FR3049988A1 - HYDROLIENNE WITH AN ANGULARLY OSCILLATING HYDRODYNAMIC SURFACE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention comprises a tidal turbine comprising at least one hydrodynamic surface (310) subjected to the action of a marine flux and mounted integral with a support member (302) pivotally mounted on a base along a pivot axis (X), the hydrodynamic surface being subjected to the action of cyclic variation means of a hydrodynamic characteristic of the hydrodynamic surface such as its incidence, its camber or its twisting, so that the action of the marine flux on the hydrodynamic surface causes a angular oscillation of the support member around the pivot axis. According to the invention, the pivot axis (X) of the support member is parallel to a direction of flow of the marine stream.

Description

The invention relates to a hydrodynamic turbine with an angularly oscillating hydrodynamic surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydroline turbines with an oscillating hydrodynamic surface are known, such as the hydrolane known under the name Stingray developed by the company Engineering Business Itd, or the hydrolane described in the document WO2006093790. In these turbines, the rigid hydrodynamic surface is articulated at the end of a support arm pivotally mounted on a pylon, the hinge axes of the hydrodynamic surface and pivoting of the arm being either both horizontal, or both · vertical. The angular oscillation of the support arm is caused by the cyclic modification of the incidence of the hydrodynamic surface relative to the marine flux. For this purpose, the hydrolysis machine is equipped with a device for cyclically varying the incidence of the hydrodynamic surface, which can be of the passive type (mechanical device with cam for example, or simple effect of the marine current), or active (device hydraulic or electric servo to the angular position of the arm).

In these turbines, some of the mechanical energy generated by the hydrodynamic surface is lost to oscillate the arm in the marine stream.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to propose a new type of tidal turbine with an oscillating surface that is more energy efficient.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve this goal, a tidal turbine is proposed comprising at least one hydrodynamic surface subjected to the action of a marine flux and 'integral with a support member pivotally mounted on a base along a pivot axis, the surface hydrodynamic being subjected to the action of cyclic variation means of a hydrodynamic characteristic of the hydrodynamic surface such as its incidence, its camber or twisting, so that the action of the marine flux on the hydrodynamic surface causes the oscillation angular of the support member about its pivot axis. According to the invention, the pivot axis of the support member is parallel to a direction of flow of the sea stream.

Thus, during operation of the engine, the hydrodynamic surface does not remain parallel to itself, but angularly around the pivot axis at the discretion of oscillations of the support member. The support member is essentially reduced to a shaft oscillating about the pivot axis, and it is very simple to use the angular oscillations to actuate a pump or rotate a generator. The rotation of the support member generates no hydrodynamic drag, so that the efficiency of the hydrolysis is improved.

According to a particular aspect of the invention, the support member is pivotally mounted on a support hinged to the base along a vertical axis of articulation, the hydrodynamic surface being arranged to generate a drag force in the marine flux tending to align in permanently pivoting axis of the support member with the direction of flow of the marine stream by rotating the support about its axis of articulation.

This arrangement makes it possible to accommodate the changes in direction of the flow of the marine flux.

According to a first particular embodiment, the hydrodynamic surface extends to beat on either side of a vertical position. The base can then be placed on the seabed, and the hydrodynamic surface extend towards the surface. On the contrary, the base can be floating, and the hydrodynamic surface extend towards the seabed.

To balance the lateral forces generated by the angular beat of the hydrodynamic surface, it is proposed according to a second particular embodiment of the invention a tidal turbine with two hydrodynamic surfaces arranged so that their respective support members oscillate about parallel pivot axes , the hydrodynamic surfaces being constrained to beat symmetrically so that the lateral forces generated by one of the hydrodynamic surfaces are offset by the opposite lateral forces generated by the other hydrodynamic surfaces.

According to a third particular embodiment of the invention, the hydrolysis comprises two hydrodynamic surfaces which extend on either side of the same oscillating organ. Thus, the two hydrodynamic surfaces undergo hydrodynamic forces that compensate for each other, but create moments that are added to oscillate the support member about its pivot axis.

According to a particular aspect of 1'invention, the hydrodynamic surface is rigid and is articulated on the support member about an axis of articulation perpendicular to the pivot axis, the means of cyclic variation modifying the incidence of the hydrodynamic surface by rotating it around the axis of articulation.

