FR2954268A1 - Barge i.e. fuel oil tank, for producing wind energy and water, has wind energy concentrator device whose outlet is communicated with inlet of condensation element comprising venturi throats mounted in parallel - Google Patents

Abstract

The barge has a wind energy concentrator device in a form of a wind energy concentrator nozzle (10) whose outlet (16) is communicated with an inlet of a machine element (11) comprising a set of wind energy collecting turbines. The outlet is communicated with an inlet of a condensation element comprising a set of venturi throats or venturi channels (113) mounted in parallel, where the turbines and the venturi throats are assembled to form an outlet section of the wind energy nozzle.

Description

The present invention relates to the offshore field of energy and water production using a wind turbine system comprising a turbine battery and a venturi element, which can be preceded by an energy concentrator and optionally followed by an air extractor system. The system can advantageously be mounted on a barge, which may also include energy storage units and water.

PRIOR ART Document US2008 / 0296901 describes a single-rotor wind turbine in the radial plane comprising upstream an energy collecting system and downstream a diffuser. Document US2002 / 0182946 describes a floating platform comprising several energy capture systems: solar, wind and thermal, as well as an energy storage system. The energy is used for the displacement of the platform or for the production of fresh water or hydrogen. WO2007 / 122376A1 discloses an assembly consisting of several floating modules, mobile and all interconnected. The set is connected to a boat used for moving from one point to another. The modules are designed for energy production from wind, solar and thermal energy. Similarly, patent US 6,100,600 describes a floating unit consisting of several modules producing energy from different sources (wind, solar, thermal and wave energy). The unit can include different types of storage, several production systems: water (desalination by reverse osmosis or evaporation), hydrogen and electricity (fuel cell). US4159427 discloses a floating support supporting several modules producing energy from different sources (wind, solar, thermal and wave energy). The wind part consists of several rotors. The invention relates primarily to the storage of energy using an inertial system (flywheel). JP2006070775A discloses a floating assembly supporting a plurality of wind turbines with helical and vertical shaft. The smoothing of the energy production is ensured by a hydrogen production in the presence of wind and an electricity production by fuel cells in the absence of wind. CN101230846A discloses a floating assembly supporting a stack of convergent cylinders comprising in the smaller diameter section a wind turbine rotor.

In US2004 / 0103655 the floating system is of the catamaran type comprising a single wind turbine rotor whose mast is held in position by cables. The document GB2383204 describes a catamaran-type floating system of large size for the carriage of several rows of wind turbine rotor each wind turbine rotor comprising several sets of blades of increasing diameter from upstream to downstream.

The document FR2852063 describes a floating system that can receive various means for capturing marine energy. With regard to wind energy, the document describes, in particular, the upstream system of wind turbine rotors consisting of articulated panels (to accentuate or attenuate wind energy) as well as two types of turbine with horizontal axis (axial or transverse). with the flow.

Previous documents relating to barge-mounted wind turbines do not describe in particular: the association of wind turbine rotors with venturis used for water capture, the use of a multiplicity of micro turbines for the training of water turbines relatively standard generators (low number of pole pairs), and to reduce the mass of the rotors, the control mode of the turbines (wind turbines) to operate them at a constant speed regardless of the wind speed (in particular, to very high wind speed) and to remove all the complex elements of conventional wind turbines: blade angle control and platform orientation systems, speed multipliers, pivoting. The possibility of choosing the turbine brake, the latter resulting either alternators (electricity production), or compressors (air storage), or pumps (water storage). the possibility of an energy capture beyond a speed corresponding to the capping of the energy captured in the case of a large conventional wind turbine. of air extraction system downstream of the turbines. US4140433 discloses a turbine inserted between a convergent and a divergent. The turbine is unique in the venturi neck. The venturis can be mounted in a cluster (cluster) and the cluster can be oriented in the direction of the wind. The patent FR2914371 describes a turbine inserted between an inlet cylinder and a downstream system for an improvement of the extraction of air. This extraction is made by means of a pyramidal fairing of constant thickness composed of conical holes on its surface to allow the entry of outside air at the fairing. FR2805572 patent describes a turbine embedded between two horizontal plates and a downstream system provided with a deflector to improve the extraction of air. Patent GR2447510 describes a turbine mounted downstream of a cone to concentrate energy, the rear being provided with a rudder for an automatic orientation of the wind turbine in the wind. US2001 / 0004439A1 discloses two counter-rotating turbines mounted between a converging cone and a diverging cone with substantially the same angle. Magnets mounted at the tip of the vanes serve as exciters to the stator of an electric generator. Document US2007 / 0013196A1 describes a turbine mounted in a successively convergent and then divergent part. The object of the convergent part is to increase the kinetic energy and increase the amount of energy captured without worrying about the air's ability to get out of the downstream part.

Thus, the present invention relates to a barge for the production of energy, characterized in that it comprises a convergent-shaped wind energy concentrator device whose output communicates with: the input of a machine element comprising a plurality of turbines for capturing wind energy, - the inlet of a condensing element comprising a plurality of venturi collars connected in parallel. The turbines and collars can be assembled to form the outlet section of said convergent concentrator.

