FR2949248A1 - Device for converting e.g. wind energy into mechanical energy for e.g. producing hydrogen, has positioning unit recovering positioning of line just after half turn in order to permit optimal exploitation of tangential force given to lever - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a kite (1) equipped with a winch (18). A lever (3a) actuates an energy converter i.e. generator (10), contained in a nacelle or a cap. A hydropneumatic accumulator (7) supplies power to a hydraulic motor (9) actuated by hydraulic jacks (4, 5). A positioning unit recovers positioning of a line (48) just after a half turn made by the kite reiterating a path in an opposite direction and along a continuous back and forth movement in order to permit optimal exploitation of tangential force given to the lever.

Description

The invention relates to a device for converting the energy of a fluid in motion, namely wind energy but also tidal energy, into mechanical energy, in particular to produce electricity, and using at least one deformation device. wheel. Conventional wind turbines in use constitute an alternative to polluting and limited fossil fuels, and are available in horizontal axis wind turbines, more rarely in vertical axis. The rotor, mounted on a tom- et, captures a vein of wind depending on the wind. swept surface, and actuates a generator. The generated power increases with the cube of the wind speed, which increases with altitude. As a result the tower is imposing. Transpositions in tidal turbines are being applied.

However, the structure requires expensive and heavy work in gray energy itself generating pollution. Conventional wind turbines do not capture high winds, sweep a relatively small area, have a strong visual impact, require a ground spacing of making it bulky overall. An alternative initiated by the device described in US3987987A is the implementation of kites to generate electricity, cheaper and lighter in gray energy, able to capture more regular and powerful winds of altitude. The generic term "kite" designates any profile or wing, flexible, or rigid as a glider, retained by at least one line or rope, and generating a lift. The devices for producing electricity are divided into so-called linear devices and according to which the kite moves away by unrolling its lines by driving the axis of the generator (directly or by means of mechanisms), then is recalled; as well as so-called cyclic devices and according to which the kite moves at a constant distance from the generator (by extension the flying rotors are also called cyclic). However, the conversion of kite traction into rotational energy poses many problems hindering the industrial exploitation of known kite devices. These problems are described in conjunction with the technical characteristics that pose them, and according to a nomenclature that facilitates the analysis of kites. a greater number of patents.Are cited patents describing various linear devices, then patents describing various cyclic devices, according to a non-exhaustive list but to highlight cross-checks of characteristics and problems. A complementary description is sometimes added when the device has additional special features. Characteristics and problems A: systems varying the traction by the variation of the angle of attack, the use of the drag of the kite to the detriment of the lift. The kites evolve at reduced speed, of the order The generated power is then minimal, the vein of wind captured reduces to the canvas surface, and for a reduced yield.

Characteristics and problems B to overcome A: the lift of two-line kites is implemented during fast-moving figures generating a lot of power because sweeping a large vein of wind. The piloting, tending to be automated, takes the characteristics of piloting leisure kites, combining speed with power. Closed figures such as loops or eight are then executed at high speed continuously. However, the ropes transmitting the motions to the generator and the flight lines are separated: it follows a division of the transmitted energy besides a too great complexity of the device. Characteristics and Problems C: The space of flight invested is clearly greater than the space actually operated and swept: the figures can extend over several hundred meters, this can be a crippling problem. Characteristics and problems D: no practical possibility of large-scale exploitation, especially by the combination of the devices concerned, during the cyclic operation of eight-dimensional or circular or rotary figures. The vertical and horizontal superpositions 15 of such figures generate the non-exploitation of a considerable area, as well as the need to space the devices on the ground, which is very difficult given the reality of the ground. Characteristics and Problems E Concerning Linear Devices: unconfined space of flight and incommensurate with the surface actually exploited, non-continuous and non-optimal energy: the generator is used as a kite reminder motor from which, besides a Smoothing storage device, the need for a second battery-type device to deliver with a low efficiency a constant energy to the network. Characteristics and problems F: concept of a large rotating rigid structure carrying the kites and operating the vertical axis generator. The 25 considerable dimensions of the carousel arms determine the surface swept by the set of fixed kites. on the periphery and are a factor of reduction of the tensile forces generated by the kites but also of the parasitic forces axial and radial. The surface area remains important while being considerably weaker with equal power than the surface area of a conventional wind farm in view of the need for spacing units. Cyclic flight settings are complex. The angular velocity of the generator or the slow shaft of the multiplier is extremely low, resulting in additional costs .The arrangement in the same wind axis of the trajectories on either side of the carousel causes effects of the masking of the wind decreasing the yield and necessitating further spacing of the flying elements. The transmission of a continuous rotary motion generates zones of non-production. Nevertheless, this concept marks a substantial progress at least by the prospects of a massive production of electricity it induces.