Alternatively, the hydrodynamic surface is deformable, the cyclic variation means acting on one end of the hydrodynamic surface in a cyclic manner to allow the marine flow to impart to the hydrodynamic surface a shape adapted to reverse the direction of the beat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the appended drawings among which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hydro-lique with a single hydrodynamic surface according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1A is a front view of the hydro-line of Fig. 1, illustrating the oscillations of the hydrodynamic surface;

Fig. 1B is a diagram illustrating the principle of angular beat with cyclic variation in the incidence of the hydrodynamic surface of the hydroline of Fig. 1;

Figure IC is a bottom view is a bottom view showing the arrangement of external and internal stops;

Figure ID is a sectional view along the pivot axis of the support member;

Figure 1E is a front view of the housing covering the support member provided with its two outer stops;

Figure IF is a graph showing the variations in incidence of the hydrodynamic surface as a function of the pivot angle of the support member;

Figures IG and IH are figures similar to Figure IB showing alternative embodiments with cyclic variation of camber or twisting;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hydro-liquee with two hydrodynamic surfaces according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of the hydrofoil of FIG. 2 illustrating the synchronized oscillations of the two hydrodynamic surfaces;

Figure 2B is a front view of the synchronization link between the support members of the two hydrodynamic surfaces;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hydrodynamic turbine with two hydrodynamic surfaces carried by the same support member, according to a third particular embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3A is a front view of the hydro-skyline of Fig. 3 showing the oscillations of the hydrodynamic surfaces;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a tidal turbine with flexible aerodynamic surfaces according to a fourth particular embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4D are front views of the tidal turbine of FIG. 4 showing the stages of the oscillation cycle of the hydrodynamic surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A to 1E, and in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the illustrated hydrolane comprises a base 101 intended here to be placed on the seabed. A support member 102 is mounted to pivot on the base 101 along a pivot axis X parallel to the sea flow. The support member is here a support shaft 102 pivotally mounted which comprises a sleeve 103 on which a rigid hydrodynamic surface 110 is freely articulated along a hinge axis Y perpendicular to the pivot axis X.

Here, the hydrodynamic surface 110 is symmetrical profile. Preferably the center of gravity of the hydrodynamic surface is located on its hinge axis Y. It may for example be made of composite material based on fibers stabilized with a poly-merized resin.

During the operation of the hydrodynamic, the hydrodynamic surface 110 angularly beats between two extreme angular positions illustrated in Figure lA, corresponding to two extreme angular positions of the support shaft 102 between which it oscillates.

The angular oscillations of the support shaft 102 are used to drive a generator or a pump. For this purpose, the support shaft 102 here carries two bevel gears 104 by means of freewheels 105 mounted in opposite directions to each other and both meshing with a conical wheel 106 which drives an electric generator 107. Thus, whatever the direction of rotation of the support shaft 102, it drives the conical wheel 106 always in the same direction. Of course, any other device for converting an alternating rotational movement into a unilateral rotational movement may be used, such as a connecting rod and crank device.

To cause the beat (marked by the angle φ) of the hydrodynamic surface 110, and thus cause the angular oscillations of the support shaft 102, the angle of incidence (angle a) of the hydrodynamic surface 110 relative to the marine flow is forced to vary cyclically between two extreme angles of incidence, visible in Figure IB. This figure shows the hydrodynamic forces exerted on the hydrodynamic surface 110, which decompose in a drag force Fx parallel to the direction of the sea flow, and a lift force Fz perpendicular to the direction of the sea flow, which is the motor force causing the flapping of the hydrodynamic surface. The forces are here applied to the focus F of the hydrodynamic surface.

In order to maintain the flapping of the hydrodynamic surface 110 and thus the oscillation of the support shaft 102, the hydrolysis machine is equipped with cyclic variation means for the incident proper for connecting the angle of incidence α to the angle of incidence. beat φ. The cyclic variation means here comprise on the one hand internal stops 111 integral with the hydrodynsimic surface and which extend to cooperate with a finger 108 integral with the support shaft 102. The internal stops 111 alternately bear on the finger 108 to define symmetrical extreme angles of incidence of the hydrodynamic surface 102 as shown in FIG. 1B. Here, the focus F of the hydrodynamic surface 110 is slightly forward of the hinge axis Y, relative to the direction of the sea flow, so that the hydrodynamic forces generated by the seafloor tend to confirm the hydrodynamic surface 110 in one or the other extreme angle of incidence.

The cyclic variation means further comprise external stops 109 integral with the base which extend symmetrically on either side of the hydrodynamic surface 110.

The beat movement is now explained with reference to Fig. 1B, the left and right terms referring to this figure. Suppose that the hydrodynamic surface 110 is wedged in the extreme incidence position illustrated on the right, and that it beats in the direction of the outer stop 109 on the left, driven by the force Fz developed by the marine flow. The hydrodynamic surface 110 then bears against the outer stop 109 on the left, and, continuing its beat stroke, the outer stop 109 causes the hydrodynamic surface 110 to rotate about its hinge axis Y, until it exceeds the neutral position. The marine stream then tilts the hydrodynamic surface towards the opposite extreme angle of incidence (that shown on the left in FIG. 1B), which inverts the engine hydrodynamic force on the hydrodynamic surface 110. in other sense, to meet the external stop 109 of the right, and so on, which maintains the flapping movement of the hydrodynamic surface, and thus the oscillation of the support shaft 102

This cycle is illustrated in FIG. 5, where the docking of the external stops 109 and the tilting of the hydrodynamic surface from one extreme angle of incidence to the other at the end of the beat stroke are distinguished. Of course, rather than using means of cyclic variation based on abutments, the hydrodynamic surface being freely rotatably mounted, it is possible to use any other type of cyclic variation means of incidence with the beat angle, in particular means that positively correlate the incidence with the beat angle (link mechanism and cranks, cams, hydraulic or electric servo devices ...)

It will also be possible to vary not the incidence of the hydrodynamic surface, but other hydrodynamic characteristics thereof, such as for example its camber by forcing a trailing edge flap 112 to turn cyclically on the one hand. other of its neutral position (figure IG), or its twisting by causing a cyclic twist of the hydrodynamic surface along its span (Figure IH).

According to now a second particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, the hydrofoil of the invention comprises two hydrodynamic surfaces 210 articulated on two support shafts 202 which are pivotally mounted on a fixed base 201 along pivot axes XI and X2 parallel to the seafloor. Here the oscillations of the two hydrodynamic surfaces 210 are synchronized with each other to beat symmetrically. The cyclic variation means modifies the angle of incidence of the two hydrodynamic surfaces 210 simultaneously and of the same amount.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the hydrodynamic surfaces move away and come together in concert between two extreme beat positions, so that the lift forces experienced by one of the hydrodynamic surfaces are compensated by identical lift forces but opposite direction undergone by the other hydrodynamic surface. The base 201 is therefore no lateral effort. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the synchronization of the hydrodynamic surfaces can be obtained by providing the support shafts 202 with cranks 203 which are connected by connecting rods 204 to a crankshaft 205 rotating along an axis X3 parallel to the axes XI and X2. Thus, not only the beats of the hydrodynamic surfaces 202 are synchronized, but they are recovered to rotate the crankshaft 205 always in the same direction, which can then be used to drive a generator or a pump.

According to now a third particular embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3A, the tidal turbine of the invention always comprises two hydrodynamic surfaces 310, but this time they are mounted articulated on a single support member 302 and extend symmetrically on both sides of it, their hinge axes Y being here confused. The support member 302 is here pivotally mounted along a pivot axis X parallel to the sea flow not directly on the fixed base 301, but on a support 303 articulated on the fixed base 301 along a vertical axis Z, so that the pivot axis X is self-oriented, under the effect of the hydrodynamic drag generated by the marine flux on the hydrodynamic surfaces 310, parallel to the sea flow when it changes direction.

The cyclic variation means modifies the angle of incidence of the two hydrodynamic surfaces 310 simultaneously and of the same amount. As shown in Figure 3A / hydrodynamic surfaces beat together between two extreme positions.

Oscillations of the support shaft 302 are used to generate a continuous rotational movement of a wheel or a crankshaft capable of driving a generator or a pump.

According to a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the hydrofoil of the invention also comprises two hydrodynamic surfaces 410 connected to the same support shaft 402 pivotally mounted on a support 403 along a pivot axis X. However, here, unlike in the other embodiments, the hydrodynamic surfaces are flexible sails. They are here triangular, with a base carried by yards 411 embedded on the support shaft 402 and extending symmetrically on either side thereof. The apex of the webs 410 is here arranged upstream of their base with reference to the direction of flow of the marine stream, and connected to the support 403 by means of a sleeve 412 pivotally mounted on the support 403 along the axis of pivoting X and forming the means of cyclic variation. The sleeve 412 is pivotally controlled between two angular positions visible in FIGS. 4A to 4D, which illustrate the flapping cycle of the webs 410.

The terms left and right refer to what is illustrated in these figures. In the extreme beat position shown in FIG. 4A where the left yard is lowered while the right yard is raised, the sleeve 412 is pivoted to the illustrated position in which it lifts the apex of the left wing to the left. above the left yard, while lowering the apex of the right wing below the right yard. In this position, the seafloor rushes into the sails and imparts to them a founa suitable to raise the left yard and down the right yard, which causes the rotation of the support shaft 402 to the illustrated position in Figure 4B. The yards then arrived in the opposite extreme beat position. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the sleeve 412 is then tilted in its other angular position to pass the apex of the left sail below the left yard, and to pass the apex of the right sail to the right. above the right yard. The seafloor rushes into the sails to impart to them a shape capable of causing the rotation of the yards and thus of the support shaft 402 in the other direction, to the position illustrated in FIG. 4D, and so on. .

We therefore obtain a flapping of the sails which causes oscillation of the support shaft, which can be exploited to drive a generator or a pump.

The cyclic variation means here use a rotary sleeve, but any other means of deformation of the flexible blade can be used to allow the flow to rush into it so as to make it adopt a shape causing an inversion beat direction. For example, if the point of attachment of the apex of the wing is fixed, the simple angular overrange of the fixed attachment point of the apex by the yard during its flapping movement may be sufficient to cause this deformation.

The tidal turbines according to the invention are not injurious to marine animals that can pass easily between the surfaces of a tidal turbine field according to the invention. The hydrodynamic surfaces are easily removable and replaceable, which facilitates the maintenance of the turbines according to the invention.

It will of course be possible to provide any locking mechanism capable of blocking the hydrodynamic surfaces in incidence in the neutral position, which prevents any beating, in order to immobilize the surfaces and thus avoid any damage to the tidal turbine in case of excessive marine current . The invention is not limited to what has just been described, but on the contrary covers any variant within the scope defined by the claims.

In particular, in the first and second embodiments of the invention, it will also be possible to use flexible webs as a hydrodynamic surface.

Claims (10)

1. A hydrolysis fluid comprising at least one hydrodynamic surface (110; 210; 310; 410) subjected to the action of a marine flux and mounted integral with a support member (102; 202; 302; 402) pivotally mounted on a base (101; 201; 301; 401) along a pivot axis (X; X1, X2), the hydrodynamic surface being subjected to the action of cyclic variation means of a hydrodynamic characteristic of the hydrodynamic surface such as its incidence, its camber or twisting, so that the action of the marine stream on the hydrodynamic surface causes angular oscillation of the support member around the pivot axis, characterized in that the axis of pivoting of the organ support is parallel to a direction of flow of the seafloor. 2. A water heater according to claim 1, wherein the hydrodynamic surface is a rigid surface freely articulated on a sleeve (103) of the support member defining an axis of articulation (Y) of the surface perpendicular to the pivot axis ( X) of the support member. 3. The fluid of claim 2, wherein the cycliqpae variation means comprise internal stops (111) to maintain the hydrodynamic surface (110) in one or the other of two symmetrical extreme angles of incidence, and abutments. externally (109) to tilt the hydrodynamic surface from one to another extreme angles of incidence when the hydrodynamic surface reaches the end of the race. 4. The hydrolysis system as claimed in claim 1, comprising two hydrodynamic surfaces (210, 210) associated with respective support members (202, 202) pivotally mounted along parallel axes (X1, X2), and a tidal turbine having means for synchronizing (203, 204, 205) the surfaces. hydrodynamic so that they beat angularly symmetrically. 5. The fluid of claim 4, wherein the synchronization means comprises ma-netons (203) secured to the support members (202) and connected by connecting rods (204) to a crankshaft (205). 6. A water turbine according to claim 1, comprising two hydrodynamic surfaces (310; 410) associated with the same support member (302; 402), and extending 'on either side thereof. The fluid of claim 1, wherein the hydrodynamic surface (410) is a flexible sail. 8. The hydrolienne of claim 7, wherein the sail has a base carried by a yard (411) integral with the support member, and an apex disposed upstream of the base with reference to a direction of flow of the marine stream. 9. A water heater according to claim 8, wherein the apex is mounted on a sleeve (412) pivoting about the pivot axis (X) of the support member. 10. The fluid of claim 1, wherein the support member (302; 402) is pivotally mounted on a support (303, 403) itself articulated on the base along a vertical axis (2), so that the pivot axis (X) of the support member is oriented by itself, under the effect of a hydrodynamic drag generated by the marine flux on the hydrodynamic surface or surfaces, parallel to the sea flow when it changes from direction.