Part of the air of the concentrator can be deflected upstream of said collars and turbines downstream to activate air extraction means. The output of the machine element can communicate with the inlet of a divergent air extractor. The air extractor may be surrounded by a convergent so as to diffuse a stream of air into said air extractor. The barge may include means for controlling and controlling the operation of the turbines and / or collars depending on the wind speed. The barge may include means for collecting condensed water disposed at the outlet of the venturi collars.

The turbines can directly operate gas compressors and / or pumps. The barge may comprise means for storing the compressed gas and means for storing the collected water. Refrigerants of the compressed gas can be arranged in the wind stream so as to restore some of the wind energy in the form of heat to the air leaving the turbines to increase the extraction of air. The invention will be better understood and its advantages will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, examples of embodiments, in no way limiting and illustrated by the appended figures, among which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a system according to a variant of the invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 show a barge according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows a variant of the form of a wind energy concentrator, FIGS. 5a and 5b. schematically show a machine element comprising an assembly of a plurality of turbines, FIGS. 6a and 6b show an alternative assembly of turbines in a circle, FIG. 7 schematically shows a turbine element, FIGS. 8a and 8b show examples of turbine arrangements in the machine element and flaps in the concentrator, FIGS. 9a, 9b and 9c illustrate, for example, turbine rotors of different volumetric efficiencies (from very low to medium), FIGS. 10a and 10b show schematically an extractor of air, FIG. 11 illustrates a variant of air extractor, FIG. 12 illustrates a turbine with non-attenuated efficiency, FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c show different rotors. volumetric efficiencies (from medium to very high), Figure 14 shows the assembly of multi-turbines according to the example of Figure 14, Figure 15 shows a hollow shaft rotor, Figure 16 illustrates in section the venturis elements FIG. 17 shows the evolution of the temperature at the inlet of the venturis, FIG. 18 schematically shows the venturis elements and water collectors, FIGS. 19 and 20 show means for collecting the water, FIGS. 21a and 2lb schematically shows the curved elements and curved water collectors, FIG. 22 gives the partial pressure of the water as a function of the temperature, FIG. 23 shows the machine element and the venturis inlets, FIGS. 24b show in section the machine element, the venturis and the water collectors, figure 25 shows in section the barge and its storage of water and / or energy, - figure 26 illustrates "the effect booster". DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The system that is the object of the invention aims at capturing the wind energy as well as at producing water from the water vapor contained in the air transported by the wind. The system is designed to operate with very high efficiency, in very low to very high wind speed conditions and to achieve equipment availability close to 100%. The purpose of this equipment is to capture on the short, medium and long term a considerably higher energy than that produced by a conventional blade turbine as well as to produce water in large quantities without energy consumption. The system comprises, in the wind direction, up to five main elements (FIG. 1): upstream, a concentrator energy system 10 in the form of a convergent, for example a cone (or equivalent to a cone). The wind enters this first element 10 through the inlet surface 15 and exits through the reduced area 16. As the convergent traverse passes, the velocity increases inversely with the surface while the static pressure decreases. according to a quasi-isentropic law governing the transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy on the basis of a quasi conservation of the energy transported by the wind; downstream of the energy concentrator 10, a machine element 11 comprising several turbines capturing part of the kinetic energy of the air available upstream of the turbines and driving various types of machines converting the mechanical energy supplied by the turbines into electrical energy (alternators) or potential (pressure or head of a fluid through compressors or pumps). The air enters through the surface 16 and out through the surface 17; downstream of the energy concentrator 10, an element 113 constituting the neck of the venturi 30 and allowing the condensation of the water. This element may consist of one or more venturi collars connected in parallel. This element lying substantially in the axis of the energy concentrator is surrounded by the turbine element; downstream of the venturi element provided for the condensation of water, a unit 114 for the collection of water; downstream of the elements provided for the production of energy, the condensation of the water vapor and the collection of this water, a diverging element 12 allowing the evacuation of the air absorbed by the energy concentrator 10 and slowed down to both by the group of machines 11 having captured a portion of the kinetic energy of the air and the venturi system which has slowed the movement of air. The air is evacuated through the widened area of the divergent 18. During the crossing of this divergent, the speed decreases inversely proportionally to the surface while the static pressure increases according to a quasi-isentropic law governing the transformation of the energies and the almost energy conservation between surfaces. The divergent may be surrounded by a convergent envelope of larger size than the upstream energy concentrator so as to capture additional kinetic energy not captured by the upstream concentrator and thus activate the evacuation of air in the divergent. It should be noted that the machine element can be mounted alone or in combination with the elements used for the production of water. The same applies to the elements used for the production of water with respect to the element used for the production of energy. The entire system is mounted on the deck of a barge according to Figures 2 and 3. The interior of the barge includes an energy storage unit, a water storage unit and all the utilities necessary for smooth operation of the barge (fuel tank). Energy storage can be achieved by compressing ambient air in high pressure tanks. However, the storage of energy is not limited to this example. The barge can include on deck other facilities such as: process units aimed at the destocking of energy, electrical units (generators, transformers, control system ..), 30 - a heliport, - a maintenance area. Due to the shape of the barge, the layout, volume and shape of the wind equipment mounted on the bridge as well as the design of the mooring system, the force and torque exerted by the wind on the entire system tend to move the barge to a position where the effect of the wind is minimal. This position corresponds to an orientation of the energy concentrator in the wind direction, a change in wind direction tending to automatically reposition the energy concentrator in the new wind direction. The positioning of the barge with respect to the wind is therefore without energy consumption and without special device as is the case with a conventional wind turbine blades. Characteristics of the Energy Concentrator Element In general, the input element consists of a large aperture input for capturing a maximum of energy and a smaller aperture output. in view of a reduction in size of the rotating machine element. On the other hand, the ratio of the output-inlet surfaces is also dimensioned so as to limit the risks generated by an excessive venturi effect generating, for example, a temperature at the outlet of the input element that is too low (associated risk of freezing). or too much water condensation (associated risks: erosion, corrosion).