Characteristics and problems G: necessity of the installation of intermediary devices that make the overall efficiency difficult. Characteristics and Problems H: General systems or ancillary devices (such as a kite with several ground fixing points) with a flight diagram making the implementation complex and random. Characteristics and problems I often related to F: presence of parasitic forces axial and radial and therefore not optimization of the tangential driving force of the generator, especially when driving a vertical axis generator. Characteristics and Problems J: the generator and the electric cable are suspended in the air, inducing a diversion of wind energy to compensate for their weight, in addition to potential dangers. Characteristics and Problems K: The kite's movements relative to the generator or intermediate storage device do not have the same angular dimension, unlike, for example, the forced movements of the conventional wind turbine blades on the generator or its multiplier. As a result the normal evolution of a kite in its closed flight window is not observed. It follows that the linear devices generate a fast but jerky movement, and the carousel type cyclic devices generate a very fast motion. slow requiring significant gearing and causing tension on a large structure. Characteristics and problems L: the generator works on a vertical axis or on a horizontal axis whereas the flight window of a kite is generally inclined, hence some of the problems already mentioned, in particular as a result of the axial parasitic forces generated (the devices embedding the generator (s) do not generate any problems while aggravating the problems. Characteristics and Problems Male kite moving in closed figures prints the lever an oscillation movement transmitting the energy intermittently, and thus requiring a large temporary storage device.An angular displacement of the lever around a vertical or oblique axis induced an angle of the line relative to the lever close to 180 °, in order to allow the maintenance of the oscillating movement of the lever by the kite traction, resulting in a very low yield compared to the yield which would be generated with a line positioned perpendicular to the lever, and not possible in the state. An angular displacement about a horizontal axis can only be maintained in very low amplitude figures preventing the kite from gaining speed and limiting the swept surface. The angular movements of the lever can not then allow a greater amount of movement. constant perpendicular positioning of the line. The possibilities of lever downlifting are therefore very little exploited or exploitable in the state of the art.

Patents describing linear devices: Patent US2005046197 A1: features and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. US4124182 A: characteristics and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. US6254034 B1: characteristics and problems A, C, D, E, K, L.

WO0040860 A2: features and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. Patent NL1017171 C: characteristics and problems A, C, D, E, J, K, L. Patent WO2008034421 A2: characteristics and problems A, C, D, E, H, K, L. Patent DE3209368 A1: characteristics and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. Patent DE2437003 A1: describes a large aerostatic kite, features and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. Patent WO2004044418 A1: discloses a pair of kites supported by aerostats and alternately activating the generator, one of which is folded, the other deployed; characteristics and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. Patent US2002033019 A1: discloses a device similar to the above but disposed horizontally in the wind axis, and without aerostat, features and problems A, C, D, E, K, L. GB2119451 A: characteristics and problems B, C, D, E, K, L. US2002040948 B2: characteristics and problems B, C, D, E, K, L. Patent WO2007112993 A1: the piloting device is transferred at altitude, solving the problems A and B, and also allows more responsiveness than piloting the winches close to the ground, characteristics and problems for a semicyclic variant; , C, D, K, L. Patents describing cyclic devices: Patent CN1052723 A: describes a pair of kites exerting a pendulum movement transmitted to a drum and then to a hydraulic device, features and problems A, C, D, G, K, L, M. Patent GB2439215 A: the oscillation movement of the lever printed by the kite makes it possible to actuate two pistons alternately. The axis is oblique. As shown in FIG. 1, the line oscillates in the extension of the lever without transmitting a force. optimal tangential characteristics and problems C, D, G, I, K, L, M. US4486669 A: describes a multitude of rotors installed on the same axis suspended by a kite and an aerostat, which therefore do not function to drive the generators, characteristics and problems D, J. Patent FR2667904 A1: describes two self-supporting rotating wings operating several generators suspended in the air, characteristics and problems D, H, J. US3924827 A: discloses a set of aerostatic kites operating in interaction and operating a generator on the ground, characteristics and problems A, D, H. US4572962 A: discloses a set of spaced apart and interconnected kites operating in interaction and each carrying two generators, features and problems D, H, J. Patent US2003091437 A1: describes a kite with several rotating gyrocopter wings and carrying a very high altitude generator for capturing very fast and powerful currents, characteristics and problems D, J. Patent WO2006117593 A1: discloses a device comprising a rotating aerostatic kite Magnus effect, and carrying two generators on both sides; characteristics and problems A, C, D, J. Patent US4251040 A: describes a kite having the configuration of an aircraft carrying two rotors with their generators, evolving in circular shapes, the relative wind driving the rotors, characteristics and problems C, D, J, besides problems related to the high air resistance of the rotors tying down the device and reducing the performance. Patent US6072245 A: discloses a device comprising a circular cable carried by a series of kites mounting on one side and descending on the other, the movement of the cable 15 actuating the shaft of the horizontal axis generator, with the advantage of reduced ground occupation, characteristics and problems A, C, H, K, L. Patent US2003066934 A1: device similar to the preceding one, a relay with pulleys making it possible to raise the cable carried by the kites, characteristics and problems A, C, H, K, L. GB2317422 A and DE2839918 A1: disclose a device representing a carousel or carousel rotated by the thrust of the circumferentially mounted kites and operating a vertical axis generator, features and problems A, F, I, L. Patents EP1672214 A1, WO2008004261A, WO2007135701A2, WO2008120257A2: describe an extension of this device by a steering system of each kite performing traction and power increasing figures, and comprising computer-controlled motorized winches and miniaturized atmospheric data sensors. Massive power generation is envisaged for a smaller but still high floor space due to the need for spacing of kites and thus an enlarged structure, subject to 30. Each figure produced corresponds to a small arc of rotation of the carousel and the generator, characteristics and problems F, I, K, L. The Worcester Polytechnic Institute "WPI Kite Power" project ES 2008-54032 describes a kite intermittently pulling a lever and causing it to oscillate about a horizontal axis. A flywheel converts cyclic motion into During the kite's pulling phase a spring is tensioned.Then the spring releases the useful energy, part of which allows the lever to return to about 80 ° towards its initial position: characteristics and problems C, D, I , K, L, M.

