EP4239183A1 - Apparatus and plant for producing renewable energy - Google Patents
Apparatus and plant for producing renewable energy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4239183A1 EP4239183A1 EP23157561.4A EP23157561A EP4239183A1 EP 4239183 A1 EP4239183 A1 EP 4239183A1 EP 23157561 A EP23157561 A EP 23157561A EP 4239183 A1 EP4239183 A1 EP 4239183A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- blade
- guide means
- production
- tank
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 2
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002547 anomalous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003042 antagnostic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
- F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
- F03B17/062—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction
- F03B17/065—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
- F03B17/066—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation and a rotor of the endless-chain type
Definitions
- the present invention generally refers to an apparatus and plant for the production of renewable energy.
- the present invention relates to an apparatus and a plant for the production of renewable energy starting from the hydraulic energy deriving from a water flow rate of a free surface channel, for example an irrigation channel, or even a water course with large flow rates, in consideration of the fact that it can work completely submerged.
- Apparatuses and plants are also known for the production of renewable energy starting from the water flow rate of a free-surface canal which withdraw a water flow rate from the canal through pipes and hydraulic works and introduce it into a turbine, to then return it to the channel.
- Document DE-U1-2007 002848 discloses an apparatus for the production of renewable energy which constitutes the most relevant prior art superseded by the present invention.
- Object of the present invention is solving the aforesaid prior art problems, by providing an apparatus and a plant for the production of renewable energy starting from a water flow rate of an open-surface channel which are simple to construct, cost-effective, without having an impact on the environment and which remains within the canal, without requiring the construction of building or hydraulic works.
- the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention comprises:
- the upper side 23 of the blade 20 is connected to a wheel or roller 26 rotating on the guide means 33 arranged at the upper part of the tank 10; for example, the wheel 26 is connected to a pin 25 connected to the upper side 23 of the blade 20 and rotates on the rail 33 inside the tank 10; preferably, the upper side 23 of the blade 20 is connected to two wheels 26 connected to the ends of the pin 25, rotating on respective rails 33 inside the tank 10 and each placed outside one of the sides 22 of the blade 20.
- the bottom side 24 of the blade 20 is connected to a wheel or roller 56 rotating on the lower 34 or upper 44 guide means; for example the wheel 56 is connected, preferably via an arm 57, to the pin 55 connected to the bottom side 24 of the blade 20 and rotates on the lower 34 or upper 44 rail; preferably, the bottom side 24 of the blade 20 is connected to two wheels 56 connected to the ends of the pin 55, rotating on respective lower rails 34 or upper rails 44 each placed outside each of the two side walls 12, in correspondence with the bottom 14 of tank 10.
- the trolley 51 comprises wheels or rollers 52 rotating on the guide means 60, for example pairs of antagonistic wheels 52, 53 arranged on the two sides of the rail 60 external to the tank 10 and rotating on the rail 60; in a preferred way, the motion transmission means 50 comprise two trolleys 51, each connected to one of the sides 22 of the blade 20, placed outside the side walls 12 of the tank 10 and sliding on the guide means 60.
- the trolley 51 comprises two wheels or rollers 52 rotating on the guide means 60 and two pairs of opposing wheels 53, in particular a pair of opposing wheels 53 for each wheel 52, the wheels 52 and the pairs of wheels 53 being arranged opposite sides of the outer rail 60 and rotating thereon.
- the wheels 52, 53 rotating on the outer rail 60 and the wheels 56 rotating on the lower 34 or upper rails 44 are made of plastic material, for example polyurethane to reduce noise and wear; the opposing wheels 53, when the carriages are in the overturned position, keep the wheels 52 of the carriage 51 resting on the external rail 60, avoiding misalignment of the carriages 51 and limiting the wear of the wheels 52 and the noise when they return to rest on the outer rail 60.
- the opposing wheels 53 are closer to each other than the wheels 52 of the trolley 51, to reduce friction and wear when the trolleys 51 travel along the curved part of the outer rail 60.
- the chain 58 is formed by three carriages 51 each connected to a blade 20 by means of the pin 55, said carriages 51 being furthermore connected by means of the connecting links 54 to other carriages 51 comprising the wheels 52, 53 rotating on the outer rail 60 but not connected to the blades 20; preferably, the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy of the invention comprises two chains 58 each at one of the side walls 12.