The input element can be designed in a strictly conical shape with circular, square, rectangular or other polygonal input surfaces. Figure 4 shows another configuration in which the input element is generally convergent but not strictly conical. It is, for example, made up of three distinct parts: a first cylindrical part of large opening, a second part with progressive restriction and a third cylindrical part of small opening adapted to the input of the machine element 11 located downstream. The first part, wall parallel to the flow, has the property of limiting the impact of air on the walls as can occur in the case of a strictly conical element causing a loss of energy and a circumvent of the air around the entrance element. The walls of the three parts of the input element, as well as that of the machine element, are tangential to their connection limiting the energy losses at these points. 8 Characteristics of the machine element (11) The machine element for energy capture can be mounted alone or in combination with the water production system.

This element consists of a set of machines that can be mounted, for example, in a rectangle or in a circle. The invention is not limited to this type of geometric configurations. - Rectangular assembly (Figures 5a and 5b): The main element 11 consists of a set of elementary elements 20 substantially of square section. The square section comprises upstream a cone 21 feeding a cylindrical section in which are the blades (or blades) of the turbines. The blades 22 of the turbines drive by a shaft 24 a machine 25 absorbing the energy supplied by the blades. The machines driven by the turbines can be, for example, alternators for supplying electrical energy, compressors for compressing a gas (air or other) or pumps for lifting the hydrostatic head of a liquid . The rotors may optionally be uncoupled individually for the maintenance of an element of rotating machines. Figure 5b shows a section along AA 'of Figure 5a. - Circular mounting (Figures 6a and 6b): The main machine element 11 consists of a set of elementary elements in the form of angular sectors. Each sector comprises upstream a cone 31 collecting the air and feeding a cylindrical section 33 in which are located the blades (or blades) of the turbines. The blades 32 of the turbines drive through a shaft 34, either a machine directly absorbing energy, or a pinion gear 35. The set of gears (35) can drive a gear ring 36. On this ring, d Other gear wheels may drive alternators, compressors, or pumps (not shown). These machines are preferably mounted on the outside of the ring so as not to disturb the flow of air through the turbine elements.

The driving machines (turbines) or driven machines can be uncoupled at the level of the meshes (secondary or main) so as to allow the disassembly of one or more machines, for example for their maintenance. Compared with blade-type wind turbines, the turbines of the present invention are very small in diameter, 10 to 100 times smaller than that of a conventional blade and can therefore rotate at a considerably higher speed than that of a conventional blade. wind turbine. This speed can be of the order, or a multiple, of 1500 revolutions / min (for the countries supplied with 50 Hz) or 1800 rev / min (for the countries supplied with 60 Hz). These speeds are acceptable for two main reasons: - aerodynamic adaptation possible at these speeds, no strong centrifugal constraints limiting the rotation of the turbines at low speed as is the case with a conventional blade wind turbine. In view of this high rotational speed, the turbines can directly drive the energy absorbing machines, be they alternators, compressors or pumps without requiring the presence of speed multipliers. Diffuser at the outlet of a turbine element (FIG. 7) In order to limit the diffusion losses downstream of a turbine element, each element is followed by a diffusing element 23 having a divergent shape. This element makes it possible, moreover, to limit the losses by mixing between several adjacent elements. System comprising a very large number of turbines and control of the system In order to facilitate the flow of air upstream of each turbine, the turbines are mounted relative to each other in the form of a cone, or substantially conical 25 in the extension of the inlet cone 10 (Figures 8a and 8b). Thus, the turbines mounted on the peripheral outer portions are mounted according to Figure 8a. The turbines in a plane passing through the axis of the cone are mounted according to FIG. 8b. The number of turbine elements in operation is defined according to the wind speed, so as to obtain a speed close to the optimum speed upstream of each individual turbine. Thus, it allows to approach a constant speed operation and always close to optimum performance. Some turbines are, therefore, stopped or started to maintain this parameter upstream of the turbines in operation, using electronic control and control means to enslave the number of turbines according to the wind speed . The strategy can be: In low wind, most of the turbines are stopped until the rotation of a single turbine is maintained for a wind at the inlet of the cone 10 with a speed corresponding to the minimum condition. This minimum speed is much lower than the minimum speed required by a conventional blade turbine given the relative dimensions of each rotor. Furthermore, a turbine operating with an optimum air velocity upstream of its rotor (speed upstream of the cone in proportion to the surfaces) operates with a high aerodynamic efficiency very much higher than the efficiency of a wind turbine with blades at the speed of wind corresponding to the takeoff of the blades and a yield close to zero. In this situation, the air inlets of the shutdown turbines are closed (closure system not shown in the diagrams) so as to concentrate the air at the turbine or turbines, in operation. In high wind, most turbines are in operation until all turbines are commissioned at very high wind speed (maximum speed). This facility can collect energy at a very high wind speed unlike a conventional wind turbine that is either stopped or capped power for a question of mechanical protection of the various elements (mainly blades). This operation of the turbines is obtained with optimum aerodynamic efficiency at each turbine, the speed of the air at the inlet of each turbine being optimum. By a wind speed exceeding that corresponding to the commissioning of all the turbines (theoretical operation of the turbines beyond the speed and optimum power), opening means 110 (FIGS. 8a and 8b) arranged in the wall the inlet cone are actuated so as to deflect part of the air (and therefore its energy) towards the outside of the inlet cone (turbines) and thus maintain an optimum speed at the inlet of each turbine. These air bypass means are actuated naturally, for example, under the effect of the wind pressure (force greater than the return force of a spring) or in a controlled manner (motorized system), so as to maintain optimum speed at the turbines. In medium wind, the turbines are commissioned according to the wind speed on the basis of turbine operation with an optimum rotation speed (optimum efficiency). Too many turbines in operation would tend to run the turbines under steady state (too slow speed with reduced efficiency). Conversely, a number of turbines in operation too low would tend to run the turbines at over speed (too high speed with reduced efficiency associated with high mechanical stresses).

