GB2483160A - Hydroelectric generator mounted to foundation by pivoted strut - