entering the water supply passage 17. FIG. 5 shows the air flow elements 48 forcibly guided along a circulation path around an upper and lower deflection element 44, 47 and via guide rollers 45 in guide profiles 49a, 49b. The Anströmorgane 48 extend in the load section 43, which is disposed between an upper inlet region 40 and lower outlet region 46, in a water supply channel 41st The useful water flows in the direction of flow W to the inlet region 40. The Anströmorgane 48 form with the water supply channel 41 Wasseraufnahmeabteile.

The load section 43 includes three linear load subsections 43a, 43b, 43c which, viewed in the direction of rotation R, have an inclination that increases relative to a horizontal. A first load section 43a, viewed in the direction of rotation R, has a first angle of inclination oti relative to a horizontal. A second load section 43b adjoining the first load section 43a has an angle ot relative to the first section 57a of the load. increased angle of inclination. A third and last load section 43c adjoining the second load section 43a has, relative to the second load section 43b, an angle of inclination increased by the angle oc ₃ .

The drive arrangement further forms a load section 43 opposite and arranged above this return section 42. In the return section 42, the inflow organs are returned from the outlet region 46 back into the inlet region 40.

In each case a linear generator can be arranged in the load subsections 43a, 43b, 43c.

FIG. 6 shows the intake elements 58 forcibly guided along a circulation path around an upper and lower deflection member 54, 57 and guide rollers 55 in guide profiles 59a, 59b of a drive arrangement. The Anströmorgane 58 run in the load section 53, which between an upper inlet region 50 and The outlet water 56 is in the flow direction W to the inlet region 50. The Anströmorgane 58 form with the water supply channel 51 Wasseraufnahmeabteile. The load section 53 includes three linear load section sections 53a, 53b, 53c which, viewed in the direction of revolution R, have a decreasing inclination relative to the horizontal in the embodiment of FIG. A first load section 53a viewed in the direction of rotation R has a first inclination angle βi with respect to a horizontal. A second load-part section 53b, which adjoins the first load-part section 53a, has an angle of inclination, reduced by the angle β2, compared to the first load-section section 53a. A third and last load section 53c adjoining the second load section 53a has a tilt angle reduced by the angle β ₃ relative to the second load section 53b.

The Antriebsandordnung further forms a the load section 53 opposite and arranged above this return section 52. In the return section 52, the inflow organs are led back from the outlet region 56 back into the inlet region 50.

In each case a linear generator can be arranged in the load part sections 53a, 53b, 53c.

FIGS. 7 to 9 show a particular embodiment of a Anströmorgans 70 cooperating with a linear motor, in a direction of rotation R. The Anströmorgan 70 includes a planar inflow 71, which extends transversely in a water supply channel 90, and which is supplied by the water and this retained in a water receiving compartment 91 formed, inter alia, by the inflow element 71. The Anströmorgan 70 also includes transverse to the Anströmelement 71 extending ie oriented in the direction of rotation R stiffening walls 76. These serve the stiffening of the planar Anströmelements 71. The Anströmorgan 70 further includes an adjoining the Anströmelement 71, transverse to this and the Wasserführungskanai 90 oriented support wall 77th The support wall 77 is arranged towards the channel opening.

Several Anströmorgane 70 are connected via laterally arranged connecting members 75 together to form a chain-like drive assembly 78. The connecting links 75 are arranged on the support wall 77.

The Anströmorgan 70 further includes each laterally arranged and connected to the connecting members 75 via a roller axis guide rollers 73. The guide rollers 73 are part of a guide means 84 each guided in a guide channel of a guide rail 80, which is also part of the guide means. The two guide rails 80 of the guide device 84 are each arranged laterally from the water guide channel 90 in the region of the channel opening. The guide device 84, containing guide rails 80 and guide rollers 73, forms a positive guide.

The connecting member 75 comprises a fork-shaped receiving portion with two forked lugs, which each have an opening for passing through the roller axis. Furthermore, the connecting member 75 comprises a receiving body which is opposite the fork-shaped receiving portion in the direction of rotation R. This also contains a breakthrough for inserting the roller axle.

To establish the connection between two Anströmorganen 70 70 on both sides of the Anströmorgane the receiving body of the connecting member 75 of a first Anströmorgans 70 between the forked flaps of the same design Joining member 75 of an adjacent second Anströmorgans 70 pushed. Subsequently, the roller axis of the guide roller 73 is pushed through the openings in the fork lugs and the receiving body. Furthermore, magnet assemblies 72 of a linear generator are mounted on the support wall 77.

Moreover, pairings of straightening rollers 74 are arranged on the support wall 77.

The exciter magnet arrangements 72, the straightening rollers 74 and the connecting links 75 are arranged on the support wall 77 on the side opposite the water guide channel 90. Above the water guide channel 90, i. above the channel opening a support member 81 is fixedly mounted. The support member 81 is opposite to the support wall 77.

Mounted on the support member 81 are stationary exciter coil assemblies 82 which are part of the linear generator and cooperate with the exciter magnet assemblies 72 on the support wall 77. The field coil assemblies 82 are directed toward the Anströmorgan 70 and corresponding to the excitation magnet assemblies 72 towards. The excitation magnets 72 are arranged in the installed state of the Anströmorgane 70 between the excitation coils 82.

Furthermore, a roll-off element 83 is fastened to the holding component 81, which protrudes from the holding component 81 in the direction of the inflow member 70 and correspondingly to the pair of straightening rollers 74. The rolling element 83 is guided between the two straightening rollers 74 of the straightening roller pairing. If the Anströmorgane 70 driven in the direction of rotation R, roll the straightening rollers 74 backlash along the Abrollelement 83 from. This ensures an extremely precise lateral guidance with small tolerances. This guidance accuracy allows an arrangement of excitation coils 82 and excitation magnets 72 in a very small lateral distance from each other. The air gap between excitation coils 82 and exciter magnet 72 can be kept correspondingly small, which in turn increases the efficiency of the linear generator.

In the present embodiment, three are each laterally, i. transverse to the water guide channel (not shown) spaced from each other arranged pairs of excitation coils 82 and exciter magnet 72 is provided. Between two such pairings, a pair of straightening rollers 74 and rolling element 83, that is a total of two pairings, is provided.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1 . System (1) for extracting electrical energy from hydropower, characterized in that the system (1) comprises an energy extraction module (2) designed as an assembly unit, which:

- a drive arrangement (27) with a plurality of flow elements (8), which can be driven in a rotational direction (R) by water power;

- at least two spaced-apart deflection elements (5, 6), by means of which the drive arrangement (27) is guided in a circumferential manner;

- at least one power generation generator (10) driven by the rotating drive arrangement (27) for extracting electrical energy;

- a water supply channel (1 1) for forming water intake compartments in cooperation with the inflow elements (8); as well as

- contains a module frame (24) to which the drive arrangement (27), the deflection elements (5, 6), the at least one power generation generator (10) and the water supply channel (11) are connected,

wherein the module frame (24) contains interface means (13) via which the energy extraction module (2) is connected to a substructure (7).

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface means (13) include module feet, via which the energy extraction module (2) is connected to the substructure (7).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system (1) has a support structure (7) designed as a substructure, in particular a subframe contains, on which the energy extraction module (2) is supported via the interface means (13).

Plant according to claim 3, characterized in that the support structure (7) is supported on a foundation (14) via interface means (12).

System according to claim 4, characterized in that the interface means (12) of the support structure (7) include support feet, in particular frame feet, via which the support structure (7) is supported on the foundation (14).

System according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the support structure (7) is designed as a base frame in the form of a ladder frame with longitudinal bars (21a, 21b) and rungs (22) running transversely to these.

System according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the support structure (7) contains connection interfaces (23) for receiving the connection interfaces (13) of the module frame (24), in particular the module feet.

System according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the module frame (24) contains fastening means (19) via which the energy extraction module (2) can be connected to a mounting device (20) for mounting on the substructure (7).

9. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the system contains a guide device (33) for positive guidance of the inflow elements (8) in the area of the load section.

System according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide device (33) comprises guide elements (33) arranged on the flow elements (8), and the guide device (33) contains guide means (9a, 9b) along the load section, in which the guide elements (33) of the inflow elements (8) are arranged displaceably, such that the inflow elements (8) are positively guided at least in the area of the load section (3).

Energy extraction module (2) for a system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the energy extraction module (2) is designed as an assembly unit, and:

- at least two spaced-apart deflection elements (5, 6), around which the drive arrangement (27) is guided in a circumferential manner;

- a water supply channel (1 1); as well as

- contains a module frame (24) to which the drive arrangement (27), the deflection elements (5, 6), the at least one power generation generator (10) and the water supply channel (1 1) are connected,

wherein the module comprises (24) interface means (13) for connecting the energy extraction module (2) to a substructure (7).

System for extracting electrical energy from hydropower, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, containing: - a drive arrangement which can be driven by water power in a circumferential direction (R), with a plurality of inflow elements arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction (R) and spaced apart from one another;

- at least two deflection elements spaced apart from one another, by means of which the drive arrangement is guided in a circumferential manner;

- at least one power generation generator driven by the rotating drive arrangement (27) for extracting electrical energy; as well as

- A water channel, the drive arrangement forming a load section in the area of the water channel. characterized in that the power generation generator is a linear generator, which forms an energy extraction path that is at least partially in the load section.

System according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one linear generator contains stationary generator devices arranged in the area of the load section, and the generator devices include stationary parts of the linear generator.

System according to claim 13, characterized in that the generator devices comprise at least one excitation coil (82).

15. System according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the at least one linear generator contains at least one moving exciter magnet.

16. System according to claim 15, characterized in that the inflow elements (70) cooperate at least in sections with moving exciter magnets (72).

1 7. System according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the exciter magnets are permanent magnets (72).

18. System according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the exciter magnets (72) are attached to the inflow elements (70).

19. Plant according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the generator devices are arranged between the load section and return section and between an upper and lower deflection element.

20. System according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the generator devices are arranged symmetrically to the side of the load section, in particular on both sides.

21. System according to one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the system contains a guide device (84) for positively guiding the excitation magnets relative to the at least one excitation coil in the area of the load section.

22. System according to one of claims 12 to 21, characterized in that the inflow element (70) has an inflow element (71) and an area remote from the channel floor adjoining the inflow element (71) and transverse to it and to the water supply channel (90). oriented support wall (77) on which generator devices are arranged.

23. System according to one of claims 12 to 22, characterized in that the drive arrangement (78) is arranged opposite the load section Forms return section, wherein the return section is arranged above or below the load section.