Moreover, none of the described devices could be transposable towards the conversion of the tidal energy because the trajectories exploited necessarily generate large altitude differences not convertible in depth: fast but flatter paths than figures in eight are necessary for the water work usually shallow. The device according to the invention makes it possible to solve most of the problems. The primary objective of the invention is to allow the easy implementation of a cyclic device with a significant structural economy, the swept surface being carried only by the lines of the kite or kites in rapid evolution, which act as structure.The concomitant objective is to capture as much space as possible with the minimum of equipment and space, both on the ground at the level of facilities and in airspace, for a massive exploitation.The objective related to the previous is to allow a large-scale exploitation totally covering the considered surface of a wind vein, by the choice of an adapted working trajectory.

According to the elements included in the state of the art the device according to the invention comprises at least one kite, said at least one kite being equipped with means (s) for driving, can be recalled by at least one winch driving, via at least one line, the lever on its vertical or oblique axis in an alternating movement of substantially the same angular amplitude as that of the trajectory of said at least one kite, said at least one lever operating at at least one energy converter, preferably at least one generator possibly contained in a nacelle or a capsule, and this preferably via a temporary storage device for smoothing the production of energy, said storage device being able to at least one hydropneumatic accumulator feeding at least one hydraulic motor actuated by at least one hydraulic cylinder, oulet being a means of generating a reserve of compressed air supplying a pneumatic motor actuated by at least one pneumatic cylinder, and / or which can be at least one supercapacitor, and / or which can be at least one flywheel, said device according to the invention can comprise an orientation device according to the wind direction such as a swivel tray.

Kite flying can be controlled by an altitude control device located close to the kites and actuating the lines which device is described at least in WO2007112993 A1 and WO2005100149 A1 of Skysails respectively describing deer -Flags for the production of electricity and for the traction of the cargo ships, or is carried out using motorized winches located near the ground, as described in the patent WO2007135701 A2 Kitegen Research SRL also describing the computer control and the data sensors determining the trajectories.

The control means implicitly cover such devices, as the three-axis controls aerodynes such as gliders or delta wings, and are not specific to the invention. The device according to the invention is characterized by the implementation of at least one means allowing during a wide transverse linear trajectory of said at least one kite a substantially perpendicular and constant positioning between said at least one lever in the direction of its length and said at least one line of said at least one kite, and consequently allowing to recover said positioning just after the half-turn made by said at least one kite reiterating said trajectory in the opposite direction, and in a movement in a continuous back and forth, and this for an optimal use of the tangential force printed said lever whose large spacing between the point of attachment of said at least one line at its end and its axis defines a large lever arm and a significant reduction in relation to the extent of the surface to be scanned. A trajectory corresponds to a transverse course.

Thus the energy is globally and constantly transmitted to the lever and thus to the generator. The means of implementation are multiple, and are divided into three main embodiments with their variants. The first embodiment, highly preferred, is characterized by the addition of a second lever.At least one additional line connects said at least one kite to the second lever, allows the steering of said at least one kite alternately from one then from the other of the two levers, each change of edge determining the alternance.Ladite at least one additional line may be another relay line, or a relay segment, or another line individual, or another pair of individual lines depending on the type of installation (one or more kites with one or two lines). Under the action of the at least one kite the two levers aligned perform a movement of va -Only comes the movements in charge of the levers are generated: in this way the non-productive periods are limited to the phases of changes of edge, the possible hydropneumatic accumulator only having to compensate for said phases short, and not an intermittent production.By the two levers in opposition are balanced on their axis, hence the uselessness of a possible counterweight. The advantage is to allow a quick positioning for a new trajectoire.En effet when the kite has done its work it is immediately ready to grasp the trajectory in the opposite direction.Before each change of edge the kite pursues slightly its trajectory at an angle slightly less than 90 ° before being taken up by the control elements of the second group.When the trajectories are relatively short management of the steering will tend to place the kite to

angular equidistance of the two ends of the split lever, the kite then navigating at an angle (function of the total length of the lines) slightly less than 90 °. The second embodiment is characterized by means for replacing the lever. The alternating movements of the lever comprise the motions in charge in addition to the movements of replacement. The device according to the invention then comprises at least one lever replacement means then no load at 180 ° to allow said at least one kite to repeat its trajectory in the opposite direction. The third embodiment, rather intended for reduced models, is characterized by the replacement of said at least one line at the other end of the double lever.

The flight characteristics are detailed below for any embodiment. While according to the devices included in the state of the art the occupied zone (the most productive) in the flight window delimits a closed figure, of circle or eight type, of the kite executed in its entirety, that of the device according to the invention delimits a linear transverse trajectory (non-circular before the half-turn) forming a circular arc of large radius of curvature.Ladite trajectory may be horizontal, or slightly arched upwards (oblique axis), or in ascending motion According to the embodiments of the invention, such a trajectory is the forced practical consequence of the substantially and constantly orthogonal positioning of the at least one line of the kite (s) during a trajectory as recommended according to the invention. results in an optimal and smooth performance, said at least one kite moving at a maximum speed, sweeping a maximum area, generating maximum power. Said trajectories are easily superimposable during the implementation of several kites on the same lever, and allow a massive and complete sweeping of the occupied wind area, without crumbling and useless occupation of the space considered. kites fly constantly in inclined position on the rope, expanding their wingspan substantially vertically, covering a maximum of surface. Among the parasitic forces at least the radial forces are thus eliminated. The lever multiplies the tangential useful force, and therefore the torque delivered by the kite or kites, and its length corresponds to the torque adjusted to the maximum power generated according to the size of the swept surface.The at least one lever transmits the energy. useful on an angular course corresponding to the useful flight window, which is of the order of 90 ° and varies depending on the performance of kites.The length of the lever also induces a relatively slight displacement of the kite or kites requiring cyclic winching of said at least one line.

Both embodiments have a vertical or oblique axis of rotation, the rotation being of course only partial, back and forth as specified above.

A vertical axis of rotation generates very advantageous horizontal trajectories by their superimposability. The only parasitic forces are axial forces as a function of the angle of inclination of the line. The installation is simplified. An oblique axis of rotation associated with the device according to the invention has the advantage of taking into account the inclination of the flight window of a kite, the problem L being completely solved, the radial and axial parasitic forces being eliminated, said at least one line being perpendicular to the lever but also to the axis of rotation.The trajectories are arcuate depending on the angle of inclination. Commonly to the various embodiments according to the various axes and advantageously is implemented a device specific to the invention and said "bunch of kites". The bouquet of kites is a group of kites whose individual lines converge at a central point intersecting with the end of at least one relay line, the other end of said at least one relay line being attached to its respective lever, said at least one relay line being split according to the embodiment preferential kites and their flat or arcuate trajectories are substantially superimposed. The individual lines of each of the kites are of equal length or a little different so that the superposition covers an increased vertical dimension. Thus the kite bouquet replaces to a single kite that would be too big to be maneuverable.The relay line facilitates cyclic winding operations and The winches can be taken over by the winches. Additional winches assigned to the individual lines can be used to relay the winding and the unwinding and to call, one by one if necessary, the kites for their maintenance or the shelter in the event of a storm. the full coverage in width and height of a swept surface the kite bouquet allows to consider a massive production.

The considerable advantage of the bouquet device and allow to invest a larger area both vertically and horizontally. Conversely for a conventional kite train (although it can be implemented for the device according to the invention) those at the top must travel much more distance than those at the bottom, in addition considering the effective mean flight angle of a kite (around 30 °) the units must be distant to allow to avoid effects of masking the wind, which induces a very important area invested. The bouquet of kites _ preferably driven by an individual device at altitude has another advantage to allow the execution of half-turns to each kites instead of a global half-turn as would be the case for a single larger kite of the same overall size, to allow faster acceleration, hence a medium speed and a production of higher energy, to generate less overall area, the rope of the whole being reduced to the rope of each kite.The average working direction of the generator is located at a median angle. The kites may comprise pneumatic elements inflated with a gas lighter than air (possibly hydrogen produced by electrolysis with the device according to the invention and stored) and allowing them to remain at altitude. Under the trademark " Tensairity "pneumatic elements of great strength and lightness are implemented in the field of architecture by Mauro Pedretti and the company Airlight, and described in many patents including US2007094937 (A1) .Rolf Luchsinger and his team EMPA describe, in WO2005021898 (A1) and WO2009065238 (A2) and EMPA publications, various applications including the implementation of light and strong inflatable giant kites.Le levers or levers can also be constituted of said pneumatic elements to allow a limitation of the quantity of materials and their moment of inertia. A single device may not be sufficient to cover in width a considered surface and make the space occupied profitable. It is therefore planned to install a battery of several devices according to the invention placed side by side, each sweeping a section of the considered surface then fragmented. As the time losses due to the acceleration and the winding up phases of the kites also have to be considered, the battery of devices is more particularly applicable for large installations.

The present description of the invention allows its realization.However, adjustments are necessary in order to adapt the manufacture and arrangement of the various elements, and taking into account the novelty of the field concerned.The implementation of the invention including non-specific elements requires the contribution of specialists in wind turbines but also in hydraulic systems, kites, generators, automation, architecture.The altitude control devices are in the commercialization phase by the company Skysails under the chairmanship of Stéphane Wrage for the development of kites towing cargo ships. The miniaturized flight data sensors are in the marketing phase by the company Sequoia Automation under the presidency of Massimo Ippolito also author of the carousel project called "Kitegen ". Three embodiments of the device according to the invention are described with their variants. The drawings schematically show the device according to the invention as a whole and in its elements, as well as the principles of operation. The right angles between the lines and levers are shown in the views from above. Figures 25 to 29 combine a top view of the lever with a front view of the scanned surface.