- the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy In the operation of the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy according to the invention, during the thrust phase of the water on the blade 20 (substantially vertical lower blade of Fig. 2 ) the upper side 23 of the blade 20 slides on the guide 33 arranged at the top of the tank 10, with the wheel 26 connected to the pin 25 which rotates on the rail 33 inside the tank 10.
- the upper side 23 of the blade 20 is no longer guided by the guide means 33, and the wheel 26 connected to the pin 25 leaves the guide means 33, preferably after traveling the curved end of the rail 33, while the bottom side 24 of the blade 20 begins to be guided by the lower guide means 34 during the first recovery phase of the blade 20 ( Fig. 3 ), with the wheel 56 connected to the arm 57 which comes into contact with the lower rail 34 and the blade 20 which tends to rotate, so as to generate a force which drags the trolley 51 downstream and facilitates the positioning of the next blade 20 which is located upstream.
- the upper side 23 of the blade 20 is no longer guided by the guide means 33, and the wheel 26 connected to the pin 25 leaves the guide means 33 to arrive in a position in which the upper side 23 of the blade 20; preferably, the wheel 26 rests on a support element 64, for example a support rail 64.
- the upper side 23 of the blade 20 is no longer guided by the guide means 33 and the blade 20 is free to float, while the bottom side 24 of the blade 20 slides on the upper guide means 44; preferably, the wheel 56 connected to the arm 57 rotates on the upper rail 44 arranged in correspondence with the upper part of the tank 10.
- the motion transmission means 50 connected to the bottom side 24 of the blade 20 and guided by the driving means 60, preferably, the carriage 51 including the wheels 52, 53 rotating on the rail 60 external to the tank 10, transmit the motion from the blade 20 which is pushed by the water pressure to the other blades 20 which in the recovery phase are not pushed by the water pressure, preferably with an annular motion.
- the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy comprises a wheel 61 equipped with hooking teeth 62 on which the connecting links 54 rest to transfer, by rotating the wheel 61, the power generated by the apparatus 100 to a device for the production of electricity, for example through a kinematic chain comprising belts 77, pulleys 76 and a transmission shaft 75.
- the hooking teeth 62 comprise inserts 63 made of plastic material, for example polyurethane, at the points of support of the joining links 54 to the hooking teeth 62 which have the function of avoiding noise during hooking and reducing usury; moreover, the polyurethane deforming slightly allows the simultaneous support of all the links to the hooking teeth 62 of the wheel 61.
- plastic material for example polyurethane
- the transmission shaft 75 is arranged in a direction parallel to the upper sides 23 and the bottom 24 of the blade 20 and perpendicular to the sides 22 and, in addition to transmitting the motion, has the function of keeping the blades 20 aligned in the event that the forces of the water acting on the right and left side of the immersed blade 20 are of different intensities, for example after a bend in the canal, preventing a rotation of the blade 20 itself caused by the difference in thrust which would produce an anomalous inclination of the pin 55 of the blade, which would affect all the carriages 51 making them work obliquely with a relative increase in friction, loss of power and unwanted and excessive wear of the side parts of the wheels 52, 53 of the carriages 51.
- the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy comprises a control system comprising a microcontroller and sensors 71, 74, for example a water level meter 71 in the channel, which control the lifting and lowering of the apparatus 100 to intercept the maximum flow rate and avoid overflowing, so as to manage water flow rates which are highly variable over time;
- the support structure 110 is actuated by lifting means 70, for example comprising motor means of known type which actuate a screw-nut type mechanism connected to columns 111, to lift the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy when necessary free the channel, while in normal operation the apparatus 100 can be sunk so as not to have an environmental impact.
- the apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy also comprises a protection and debris storage element 72, for example a plane 72 arranged above the apparatus 100 to prevent foreign bodies from falling into the tank 10 and for depositing debris loaded by a cleaner 73 installed upstream of the apparatus 100, and load sensors 74, for example load cells, to monitor the weight weighing on the protection element 72 and on the cleaner 73.
- a protection and debris storage element 72 for example a plane 72 arranged above the apparatus 100 to prevent foreign bodies from falling into the tank 10 and for depositing debris loaded by a cleaner 73 installed upstream of the apparatus 100
- load sensors 74 for example load cells
- the apparatus 100 comprises four load cells 74 arranged under the debris protection and storage surface 72 and two load cells 74 on which the cleaner 73 rests.
- the four load cells 74 arranged under the protection and debris storage surface 72 have the function of constantly monitoring the weight of the objects, debris or animals weighing on said surface 72.