Numerical Examples 1) Numerical comparison between an energy production with a conventional blade wind turbine and a system according to the convergent / divergent invention comprising between these two elements, a machine element comprising 100 turbines and operating optimally by any type of turbine. wind. The following hypotheses have been adopted: The area swept by the blades of a wind turbine and that of the inlet of the converging cone is 10000 m2. The efficiency of a conventional blade wind turbine is maximum around 20 9 m / s. It is generally between 0.46 and 0.48. It decreases on both sides of this optimum. In the case of a blade turbine, the power increase is gradually reduced beyond 9 meters and the power is capped beyond 12 m / s. The efficiency of a turbine is close to 0.6 (energy base: kinetic energy at the inlet of the element 10), given the intrinsic efficiency of a turbine and the possibility of adapting the wind speed to the turbine. optimum flow of each turbine by commissioning the optimum number of turbines. Although the efficiency of a turbine can reach 0.9 (or even more for a very large flow), it is deliberately reduced to allow the escape of air at the outlet of the divergent (velocity sufficiently positive if Betz condition). . The efficiency of the turbines takes into account the energy dissipation (friction losses and detachment), the direct drive mode of the downstream machines (no losses resulting from the use of speed multipliers) and the rotation conditions adapted to the machine. AC output without double current conversion (AC / DC / AC). Wind m / s 3 7 10 15 20 25 30 Span yield 0.050 0.460 0.460 0.160 0.068 0.035 0.000 Pw_pales_kW 8 966 2818 3308 3332 3350 0 Turbines in operation 12 28 40 60 80 100 100 Opening_m2 600 1400 2000 3000 4000 5000 5000 Air speed turb_m / s 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 Turbine efficiency 0,600 0,600 0,600 0,600 0,600 0,600 0,600 Pw tot turbine_kW 99 1261 3675 12403 29400 57422 99225 Pw by turbine_kW 8 45 92 207 368 574 992 Pw turb / Pw blades 12.0 1.3 1.3 3.8 8.8 17.1 - the total running area of the machine element is 5000 m2. the maximum number of turbines that can be put into service is 100. the downstream extractor is not put into service, this system allowing a greater energy extraction during commissioning. For a wind speed much lower than the optimal speed of a blade turbine (9 m / s), the power delivered by the turbines is much greater than that of a blade turbine due to the possibility of operating a wind turbine. reduced number of small turbines (therefore, with better efficiency). For a relatively low wind speed, the energy provided by the turbines can be 5 to 10 times greater than that produced by a wind turbine. For a wind speed close to the optimum speed of a blade turbine (9 mis), there is little difference in energy produced between the two types of wind turbines. For a wind speed higher than the optimum speed of a blade turbine (9 m / s), the power delivered by the turbines is much greater than that of a blade turbine due to the possibility of operating a number of turbines. A large number of turbines of small size (therefore with relatively low stresses compared to a wind turbine with blades leading to a clamping of the power delivered by this type of wind turbine). For a relatively high wind speed, the energy supplied by the turbines is much greater (more than 10 times) than that produced by a wind turbine. For a wind speed higher than the shutdown speed of a wind turbine (about 20 to 25 m / s), it is possible to capture a power close to 100 MW with a wind speed of 30 m / s when wind turbines are limited to 6 MW for larger wind turbines. Turbines driving various types of rotating machines (alternators, compressors and pumps) are put into service according to the needs of the moment with, for example, the commissioning of alternators when the storage conditions are satisfactory and the demand for electricity relatively important. . Conversely, turbines driving pumps or compressors are put into service when the energy storage is insufficient and the demand for electricity is less important. 2) Numerical comparison according to a wind speed distribution, between the energy produced by a conventional blade wind turbine and that of a system according to the convergent / divergent invention comprising between the two a machine element comprising 100 turbines and can work optimally with any type of wind. Condition 1: Wind_m / s Probability 4 0.5 7 0.25 10 0.12 15 0.0620 0.04 25 0.02 30 0.01 Under this condition, a conventional blade turbine provides an average power of 998 kW while a wind turbine consisting of a battery of turbines provides an average power of 4935 kW, a power 4.94 times higher. Condition 2: Wind_m / s Probability 4 0 7 0.05 10 0.2515 0.4 20 0.25 0.0530 0 Under this condition, the average powers supplied are 3076 kW (blades) and 25 16164 kW (multi-turbines). ), or 5.25 times more in the second case.

Condition 3: 15 Wind_m / s Probability 4 0.37 0.2 10 0.05 15 0.25 20 0.15 25 0.0530 0 Under this condition, the average powers supplied are 1840 kW (blades) and 10890 kW (multi turbines), 5.92 times more in the second case. Turbine with attenuated volumetric efficiency: It is stated above that, in a convergent system (energy concentrator), the efficiency (volume) of the turbines is attenuated so as to take only a fraction of the kinetic energy of the wind and thus allow its evacuation downstream given the slowing down of its flow. Only a small fraction of the kinetic energy available upstream of a turbine can be removed. The two main reasons are as follows: a maximum of 60% of the available kinetic energy upstream (FIG. 1) of the inlet cone 10 can be taken in the Betz sense to allow the evacuation of the downstream air From the kinetic energy sampling, the downstream kinetic energy 16 of the inlet cone 10 is greater than that present upstream, in the ratio of the areas to the square. Thus in the previous example with a surface ratio of 2 (10000 and 5000 m2), the kinetic energy available upstream of the turbines is 4 times greater than that available upstream of the inlet cone. As a result, only about a quarter of the 60% available upstream of the turbines can be captured, or about 15% of this kinetic energy. In the case of a ratio of the surfaces at the inlet cone of 3, the immediate upstream kinetic energy of the turbines is 9 times greater than that available upstream of the inlet cone. In this second case, only one-ninth of the 60% available immediately upstream of the turbine can be taken, ie about 6.66% of this kinetic energy. These two examples show that the efficiency of the turbines is a function of the ratio of the entry and exit areas. This yield corresponds more to a volume yield than to an energy efficiency, only a part of the kinetic energy being taken and the remainder passing through the blades of the turbine without energy degradation (without transformation in the form of energy turbulent), that the design of the blades of the turbines is a function of the ratio of the entry and exit areas of the inlet cone so as to provide a volume efficiency adapted to the ratio of kinetic energies. In the numerical example comparing the energy delivered by a multi-turbine system with upstream energy concentrator and a blade turbine, the turbine efficiency was chosen at 0.6 (60%). This value corresponds to the equivalent kinetic energy taken upstream of the input cone. For this purpose, the volume efficiency of the corresponding rotor is 10 15% based on the kinetic energy available immediately upstream of the rotor. Three examples of turbine rotor with different volume efficiencies are shown in FIGS. 9a, 9b, 9c: FIG. 9a shows a rotor with three vanes with average volume efficiency, FIGS. 9b and 9c respectively show a rotor with three vanes and a rotor. 6 blades, with low volume efficiency. Characteristics of the air extraction element 12 (Figures 1, 3, 10a, 10b, 11, 24b) The air leaving the turbine element through the surface 17 penetrates inside the divergent exit cone. During the passage of the outlet cone, the flow velocity is progressively decreased and the static pressure of the air increased to facilitate its evacuation of the exit cone through the surface 18. To facilitate the exit of the exit cone air, the angle of the cone divergent is limited to a low value, as known to those skilled in the art, to limit losses by detachment of the vein. In order to facilitate the exit of the air, the exit cone is enveloped by a second cone 40 (FIG. 10 a), the latter cone and opening oriented in the direction of the wind. The conical envelope has an inlet surface 45 greater than that of the inlet 15 of the convergent inlet cone 10 and also greater than that of the outlet 18 of the divergent exit cone 12.

The air penetrating through the inlet 45 of the envelope 40 is directed by conduits 51 to elements 50 diffusing the outside air with a high kinetic energy towards the inside of the exit cone for the purpose of driving the air. air leaving the turbine element 11 with a lower kinetic energy. Air enters the ducts 51 through large orifices 47 (FIG. 11). Smaller orifices 46 on the surface of the inlet 45, as on the surface of the outer portion of the exit cone 12 allow the entry of air inside this cone without the use of conduit. view of the air entrainment near the wall of the exit cone (Figure 10b).

The elements 50 are mounted at regular intervals inside the outlet cone 12. They are fed by the ducts 51 and 49 transferring the outside air towards the interior of the cone coming, for the ducts 51, from the lateral parts and, for the ducts 49, of the upper part of the exit cone. The air introduced into the elements 50 is redistributed inside the exit cone through orifices 48.

Non-Attenuated Volumetric Turbines In the system described above, the air collected by the energy concentrator completely traverses the area swept by the turbine blades. By its shape, the energy concentrator reduces the area upstream of the turbines and, consequently, increases the kinetic energy according to the inverse of the square of the areas lying on either side of the concentrator system. energy. As stated above, the turbines are designed to capture only a very small portion of the kinetic energy available immediately upstream of the turbines so as not to take energy greater than 60% of the available energy upstream of the cone of entry. The previous turbines are designed with a very low volume efficiency. FIG. 12 illustrates the case of an element comprising a turbine capturing all the kinetic energy available upstream of the turbine and an envelope 60 defining an air inlet area 61 not being sampled. 'kinetic energy. The air flows are mixed downstream, the external flow 62 transmitting a momentum to the internal flow 63 (turbine outlet) so as to allow the evacuation of the two flows.

Thus, another way to design a multi-turbine system with energy concentrator is to capture the total kinetic energy on a small fraction of the area located downstream of the input cone and not taking kinetic energy on the complementary fraction. The multi-turbine system then comprises a relatively limited number of turbines with a volume efficiency close to 100% corresponding to an energy yield of about 90%. Since almost all of the kinetic energy passing through the turbine is captured by the latter, a second air flow bypasses the turbine to mix with the air that is slowed down at the turbine outlet. Downstream of the turbine, the flow of air having passed through the turbine is mixed with that having bypassed the turbine which returns to the first momentum allowing the evacuation of all the air taken. The ratio of internal and external airflows (therefore, kinetic energies) is determined by the ratio of the input and output areas (corresponding to the increase in kinetic energy along the axis of the main inlet cone ) but also by the Betz coefficient (determining the fraction of kinetic energy upstream of the inlet cone that can be removed) to allow air to escape through the multi-turbine system. Figs. 13a, 13b, 13c respectively illustrate turbine rotors with increasing volumetric efficiency of Fig. 13a in Fig. 13c. The volume yield can be qualified as means in FIG. 13a, whereas it is close to 100% in FIG. 13c ("solidity" of the blades close to 1). FIG. 14 illustrates a multi-assembly of 6 machine elements in which the turbines are in a configuration according to FIG. 12. Only a fraction of the air entering the energy concentrator passes through the turbines. These turbines have a high volumetric efficiency so as to take up almost all the kinetic energy immediately upstream, the remainder of the air bypassing the turbine for downstream mixing and the evacuation of the whole of the turbine. air downstream. A turbine with high volume efficiency replaces 6 turbines with low volume efficiency. Figure 15 shows schematically a turbine rotor with the central portion 52 recessed. This system allows the passage of air charged with kinetic energy through the recessed portion so as to facilitate the entrainment of the air flow at the outlet of the blades, the flow being slowed down after the removal of almost all the kinetic energy present upstream of these.

Characteristics of the venturi neck element (reference 113, FIG. 16) The venturi collar element required for water collection can be mounted alone or in combination with the machine element required for energy production.

The venturi neck element consists of a set of elementary collars 70 connected in parallel. In the direction transverse to the flow, the shape of the necks may resemble a rectangular or circular shape. The invention is however not limited to these geometric configurations. In the case of a rectangular assembly, the main element 113 consists of a set of elements 70 with a substantially square section. Each elementary collar is optionally preceded by an adaptation cone to facilitate the distribution of the flow between the energy concentrator element and the venturi element. During the crossing of the convergent, the speed increases inversely proportionally to the surface while the static pressure and the temperature decrease according to a quasi isentropic law resting on a quasi conservation of the energy transported by the wind. The temperature drop depends essentially on the wind speed at the inlet 15 of the inlet element 10 and the ratio of the surfaces between the outlet 16 and the inlet 15 of the convergent 10. Since all the turbines and all the venturis are put into operation (in the case of a maximum wind speed), the temperature at the inlet of the venturi is given by the ratio of the surfaces 20 between the outlet 16 and the inlet 15 of the convergent 10. where all turbine inputs are closed (turbines out of service) and all elementary venturis are open (case of average wind speed), the temperature at the venturi inlet is given by the ratio of the surfaces between the inlet of the venturi 116.a and the inlet 15 of the convergent 10. In the intermediate cases where only a part of the turbines and only a part of the venturis are put into operation, the temperature at the inlet of the venturi is given by the ratio of surface areas 116.ae t 116.b (entry of turbines with complementary surface at 116.a) put into service and inlet air 15 of convergent 10. FIG. 17 represents the evolution of the temperature at the inlet of the venturis for two 30 wind speeds at the inlet of the element 10 (curve 1: 10 m / s and curve 2 20 m / s) as a function of the ratio of the surfaces (116.a and 116.b put into service) and 15. Thus at the inlet of the element 10, for a temperature of 20 ° C and a speed of 10 m / s, the temperature at the inlet of the venturi remains greater than 18 ° C for a ratio of the surfaces greater than 0.2 falling sharply below this value. The temperature is respectively 10.0 and -10 ° C for a surface ratio of 0.075, 0.06 and 0.055. At a speed of 20 m / s, the temperature at the inlet of the venturi remains greater than 18 ° C for a ratio of the surfaces greater than 0.35 falling abruptly below this value. The temperature is 10.0 ° C and -10 ° C, respectively, for a surface ratio of 0.16, 0.12 and 0.11. Taking into account the conditions required for the condensation of water, the temperature at the inlet of the venturi is adjusted according to the wind speed and the temperature at the inlet of the element 10 via the ratio of the surfaces . Thus, for a temperature at the inlet of the venturi that is too high, corresponding to either a too low wind speed, a too low relative humidity, or a too high inlet temperature of the element 10, the section of the neck is diminished by the closure of one or more elementary necks. Conversely, for an inlet temperature too low corresponding to either a wind speed too high, or too high relative humidity, or a temperature too low at the input of the element 10, the section the neck 20 is increased by the opening of one or more elementary necks. As shown in FIG. 17 representing the temperature drop as a function of the wind speed and the ratio of the inlet / outlet areas of the convergent 10, the temperature variation, first of all, very slow for a value of high area ratio (output speed relatively far from the speed of sound) is then very fast when the value of the area ratio is low (output speed approaching the speed of sound). In order to finely regulate the temperature in the neck of the venturi, several means can be used: the main neck consists of several elementary necks that can be opened or closed independently of each other, the elementary necks have different sections of passage: large, medium and small for a coarse, medium and fine temperature adjustment, one or more secondary necks may include control valves to adjust the passage area. Two systems of venturi and water capture can be distinguished: an essentially rectilinear system, an essentially curved system. 10 straight ducts 113 and 114 straight water collection (Figure 18) The function of the venturi element is to create a favorable condition for the condensation of water. However, the condensation of water is not instantaneous, it occurs in very small amounts in this element. Furthermore, it is undesirable for the condensation of water to occur in a channel of small area where the rate of airflow is very high and unfavorable to the deposition of the droplets. water on the walls as to their growth. The length of the venturi element is dimensioned so that the kinetics of the condensation (condensation delay) allows the condensation in the downstream part of the venturi element. This length is, of course, dependent on a large quantity of parameters known to those skilled in the art: the temperature and the relative humidity at the inlet of the element 10 as well as the temperature at the inlet of the venturi . The venturi element 113 may be composed of parallelepipedic elementary necks 70. They can also be convergent in order to accentuate the lowering of the temperature along the flow promoting the condensation of water. Unlike element 113, element 114 is strongly divergent for the purpose of collecting water in this section. Although the increase in the passage section causes a rise in the temperature corresponding to a situation of water evaporation, which is itself conditioned by the kinetics of evaporation (evaporation delay), the length of the channel 114 is sized so that the water can not evaporate significantly in this section. The length of the element 114 is determined similarly to that of the element 113 so that the evaporation occurs only in the downstream part, or even downstream of the element 114. As mentioned above the element 113 is dimensioned so that the condensation of the water (nucleation and growth of the droplets) occurs downstream of the element 113 and, consequently, in the element 114 before the realization of the Evaporation becomes predominant on the condensation downstream of the element 114. For this purpose, the element 114 comprises internal elements 115 used for the deposition of the droplets and the collection of water. As the water vapor leaving the element 113 is in an effective condensation phase and the air is greatly slowed by the increase of the passage section, the conditions are then met for the deposition and the growth of the droplets on the walls of the element 114, in particular, on the walls of the elements 115. The elements 115 are slightly inclined relative to the axis of the channels 113 and 114 so that the air 9a and the droplets transported by the air 115. FIG. 19 shows the elements 115 which comprise on their surface grooves 116 in which the water coming from the droplets flowing on the surface of the elements 115 is accumulated. The water is collected at the interior of the elements 115 and discharged in a conventional manner through conduits 117 outwardly of the elements 115 and the element 114 (Figure 20). Curved 113 and Curved Water Channels 114 (Figure 21a and 21b) The function of the venturi element is to create a favorable condition for the condensation of water. However, since the condensation of the water is not instantaneous, it occurs only in a very small amount in this element. As in the previous case, the length of the venturi element is dimensioned so that the kinetics of the condensation (condensation delay) allow the effective condensation in its downstream part. Although the amount of water in formation is relatively low in this first element, it is curved so as to create a centrifugal force well upstream of the element 114 allowing the separation of fluids of different density, air and water. preferentially circulating water on the parts, respectively, internal and external of the curved conduit.

As mentioned in the case of rectilinear channels, unlike the element 113, the element 114 is strongly divergent for the purpose of collecting water in this section. Although the increase in the passage section causes a rise in the temperature corresponding to a situation of water evaporation, which is itself conditioned by the kinetics of evaporation (evaporation delay), the length of the channel 114 is dimensioned so that water can not evaporate significantly in this section. The length of the element 114 is determined similarly to that of the element 113 so that the evaporation occurs only in the downstream part, or even downstream of the element 114. In FIGS. 21a and 21b , the main axis of the outlet of the conduit 114 is parallel to the main axis of the inlet of the conduit 113 but located in a different plane. However, without departing from the scope of the invention, these axes can cover all situations from non-parallel axes and in different planes to collinear axes. Booster effect downstream of the venturi element Condensation of the water inside the venturi and the water collecting element generates a heat transfer from the condensed phase (water) to the non-phase condensed (partially humid air) and, consequently, to an increase in the internal energy of the air circulating in these channels. The gradual transmission of heat causes an expansion of the air and, consequently, an increase in the rate of passage of air in these channels. Figure 26 illustrates the "booster effect" in the water production frame. The condensed water within the venturis 113 and 114 (condensation and collection) is extracted from the internal environment to be discharged to the outside. During the water condensation process, the latent heat Hi is released and returned to the uncondensed phase. This heat contributes to increasing the temperature of the gas leaving the venturi, to expand its volume and, consequently, its speed and kinetic energy. In conclusion, if the venturi system were not subjected to pressure losses and if the exit section area was equal to that of the entrance, the potential energy output would be equal to that of the entrance while the output kinetic energy would be greater than that of the input due to the conversion of an internal energy into heat and the absence of losses. On the basis of the previous hypothesis, a kinetic energy Ec2> Ecl contributes to

facilitate the flow of the fluid through the venturi (taking into account pressure losses and losses by detachment). Example: Water condensation When air containing water vapor is cooled, the fraction of water vapor corresponding to a relative humidity greater than 100% condenses in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium. The amount of condensed water is determined as a function of the partial water pressure corresponding to the state before cooling and that after cooling as is known to those skilled in the art. Figure 22 gives the partial pressure of the water (in bar-ordinate) as a function of the temperature (° C- on the abscissa), in the case of a relative humidity of 100%. Consider an area of 10000 m2 swept by a wind with a speed of 20 m / s carrying air at a temperature of 35 ° C and a relative humidity 100%. Under these conditions, the volume and the mass of dry air are respectively 190000 m3 / s and 245000 kg / s while the volume (vapor state) and the dry water mass are, respectively, 10900 m3 / s and 8780 kg / s. If the temperature is decreased from 35 to 20 ° C, the volume (vapor state) and the dry water mass are reduced to 5860 m3 / s and 4710 kg / s respectively, thereby condensing about 4000 kg of water. water under equilibrium conditions. The amount of condensable water in the venturi system depends on the drop in temperature and, therefore, the venturi diameter (relative to the diameter of the energy concentrator system), the kinetic aspects largely related to the length of the venturi system. venturi and the efficiency of the water collection system. Integration of the machine element and the venturi element The machine elements and venturi neck for the production of energy and water, respectively, can be integrated into the downstream assembly of the concentrator system. energy. However, these elements can operate simultaneously or independently of each other depending on the supply priorities and on the atmospheric and storage conditions. Some examples or trends are given below as an indication:

in light wind, only one element (or part of an element) will be operated for the supply of either a small amount of water or a small amount of energy. In very high winds, it may be considered to operate both (or part of both) simultaneously. by high temperature and high relative humidity, it may be advantageous to give priority to the water production system and in the opposite case to the energy production system. a strong air storage and a low water storage can lead to the operation of the water production system and, in the opposite case, to the energy production system. FIG. 23 shows in front view an energy concentrator element towards the turbine element 11 and the venturi element 113 composed of elements 70 arranged in the center of the turbine element. FIGS. 24a and 24b show, in longitudinal sectional view, energy concentrator elements 10, machines 11, venturis 113 and water collector 114. The view represents a set of machines and collars mounted in the form of a cone downstream of the energy concentrator element so as to facilitate the flow of the outside to the inside of the energy concentrator element and more particularly, when the venturis are the only ones in operation (turbines out of service).

Characteristics of Storage and Destocking Units Storage of energy can be achieved from a high pressure air storage. This storage system can be made from tubes welded together (Figure 25) or high pressure tanks. The destocking of air and therefore energy can be done in turbines for the production of electricity in light wind. The storage of energy as well as its destocking can take place in many other forms through: storage of electricity in batteries, - production of stored hydrogen just like air in batteries. high-pressure tanks, retrieval using fuel cells, transfer of a closed-loop fluid from a low pressure tank to a high pressure tank, heat storage in change materials phase. The barge may also include a water storage unit obtained by condensation through venturis. The destocking of the water is carried out by transfer using a pump in a pipeline or in a tanker.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS1) Barge for the production of energy, characterized in that it comprises a convergent-shaped wind energy concentrator device (10) whose output (16) communicates with: a. the input of a machine element (11) having a plurality of turbines for capturing wind power, b. the inlet of a condensing element (113) having a plurality of venturi collars connected in parallel. The barge of claim 1, wherein the turbines and collars are assembled to form the outlet section of said convergent hub. 3) barge according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the concentrator air is deflected upstream of said necks and turbines downstream to activate air extraction means. 4) Barge according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the output of the machine member communicates with the inlet of a divergent air extractor (12). 5) barge according to claim 4, wherein said air extractor is surrounded by a convergent (40) so as to diffuse a stream of air into said air extractor. 6) barge according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for controlling and controlling the operation of the turbines and / or collars depending on the wind speed. 7) Barge according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for collecting condensed water disposed at the outlet of the venturi necks. 8) barge according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said turbines directly operate gas compressors. 9) Barge according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for storing the compressed gas and means for storing the collected water. 10) barge according to one of the preceding claims, wherein refrigerants of the compressed gas are disposed in the wind stream so as to restore a portion of the wind energy in the form of heat to the air at the outlet of the turbines to increase the extraction of air.