Figure 1 shows an overall view of the device according to the preferred embodiment of the invention as a whole. Figure 2 shows an overall side view of a variant of said device. Figure 3 shows an overall side view of a variant of said device.

FIG. 4 represents an overall side view of a variant of said device. Figures 5 and 6 show two top views of the device shown in the previous figures unlike the multiplication of certain elements, and show the two phases of operation. FIG. 7 represents a view from above of a battery of five devices according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 represents an overall view of a variant of the device according to the third embodiment of the invention. Figures 9 and 10 show two side views of the second embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 11 to 14 show four views from above according to the four operating phases of the device represented in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIGS. 15 to 19 respectively represent two front and back views, a side view, a view of above, another side view of a second variant of the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20 represents a tetragonal transposition of the device according to the invention. Figures 21 and 22 show a larger swept surface superimposed transverse trajectories than circular figures, this for a similar occupied space. Figure 23 shows a battery-swept surface of two devices. Figure 24 substantially represents the ground angle of flying kites. FIGS. 25 and 26 show the two phases according to the horizontal trajectories of the kites for the preferred device represented in FIGS. 1 to 3, and also for the device according to the two variants of the second embodiment. but without the phases of replacement of the lever. FIGS. 27 and 28 show the two phases according to the upward and reciprocating trajectories of the kites, and for the devices on the oblique working axis represented on the one hand in FIG. 4, on the other hand part in Figures 15 to 20, but without the replacement and rollover phases. Figures 29 to 31 show an element of the device according to the invention.

Description of the first preferred embodiment and its main variant The two levers (3a and 3b) are aligned symmetrically on either side of their common axis of rotation (12) which can be raised, and respectively carry each of the two relay lines (2a, 2b) which start from the convergence point. (39) the individual lines (48) of each of the kites (1) of the bouquet (8). As shown in FIGS. 29 to 31, the kites (1) may comprise at their respective ropes connecting elements (49) such as sockets enabling the bouquet (8) of kites (1) to form a chain to prevent the kites from being entangled when a windlessness is announced, both when the kite chain is maintained at altitude (the kites being inflated with helium) it is constituted horizontally after the return by the winches (18) (additional winches per individual line (48) are then not necessary) kites then pressed along the length of the lever (3a, 3b) becoming a support, as shown in Figure 31.The kites chained in altitude (the horizontal ropes and the scale deployed vertically), are in flight position and are ready to leave. The flight position is obtained and maintained by staggered dosage. gas introduced into me mbranes, the top kites containing more. The trajectories, on an angular dimension of the order of 90 ° in the best area of the flight window, kites are performed in both directions alternately, with a half-turn at the end of each trajectory.Each trajectory corresponds to a rotary angular movement back and forth of the order of 90 ° of the two levers (3a, 3b) about their axis (12) .The two operating phases in top view shown in Figures 5 and 6 highlight the voltage of one at right angles to the two lines. Each of the two levers (3a, 3b) comprises a winch (18) .A winch (18) is wound and the other winch (18) simultaneously and alternately runs the line length (s) (2a, 2b or / and 40 or 48 or 48 ') necessary to alternatively allow the setting of said at least one kite (1) or bouquet (8) of kites (1). The rotary movement of said at least one lever (3a or / and 3b) is converted into rectilinear motion (s) by at least one linkage assembly comprising lever (3) - connection point (20) -bielle (11). ) -piston (4) of the cylinder (4 and 5) and a stabilizer (36), preferably two symmetrical connecting assemblies _ as shown in Figure 7 _, the second set comprising its connection point (20 ') in place and instead of the stabilizer (36), or by a less desirable rack-and-pinion connection. The energy conversion and temporary storage device comprises an assembly of at least one pair of cylinders (4 and 5) - FIGS. 1 to 4 or batteries - FIGS. 5 and 6 - of cylinders (4 and 5), single or double-acting mounted rod against rod (the possible inequalities of the tensile and pressure forces being compensated between two jacks),

supplying at least one hydraulic motor (9) driving at least one generator (10) via at least one hydropneumatic accumulator (or battery) (7). A circuit (6) allows the production in a closed cycle, the fluid being conveyed to a reservoir (15) low pressure to reload said cylinders (4 and 5) .A trolley (37) surmounted by a riser (46) (for raising the rod (1l) to ensure the passage of the levers (3a, 3b) above the installation) hinged (33) to the rod (11) is interposed between the rods of said at least one pair of jacks (4 and 5): under the effect of the trajectories back and forth of kites (1) the carriage (37) moves on a rail (38) or slide (38) and alternately presses at least one piston (4) while the rod of the at least one other piston (4) ) back to the outside. The support on the ground of the carriage (37) allows a better transmission of forces to the pistons (4). Possibly the carriage (37) comprises fixatio ns (16) to the piston rods (4). A pivoting support (35) facilitates rotation of the shaft (12). In total, the energy produced is thus converted into constant and smoothed energy more suitable for transmission to the electricity grid or for producing energy stocks of all types. A particular advantage of the present embodiment is the possibility of offsetting the mounting or cylinders (4 and 5) relative to the point represented by the axis (12), so that the rod (11) is located and operates substantially in the axis of the cylinders (4 and 5). In this way, the radial forces acting on the pistons (4) are reduced in their rectilinear movements which are optimized, the angular displacements of the lever being effected on one side only, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The intermediate hydraulic installation is advantageous because the rotation of the generators does not depend directly on the low angular speed of the lever: also standard generators turning at 1500 or 3000 can be used. Multiple installations, shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 are then possible for a single axis (12) of rotation of the two levers (3a, 3b), which allows equal power and ground occupation of to employ smaller generators (10) of existing size. FIG. 7 shows a battery of five devices which are aligned with their respective scanned surfaces covering about 18 ° over the entire flight window by 90 °. The devices are thus also shifted by 18 ° simply by the rotation of their respective pivot plates (23). FIG. 23 shows two half-paths (60/2) scanned by kites (8) of kites (1) of a battery of two vertical axis devices (12). FIG. 20 shows the device according to the invention transposed into a tidal turbine then resting on a boat or on a float (31) moored (32), the lines (48a and 48b or 2a and 2b) being directed downwards. are a hold out of the water much of