- the weight value will be read, memorized and updated by the control system after each activation of the cleaner 73: once the programmed weight has been reached, the control system will issue a warning to the system manager. If the system detects, in a short time interval, a weight variation between one load cell and another with the cleaner 73 stopped, it will interpret it as the presence of a live animal or a foreign body on the protection plane and will instantly send an alarm.
- the two load cells 74 on which the cleaner 73 rests have the function of constantly monitoring the weight affecting the cleaner 73 itself and, should said weight suddenly increase, it would be interpreted by the control system as the presence of a deposited debris with consequent activation of the cleaner 73 to remove it.
- the control system constantly monitors the operation of the apparatus 100 by means of sensors of the known type, for example noise, vibration, water level measurement sensors and controls the lifting of the apparatus 100, automatically or piloted by an operator, when he detects anomalies with an increase in noise, vibrations, water level or in the case of exceptional or periodic maintenance, to lift the apparatus 100 so that both the tank and the blades are no longer lapped by the water flow water and thus stop the apparatus 100.
- sensors of the known type for example noise, vibration, water level measurement sensors
- controls the lifting of the apparatus 100 automatically or piloted by an operator, when he detects anomalies with an increase in noise, vibrations, water level or in the case of exceptional or periodic maintenance, to lift the apparatus 100 so that both the tank and the blades are no longer lapped by the water flow water and thus stop the apparatus 100.
- another water level gauge is installed which has the function of detecting the water level in the channel to raise the apparatus 100 and the cleaner 73 above the surface of the water if its level should reach the limits of overflow, for example in the event that significant quantities of debris are discharged into the channels with an accumulation speed greater than the removal speed of the cleaner 73.
- the plant for the production of renewable energy comprises at least one apparatus 100, preferably a plurality of apparatuses 100 installed in a channel, connected to a device for the production of electric energy; preferably the apparatus 100 is not connected directly to the device for the production of electric energy but via a hydraulic circuit, preferably hydraulic, comprising an accumulator of fluid (preferably oil) under pressure placed in fluid communication with a hydraulic motor which drives a alternator for the production of electricity.
- a hydraulic circuit preferably hydraulic, comprising an accumulator of fluid (preferably oil) under pressure placed in fluid communication with a hydraulic motor which drives a alternator for the production of electricity.
- Each apparatus 100 installed in the channel puts the oil in the circuit under pressure, preferably a plurality of apparatuses 100 connected in parallel, substantially at the same pressures they increase the oil flow rate until the desired pressure and flow rate are obtained to operate the hydraulic motor connected to the alternator.
- the hydraulic accumulator allows the impulse produced by the apparatuses 100 to be dampened and the alternator revolutions to be adjusted to put it in phase with the electric mains.
- an electrolyser hydrogen and oxygen tanks usable in fuel cells including those of the PEM type (fuel cells with proton exchange membranes), given the high degree of purity (about 99.99%).
- the apparatus and plant for the production of renewable energy starting from a water flow rate of a free-flowing channel according to the invention are simple to construct, cost-effective, have no impact on the environment and remain outdoors. inside the channel in which they are installed, without requiring the construction of specific building or hydraulic works.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally refers to an apparatus and plant for the production of renewable energy.
- In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a plant for the production of renewable energy starting from the hydraulic energy deriving from a water flow rate of a free surface channel, for example an irrigation channel, or even a water course with large flow rates, in consideration of the fact that it can work completely submerged.
- To produce electrical or mechanical energy starting from the kinetic energy of a flow of water in a free-flowing canal, it is necessary to exploit limited head and water flow; for this purpose, the use of Banki turbines or augers is known, which, although simple to build and inexpensive, however require building works for installation and have the problem of having reduced yields.
- Apparatuses and plants are also known for the production of renewable energy starting from the water flow rate of a free-surface canal which withdraw a water flow rate from the canal through pipes and hydraulic works and introduce it into a turbine, to then return it to the channel.
- These known apparatuses and plants have the problem of being expensive to manufacture, having a high environmental impact, and requiring the release of authorizations to be put into operation.
- Document
DE-U1-2007 002848 discloses an apparatus for the production of renewable energy which constitutes the most relevant prior art superseded by the present invention. - Object of the present invention is solving the aforesaid prior art problems, by providing an apparatus and a plant for the production of renewable energy starting from a water flow rate of an open-surface channel which are simple to construct, cost-effective, without having an impact on the environment and which remains within the canal, without requiring the construction of building or hydraulic works.