of the device and in particular of the generator. Some orders of magnitude are indicated for a wind speed of 12 m, a flight of 75 m / s, a coefficient of lift of 10 times the drag coefficient. A conventional wind turbine on a mast of 50 meters with a rotor of 40 meters diameter covering 1250 m2 can be replaced by the device according to the invention then comprising a bouquet (8) of kites (1) of 1.9 m of rope covering 20 m in height and pulling alternately the two levers (3a, 3b) of 9 meters radius (18 meters in total diameter) at the end of relay lines (2a, 2b) and individual lines (48) of 100 m total length.The power can be doubled with the implementation of a bouquet (8) kites (1) developing 40 m, without changing the length of the levers (3a, 3b). A battery of five devices each comprising a bouquet (8) of 20 kites (1) of 500 m2 each towing at the end of lines (2a, 2b and 48) of 2500 meters alternately the two levers (3a, 3b) of 230 meters radius (a radius of 100 m can also be considered according to the characteristics of the kites), with a vertical coverage of 1000 meters, can develop nearly 1 GW for a minimal surface area of 1 km2 (1500 m of radius and 7 km2 on the ground for the carousel city of 1 GW marking a theoretical progress in this area) and an air occupation of 15 km3 taking into account the wind rose. A path back or forth of 3925 m represents an arc of circle of about 90 °, each device travels 3925/5 = 785 m covering 500 m, in about 10 seconds.Le angular displacement of each pair of levers (3a, 3b) is reduced from 90 ° to 18 ° .The overall swept area is 2500 000 m2.The overall torque is around 150 000 000 Nm, the rotational speed is 0.03 radian / second.The total flow of hydraulic fluid is of the order of 100 cubic meters / second.Five cylinders (4 and 5) double effect of 1.6 m of diameter and 3 m stroke are installed on both sides of the carriage (37) for each of the devices. The total thrust of the cylinders is 3500 000 KN.The connecting point (20) of the rod (11) is located about 2 m from the axis (12). Each of the devices has its own power depending on the area operated in the flight window. According to a variant shown in FIG. 3, the additional line is a shorter relay segment (40) starting from a lever (3a) and connecting to the initial relay line (2) controlled by the opposite lever (3b), in order to to save on the total length of the lines. According to the variant shown in Figure 4 the axis of rotation (12) of the double lever (3a, 3b) is oblique, the assembly of the installation being positioned accordingly.Jacks (41) arranged on the periphery of a second pivoting plate (42) makes it possible to modulate the angle of inclination of the plate (23) carrying the installation, whatever the orientation depending on the wind.

The device according to the invention operated by its user can be made according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 and can comprise a cleat (44) allowing the differential steering with the help of a cord (50) joining the pair of lines (48 ') from below and acting as a handle.The control then consists of tipping or shocking one or both lines.Les lines are installed in a carriage (43) motorized or pushed and moving them from one end to the other of the double lever (3a, 3b) sliding in a slideway (47) fixed to said lever.Alternatively to the implementation system of the carriage (43) the device according to the invention manipulated by its user may well understood to be realized according to the first embodiment and then to include a doubling of the pair of lines (48 '), the cleat (44), the cord (50). A base (45) can be connected to a seat (not shown ) of the user whose weight stabilizes the whole. According to a variant of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, one of the means for replacing the simple lever (3a) is constituted by the hydraulic installation itself in addition to the connecting rod (11) -levier system (3a). The energy conversion and temporary storage device comprises a single hydraulic installation or battery of hydraulic installations in opposition with the respective generator or generators (10). FIGS. 11 to 14 show the four operating phases: rotation in load on 90 °, back 180 ° of the lever (3a) then without load, continued movement with then 90 ° load rotation while in reverse movement, 180 ° backward movement of the lever (3a). movement of the lever (3a) in charge of the piston (4) compresses the cylinder (5) of the single-acting cylinder, then said piston (4) is returned by the return spring (not shown) driving the lever 180 ° back. Thus the hydropneuma accumulator tick (7) only compensates for the repositioning phases of the lever (3a). As the travel of the connecting rod (11) is greater, it is necessary to cut the shaft of the shaft (12) and to add segments ( 34) being fixed at the point of connection (20) connecting rod (11) -levier (3a). The trajectories of the kites are also performed in both directions alternately, with a half-turn at the end of each trajectory, as for the first first embodiment and the following variant.

According to another variant of the second embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 19, with an oblique working axis, the inclination of the oblique working axis is a function of the trajectory retained kites in their flight window. The generator (10) possibly with its multiplier, the supercapacitors, are installed in a capsule (30) sealed with the lever (3a) which emerges, said capsule (30) being equipped on either side of two bearings (21) attached to the two arms (22) of the azimuth type mount which constitutes a means for replacing the lever (3a) .The cyclic replacement of the lever (3a), around the oblique working axis, is also

performed according to an angular dimension of 180 °, but according to the combination of a reversal of 180 ° on a vertical plane and a lateral angular displacement of the pivoting plate (23) of 90 ° instead of 180 ° .The release of the lever is achieved by the further rotation of the rotor without electric charge, under the effect of inertia: a converter allows the lowering or the cyclic cancellation of the torque of the electric charge opposite to the rotor of the generator (10) .The rotation is generated in a single direction, which allows the implementation of a single generator, with the advantage of a single storage device significantly reduced because only having to fill the phases of replacement of the lever (3a). Supercapacitors constituting the temporary storage device are arranged towards the hub (14) of the lever (3a), substantially in the middle, in order to limit the moment of inertia. The arms (22) of the frame are high enough to ensure sufficient ground clearance when the lever is in the lower position relative to the oblique working axis.The reversal phases alternate with the phases of immobility The rapid angular acceleration of the capsule (followed by braking) around the horizontal axis generates a significant energy expenditure. This is why a device is provided associating an energy accumulator with a motorized angular thruster. , and consisting of two hydraulic stops (28) each comprising a cylinder preferably curved and then of the same radius of curvature as the circular peripheral path that the capsule (30) performs during its cyclical reversal, and also comprising a pump (in as an angular thruster) and a hydraulic accumulator.The two hydraulic stops (28) receive each reversal _ figure 19 _ and are installed in superposition in a solid frame (29) fix to the turntable (23) of the azimuthal mount.The location of each of the two hydraulic stops (28) determine the average working angle, as well as the amplitude of the overturning of the equipped capsule (30) (During reversals the levers (10) pass through the top and then from below, hence a height of the arms (22) adapted) .The two stops (28) are alternately attacked by the two corresponding strikers (24) attached to the supports (25). ) arranged on either side of the capsule (30). Each of the supports (25) disposed on either side of said capsule (30) supports an abutment (26) cyclically retained by one of the two detachable wedges (27) installed on either side of the frame (29). The jammers (27) cyclically block said capsule (30). Other hydraulic stops (not shown) likewise recover energy during angular displacements of the pivoting plate (23). The recovery of energy by the hydraulic bumpers can exceed 80%. For example a generator of 5 MW weighing 60 000 kg, with a moment of inertia of 200 000 kg / m2 plus 100 000 kg / m2 for the levers , requires about 900,000 J per flip (about 3 radians) every 5 seconds during which the generator produced from 500,000 to 25,000,000 J.On the 900,000 J, 720,000 J are

the actual consumption is 180 000 J. Figures 25 and 26, as well as 27 and 28 highlight the adequacy between the space invested and the area swept by bouquets (8) of kites (1) in flat superposed trajectories (60) corresponding to a vertical axis device (12), or in superimposed slightly arcuate trajectories (70) corresponding to an oblique axis device (12). Similarly, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, for the same space invested, the scanned surface is much greater for a superposition of transverse trajectories than for a circular figure.

The industrial applications of the device according to the invention are in the field of renewable energies for the production of electricity intended for the network or for the supply of isolated sectors, for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis, for forming and storing electricity. energy in different forms for example hydrides of hydrogen or compressed air, and also enter the field of model-making awareness for small units.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS1) Device for converting the energy of a fluid in motion, ie wind energy but also tidal energy, into mechanical energy, comprising at least one kite (1), said at least one kite (1) being equipped with control means (18,19), which can be retracted by at least one winch (18), driving via at least one line (48) at least one lever (3a) on its axis (12) vertical or oblique in an alternating movement substantially of the same angular amplitude as that of the transverse trajectory (60,70) of said at least one kite (1), said at least one lever (3a) actuating at least one energy converter, preferably at least one generator (10) possibly contained in a nacelle or a capsule (30), and preferably via a temporary storage device for smoothing the production of energy, said storage device which can be at least one hydropneumatic accumulator (7) a lubricating at least one hydraulic motor (9) actuated by at least one hydraulic cylinder (4 and 5), orlet can be a means of generating a supply of compressed air supplying a pneumatic motor actuated by at least one pneumatic cylinder, oulet can be at least one supercapacitor, or / and which may be at least one flywheel, said device according to the invention may comprise a wind direction orientation device such as a pivoting plate (23), characterized by the setting implementation of at least one means allowing during a wide transverse trajectory (60,70) of said at least one kite (1) a substantially perpendicular and constant positioning between said at least one lever (3a) in the direction of its length and said at least one line (48,2) of said at least one kite (1), and thereby allowing to recover said positioning just after the half-turn made by said at least one kite (1) reiterating said trajectoir e in the opposite direction, and in a continuous back-and-forth movement, and this for an optimal use of the tangential force printed at said lever. 2) Device according to claim 1, characterized by the implementation of a device called "bunch of kites", in that the bouquet (8) of kites is a group of kites whose individual lines (48) converge at a point (39) intersecting with the end of at least one relay line (2a or 2b), the other end of said at least one relay line being attached to its respective lever (3.3a , 3b), in that the individual lines of each of the kites are of equal or slightly different length, in that the kites (1) and their trajectories (60, 70) are substantially superimposed, in that the kites (1) may comprise at their respective ropes connecting elements (49) allowing the bouquet (8) of kites (1) to form a chain. 3) Device according to claims 1 or 2 comprising a second lever (3b), comprising an additional line connecting said at least one kite (1) to the second lever (3b), under the action of said at least one kite (1) the two levers (3a, 3b) aligned performing a movement back and forth, characterized in that it allows the steering of said at least one kite (1) alternately from one and then from the other of the two levers (3a, 3b), characterized in that each of the two levers (3a, 3b) comprises a winch (18), in that one winch (18) is wound and the other winch (18) simultaneously and alternately runs the line length (s) (2a, 2b or / and 40 or 48 or 48 ') necessary to alternatively allow the traction of said at least one kite (1) or bouquet ( 8) of kites (1), in that said at least one additional line may be another relay line (2b), or a relay segment (40) starting from a lever (3a) and connecting at the initial relay line (2a), or another individual line (48), or another pair of individual lines (48 '). 4) Device according to any one of the preceding claims and wherein the rotary movement of said at least one lever (3a and / or 3b) is converted into rectilinear motion (s) by at least one connecting assembly comprising lever ( 3) - connection point (20) -bielle (11) -piston (4) of the cylinder (4 and 5) and a stabilizer (36), preferably two symmetrical connecting assemblies, the second set including its connecting point (20 ') instead of the stabilizer (36). 5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims and wherein the energy conversion device and temporary storage comprises at least one pair of jacks (4 and 5) or batteries of cylinders (4 and 5) single or double effect mounted rod against rod, wherein a carriage (37) surmounted by an articulated riser (46) (33) to the rod (11) is interposed between the rods of said at least one pair of jacks (4 and 5), wherein the carriage (37) moves on a rail (38) or slide (38) and alternately presses at least one piston (4) while the rod of the at least one other piston (4) rises towards the outside, according to which possibly the carriage (37) comprises fasteners (16) to the rods of the pistons (4). 6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims and wherein the axis of rotation (12) of the double lever (3a, 3b) is oblique, characterized in that jacks (41) disposed on the periphery of a second pivoting tray (42) modulates the angle of inclination of the tray (23) carrying the installation. 7) Device according to claims 1 or 2 or 4, characterized in that it is maneuvered by its user, in that it may comprise a cleat (44) allowing differential driving with a cord ( 50) joining the pair of lines (48 ') underneath and acting as a handle, said lines (48') being installed in a carriage (43) motorized or pushed and which moves them from one end to the other of the lever double (3a, 3b) sliding in a slide (47) fixed to said lever, in that alternatively to the implementation system of the carriage (43) the device operated by its user can comprise a doubling of the pair of lines ( 48 '), the cleat (44), the cord (50), characterized in that a base (45) can be connected to a seat of the user. 8) Device according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one means for replacing the lever (3) simple then not loaded at 180 °, one of the lever (3) replacing means being constituted by the hydraulic system itself in addition to the connecting rod system (11) -levier (3), in that the four operating phases are: 90 ° load rotation, 180 ° backward movement of the lever (3) then without load, continuation of the movement with rotation in charge of 90 ° while in reverse movement, backward movement of the lever (3) by 180 °, in that during the movement of the lever (3) in charge the piston (4) compresses the cylinder (5) of the single-acting cylinder, then said piston (4) is returned by the return spring driving the lever 180 ° back, characterized by the cutting of the rod of the shaft (12) and the adding segments (34) to be fixed at the connection point (20) rod (11) -levier (3a). 9) Device according to claims 1 or 2 characterized by means for replacing the lever (3), characterized in that the generator (10), the supercapacitors, are installed in a capsule (30) sealed with the lever (3) which emerges, said capsule (30) being equipped on either side with two bearings (21) fixed to the two arms (22) of the azimuthal mount, characterized in that there are provided two hydraulic stops (28) comprising each a cylinder preferably curved and then of the same radius of curvature as the circular peripheral path accomplished by the capsule (30) during its cyclical reversal, and also comprising a pump and a hydraulic accumulator, characterized in that the two hydraulic bumpers (28) receive each turn and are superimposed in a solid frame (29) fixed to the turntable (23) of the azimuthal mount, in that the two stops (28) are alternately attacked by the two corresponding strikers (24) fixed to the supports (25) arranged on either side of the capsule (30), in that each of the supports (25) arranged on either side of said capsule (30) supports a stop (26) held cyclically by one of the two detachable wedges (27) installed on either side of the frame (29), in that the wedges (27) cyclically block said capsule (30), also characterized in that other hydraulic bumpers likewise recover energy during angular displacements of the swivel plate (23). 10) Installation of a battery of several devices according to any one of the preceding claims.