- The above and other objects and advantages of the invention, as will appear from the following description, are achieved with an apparatus and plant for the production of renewable energy such as those described in the respective independent claims. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variants of the present invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
- It is understood that all attached claims form an integral part of the present description.
- It will be immediately obvious that innumerable variations and modifications may be made to what is described (for example relating to shape, dimensions, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality) without departing from the scope of the invention as appears from the attached claims.
- The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of an apparatus for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention; -
Figures 2-5 are schematic partial sectional views of an apparatus for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention in different working positions; -
Figure 6 is a schematic partial sectional view of a component of an apparatus for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention; -
Figure 7 is a partial schematic view in side section of an apparatus for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention; and -
Figure 8 is a partial schematic top view of an apparatus for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention. - Referring to the Figures, the
apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy according to the present invention comprises: - a
tank 10 configured to be immersed in a stream, preferably in a free-surface channel and comprising twoside walls 12 and abottom wall 14 which delimit an area for the passage of water in thetank 10; preferably, thewalls tank 10 to be immersed in a channel, with thebottom wall 14 near the bottom of the channel and theside walls 12 near the edges of the channel, - at least three
blades 20, eachblade 20 having dimensions such as to close the passage area of the water in thetank 10 and comprising abottom side 24, preferably having a length substantially equal to that of thebottom wall 14 of thetank 10, configured to operate in contact (substantially watertight) withsaid bottom wall 14 during a thrust phase in which the water exerts pressure on theblade 20 moving it, anupper side 23 and twosides 22, preferably having length substantially equal to the height of theside walls 12 of thetank 10, configured to operate in contact (substantially watertight) withsaid side walls 12 during the thrust phase of the water on theblade 20, - guide means 33 of the
upper side 23 of theblade 20 arranged at the upper part of thetank 10, preferably connected to theside walls 12 inside thetank 10, configured to guide theupper side 23 during the water thrust phase on the blade 20 (substantially vertical lower blade ofFig. 2 ) so as to keep theblade 20 in a transverse position to the flow of water in thetank 10; preferably, said guide means 33 of theupper side 23 of theblade 20 are arranged inside theside wall 12 and comprise arail 33 inside thetank 10, for example arail 33 inside at each of the twoside walls 12, having a the curved end at which theupper side 23 of theblade 20 leaves the guide means 33, - lower guide means 34 arranged in correspondence with the lower part of the
tank 10, preferably connected to asupport structure 110 of thetank 10, configured to guide thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 during a first recovery phase of the blade 20 (Fig. 3 ) in which theupper side 23 of theblade 20 is not guided by the guide means 33; preferably, said lower guide means 34 are arranged outside theside wall 12 and comprise alower rail 34, for example alower rail 34 at each of the twoside walls 12, having a curved end configured to guide the side ofbottom 24 by rotating theblade 20 to bring it into a position in which theupper side 23 rests on asupport element 64, for example asupport rail 64, - upper guide means 44 arranged at the top of the
tank 10, preferably connected to thesupport structure 110 of thetank 10, configured to guide thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 during a second recovery phase of the blade 20 (Fig. 4 , substantially horizontal upper blade ofFig. 2 ), in which theupper side 23 of theblade 20 is not guided by the guide means 33 and theblade 20 is free to float, so as to return it to the position in which the water exerts a pressure on theblade 20 to start the thrust phase; preferably, said upper guide means 44 are arranged outside theside wall 12 and comprise anupper rail 44, for example anupper rail 44 at each of the twoside walls 12, having a curved end configured to guide theside bottom 24 by rotating theblade 20 to bring it into a transversal position to the flow of water in thetank 10 so as to start the thrust phase, - motion transmission means 50 connected in a rotating manner to the
bottom side 24 of theblade 20 and configured to transmit the motion from theblade 20 which is pushed by the water pressure to theother blades 20 which in the recovery phase are not pushed by the pressure some water; in a preferred way, the means for transmitting themotion 50 comprise acarriage 51 connected in a rotating way to thebottom side 24 of theblade 20, preferably connected in a rotating way to apin 55 connected to thebottom side 24 of theblade 20, saidcarriage 51 being slidably connected to guide means 60 and via connection means, for example thelinks 54 of achain 58, toother carriages 51 which may or may not be connected torespective blades 20; - guide means 60 of the motion transmission means 50, preferably connected to the
support structure 110 of thetank 10, configured to guide, preferably with an annular motion, the motion transmission means 50 connected to theblades 20 from the position in which, in the thrust phase, the water exerts a pressure on the blade 20 (substantially vertical lower blade ofFig. 2 ) to the position in which, in the recovery phase of theblade 20, theblade 20 is free to float (Fig. 4 , blade substantially horizontal top ofFig. 2 ) to then return said motion transmission means 50 to the starting position in which the water exerts pressure on theblade 20 and repeat the succession of motion phases; preferably, the guide means 60 comprise anannular rail 60 outside thetank 10 arranged along aside wall 12, for example arail 60 at each of the twoside walls 12. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
upper side 23 of theblade 20 is connected to a wheel orroller 26 rotating on the guide means 33 arranged at the upper part of thetank 10; for example, thewheel 26 is connected to apin 25 connected to theupper side 23 of theblade 20 and rotates on therail 33 inside thetank 10; preferably, theupper side 23 of theblade 20 is connected to twowheels 26 connected to the ends of thepin 25, rotating onrespective rails 33 inside thetank 10 and each placed outside one of thesides 22 of theblade 20. - Preferably, the
bottom side 24 of theblade 20 is connected to a wheel orroller 56 rotating on the lower 34 or upper 44 guide means; for example thewheel 56 is connected, preferably via anarm 57, to thepin 55 connected to thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 and rotates on the lower 34 or upper 44 rail; preferably, thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 is connected to twowheels 56 connected to the ends of thepin 55, rotating on respectivelower rails 34 orupper rails 44 each placed outside each of the twoside walls 12, in correspondence with thebottom 14 oftank 10. - Preferably, the
trolley 51 comprises wheels orrollers 52 rotating on the guide means 60, for example pairs ofantagonistic wheels rail 60 external to thetank 10 and rotating on therail 60; in a preferred way, the motion transmission means 50 comprise twotrolleys 51, each connected to one of thesides 22 of theblade 20, placed outside theside walls 12 of thetank 10 and sliding on the guide means 60. - Preferably, the
trolley 51 comprises two wheels orrollers 52 rotating on the guide means 60 and two pairs ofopposing wheels 53, in particular a pair ofopposing wheels 53 for eachwheel 52, thewheels 52 and the pairs ofwheels 53 being arranged opposite sides of theouter rail 60 and rotating thereon. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
wheels outer rail 60 and thewheels 56 rotating on the lower 34 orupper rails 44 are made of plastic material, for example polyurethane to reduce noise and wear; theopposing wheels 53, when the carriages are in the overturned position, keep thewheels 52 of thecarriage 51 resting on theexternal rail 60, avoiding misalignment of thecarriages 51 and limiting the wear of thewheels 52 and the noise when they return to rest on theouter rail 60. Preferably, theopposing wheels 53 are closer to each other than thewheels 52 of thetrolley 51, to reduce friction and wear when thetrolleys 51 travel along the curved part of theouter rail 60. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
chain 58 is formed by threecarriages 51 each connected to ablade 20 by means of thepin 55, saidcarriages 51 being furthermore connected by means of the connectinglinks 54 toother carriages 51 comprising thewheels outer rail 60 but not connected to theblades 20; preferably, theapparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy of the invention comprises twochains 58 each at one of theside walls 12. - In the operation of the
apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy according to the invention, during the thrust phase of the water on the blade 20 (substantially vertical lower blade ofFig. 2 ) theupper side 23 of theblade 20 slides on theguide 33 arranged at the top of thetank 10, with thewheel 26 connected to thepin 25 which rotates on therail 33 inside thetank 10. - At the end of the thrust phase of the water on the blade 20 (
Fig. 3 ) theupper side 23 of theblade 20 is no longer guided by the guide means 33, and thewheel 26 connected to thepin 25 leaves the guide means 33, preferably after traveling the curved end of therail 33, while thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 begins to be guided by the lower guide means 34 during the first recovery phase of the blade 20 (Fig. 3 ), with thewheel 56 connected to thearm 57 which comes into contact with thelower rail 34 and theblade 20 which tends to rotate, so as to generate a force which drags thetrolley 51 downstream and facilitates the positioning of thenext blade 20 which is located upstream. In summary, by adding the combined actions of thedownstream blade 20 which rotates on thelower rail 34 and the initial thrust of theupstream blade 20, a force is developed similar to that exerted by theblade 20 when it is in the thrust phase, transversal to the flow of the water in thetank 10. - At the end of the first recovery phase of the blade 20 (
Fig. 3 ), theupper side 23 of theblade 20 is no longer guided by the guide means 33, and thewheel 26 connected to thepin 25 leaves the guide means 33 to arrive in a position in which theupper side 23 of theblade 20; preferably, thewheel 26 rests on asupport element 64, for example asupport rail 64. - Subsequently, during the second recovery phase of the blade 20 (
Fig. 4 , substantially horizontal upper blade ofFig. 2 ) theupper side 23 of theblade 20 is no longer guided by the guide means 33 and theblade 20 is free to float, while thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 slides on the upper guide means 44; preferably, thewheel 56 connected to thearm 57 rotates on theupper rail 44 arranged in correspondence with the upper part of thetank 10. - In the operation of the
apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy according to the invention, the motion transmission means 50 connected to thebottom side 24 of theblade 20 and guided by the driving means 60, preferably, thecarriage 51 including thewheels rail 60 external to thetank 10, transmit the motion from theblade 20 which is pushed by the water pressure to theother blades 20 which in the recovery phase are not pushed by the water pressure, preferably with an annular motion. - The
apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy according to the invention comprises awheel 61 equipped with hookingteeth 62 on which the connectinglinks 54 rest to transfer, by rotating thewheel 61, the power generated by theapparatus 100 to a device for the production of electricity, for example through a kinematicchain comprising belts 77,pulleys 76 and atransmission shaft 75. - Preferably, the hooking
teeth 62 comprise inserts 63 made of plastic material, for example polyurethane, at the points of support of the joininglinks 54 to the hookingteeth 62 which have the function of avoiding noise during hooking and reducing usury; moreover, the polyurethane deforming slightly allows the simultaneous support of all the links to thehooking teeth 62 of thewheel 61. - Preferably, the
transmission shaft 75 is arranged in a direction parallel to theupper sides 23 and thebottom 24 of theblade 20 and perpendicular to thesides 22 and, in addition to transmitting the motion, has the function of keeping theblades 20 aligned in the event that the forces of the water acting on the right and left side of theimmersed blade 20 are of different intensities, for example after a bend in the canal, preventing a rotation of theblade 20 itself caused by the difference in thrust which would produce an anomalous inclination of thepin 55 of the blade, which would affect all thecarriages 51 making them work obliquely with a relative increase in friction, loss of power and unwanted and excessive wear of the side parts of thewheels carriages 51. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy comprises a control system comprising a microcontroller andsensors water level meter 71 in the channel, which control the lifting and lowering of theapparatus 100 to intercept the maximum flow rate and avoid overflowing, so as to manage water flow rates which are highly variable over time; thesupport structure 110 is actuated by lifting means 70, for example comprising motor means of known type which actuate a screw-nut type mechanism connected tocolumns 111, to lift theapparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy when necessary free the channel, while in normal operation theapparatus 100 can be sunk so as not to have an environmental impact. - Preferably, the
apparatus 100 for the production of renewable energy also comprises a protection anddebris storage element 72, for example aplane 72 arranged above theapparatus 100 to prevent foreign bodies from falling into thetank 10 and for depositing debris loaded by acleaner 73 installed upstream of theapparatus 100, andload sensors 74, for example load cells, to monitor the weight weighing on theprotection element 72 and on thecleaner 73. - In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the
apparatus 100 comprises fourload cells 74 arranged under the debris protection andstorage surface 72 and twoload cells 74 on which thecleaner 73 rests. - The four
load cells 74 arranged under the protection anddebris storage surface 72 have the function of constantly monitoring the weight of the objects, debris or animals weighing on saidsurface 72. When the weight gradually increases, it means that thecleaner 73 is loading and depositing waterborne debris; the weight value will be read, memorized and updated by the control system after each activation of the cleaner 73: once the programmed weight has been reached, the control system will issue a warning to the system manager. If the system detects, in a short time interval, a weight variation between one load cell and another with thecleaner 73 stopped, it will interpret it as the presence of a live animal or a foreign body on the protection plane and will instantly send an alarm. - The two
load cells 74 on which the cleaner 73 rests have the function of constantly monitoring the weight affecting thecleaner 73 itself and, should said weight suddenly increase, it would be interpreted by the control system as the presence of a deposited debris with consequent activation of thecleaner 73 to remove it. - Preferably, the control system constantly monitors the operation of the
apparatus 100 by means of sensors of the known type, for example noise, vibration, water level measurement sensors and controls the lifting of theapparatus 100, automatically or piloted by an operator, when he detects anomalies with an increase in noise, vibrations, water level or in the case of exceptional or periodic maintenance, to lift theapparatus 100 so that both the tank and the blades are no longer lapped by the water flow water and thus stop theapparatus 100. - Preferably, upstream of the
cleaner 73, another water level gauge is installed which has the function of detecting the water level in the channel to raise theapparatus 100 and thecleaner 73 above the surface of the water if its level should reach the limits of overflow, for example in the event that significant quantities of debris are discharged into the channels with an accumulation speed greater than the removal speed of thecleaner 73. - The plant for the production of renewable energy according to the invention comprises at least one
apparatus 100, preferably a plurality ofapparatuses 100 installed in a channel, connected to a device for the production of electric energy; preferably theapparatus 100 is not connected directly to the device for the production of electric energy but via a hydraulic circuit, preferably hydraulic, comprising an accumulator of fluid (preferably oil) under pressure placed in fluid communication with a hydraulic motor which drives a alternator for the production of electricity. - Each
apparatus 100 installed in the channel puts the oil in the circuit under pressure, preferably a plurality ofapparatuses 100 connected in parallel, substantially at the same pressures they increase the oil flow rate until the desired pressure and flow rate are obtained to operate the hydraulic motor connected to the alternator. - The hydraulic accumulator allows the impulse produced by the
apparatuses 100 to be dampened and the alternator revolutions to be adjusted to put it in phase with the electric mains. Alternatively, it is possible to exploit the hydraulic energy produced by theapparatus 100 of the invention with an electrolyser, hydrogen and oxygen tanks usable in fuel cells including those of the PEM type (fuel cells with proton exchange membranes), given the high degree of purity (about 99.99%). - Advantageously, the apparatus and plant for the production of renewable energy starting from a water flow rate of a free-flowing channel according to the invention are simple to construct, cost-effective, have no impact on the environment and remain outdoors. inside the channel in which they are installed, without requiring the construction of specific building or hydraulic works.
Claims (10)
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy including:- a tank (10) configured to be immersed in a free-flowing stream and comprising two side walls (12) and a bottom wall (14) which delimit an area for the passage of water in the tank (10),- at least three blades (20), each blade 20 having dimensions such as to close the passage area of the water in the tank (10) and comprising a bottom side (24) configured to operate in contact with said bottom wall (14) during a thrust phase in which the water exerts pressure on the blade (20) by moving it, an upper side (23) and two sides (22) configured to operate in contact with said side walls (12) during the thrust phase of the water on the blade (20),- guide means (33) of the upper side (23) of the blade (20) arranged in correspondence with the upper part of the tank (10) and configured to guide the upper side (23) during the thrust phase of the water on the blade (20) so as to keep the blade (20) in a transverse position to the water flow in the tank (10),- lower guide means (34) arranged in correspondence with the lower part of the tank (10) and configured to guide the bottom side (24) of the blade (20) during a first recovery phase of the blade (20) in which the side top (23) of the blade (20) is not guided by the guide means (33),- upper guide means (44) arranged in correspondence with the upper part of the tank (10) and configured to guide the bottom side (24) of the blade (20) during a second recovery phase of the blade (20), in which the upper side (23) of the blade (20) is not guided by the guide means (33) and the blade (20) is free to float, so as to return it to the position in which the water exerts pressure on the blade (20) to start the push phase,- motion transmission means (50) rotatably connected to the bottom side (24) of the blade (20) and configured to transmit the motion from the blade (20) which is pushed by the water pressure to the other blades (20) which in the recovery phase are not pushed by the water pressure,- guide means (60) configured to guide the motion transmission means (50) connected to the blades (20) from the position in which, in the thrust phase, the water exerts pressure on the blade (20) to the position in which, in the recovery phase of the blade (20), the blade (20) is free to float, to then return said motion transmission means (50) to the starting position in which the water exerts pressure on the blade (20).
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the motion transmission means (50) comprise a carriage (51) connected in a rotating manner to the bottom side (24) of the blade (20), connected in a sliding manner to the guide means (60) and through connection means (54, 58) to other carriages (51) connected to respective blades (20).
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to claim 2, characterized in that the carriage (51) comprises wheels (52, 53) rotating on the guide means (60).
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means comprise an annular rail (60) external to the tank (10) disposed along a lateral wall (12).
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side (23) of the blade (20) is connected to a wheel (26) rotating on the guide means (33) arranged at the top of the bowl (10) and the bottom side (24) of the blade (20) is connected to a wheel (56) rotating on the lower (34) or upper (44) guide means.
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide means (33) of the upper side (23) of the blade (20) are arranged inside the side wall (12) and comprise a rail (33) inside the tank (10) having a curved end at which the upper side (23) of the blade (20) leaves the guide means (33).
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lower guide means (34) are arranged outside the side wall (12) and comprise a lower rail (34) having a curved end configured to guide the bottom side (24) by rotating the blade (10) to bring it into a position in which the top side (23) abuts a rest (64).
- Apparatus (100) for the production of renewable energy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said upper guide means (44) are arranged outside the side wall (12) and comprise an upper rail (44) having a curved end configured to guide the bottom side (24) by rotating the blade (10) to bring it into a position transverse to the flow of water in the tank (10) so as to start the thrust phase.
- Plant for the production of renewable energy comprising at least one apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 connected to a device for the production of electric energy.
- Plant for the production of renewable energy according to claim 9, characterized in that it has a hydraulic circuit comprising a pressurized fluid accumulator placed in fluid communication with a hydraulic motor which drives the device for the production of electric energy.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT202200003815 | 2022-03-02 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4239183A1 true EP4239183A1 (en) | 2023-09-06 |
Family
ID=81648411
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP23157561.4A Pending EP4239183A1 (en) | 2022-03-02 | 2023-02-20 | Apparatus and plant for producing renewable energy |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4239183A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1457927A (en) * | 1921-04-29 | 1923-06-05 | Ebel Frederick Edward | Hydraulic motor |
DE202007002848U1 (en) * | 2007-02-24 | 2007-04-26 | Posorski, Hans | Device for producing energy from flowing water comprises blades mounted so that they freely pivot toward the inside of a continuous conveying element and an elongated blade-guiding element |
WO2011101693A1 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2011-08-25 | Hidra Force D.O.O | Driving engine (water turbine) of hydrokinetic floating power plant with enhanced efficiency degree, and hydrokinetic floating power plant module |
-
2023
- 2023-02-20 EP EP23157561.4A patent/EP4239183A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1457927A (en) * | 1921-04-29 | 1923-06-05 | Ebel Frederick Edward | Hydraulic motor |
DE202007002848U1 (en) * | 2007-02-24 | 2007-04-26 | Posorski, Hans | Device for producing energy from flowing water comprises blades mounted so that they freely pivot toward the inside of a continuous conveying element and an elongated blade-guiding element |
WO2011101693A1 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2011-08-25 | Hidra Force D.O.O | Driving engine (water turbine) of hydrokinetic floating power plant with enhanced efficiency degree, and hydrokinetic floating power plant module |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7875990B2 (en) | Wind-energy power machine and storage energy power generating system and wind-driven power generating system | |
US7503744B1 (en) | Undershot impulse jet driven waterwheel having an automatically adjustable radial gate for optimal hydroelectric power generation and water level control | |
CN101680419B (en) | Wave power plant | |
EP1282746B1 (en) | Wavepowermachine | |
US9109570B2 (en) | Tidal adjustment arrangement for a wave energy recovery system | |
US1818066A (en) | System for recovering the energy of the movements of the sea | |
KR20150045352A (en) | Floating water turbine generator efficiency | |
EP4239183A1 (en) | Apparatus and plant for producing renewable energy | |
US9347423B2 (en) | Device for obtaining electrical energy from hydropower | |
CN201351274Y (en) | Movable slag retaining device | |
JP7060265B2 (en) | Running water power generator | |
EP2606223B1 (en) | Arrangement for a surface area adjustment of a reciprocating wing system in a wave energy recovery system | |
KR20160017086A (en) | Run-of-the-river or ocean current turbine | |
CN108149641B (en) | Inclined float blocking system and float blocking method | |
CN1274045A (en) | Hydralic power equipment and its method for generating electricity | |
CN109477453B (en) | Marine power turbine | |
KR200329785Y1 (en) | Float type hydraulic power generater | |
RU2269672C1 (en) | Floating hydroelectric power plant with underwater turbine | |
CN208586565U (en) | A kind of tilting blocks drift system | |
CN220394478U (en) | Hydropower station dam water inlet floater cleaning device | |
CN214972215U (en) | Double-hob grille decontamination device | |
CN218559118U (en) | Buoyancy increasing device for front trash blocking and discharging guide buoyancy tank of hydropower station dam | |
CN220882188U (en) | Dismounting device of water turbine water guide mechanism | |
US970196A (en) | Hydraulic-power plant. | |
JP3182673U (en) | Hydropower system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20230220 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20240221 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |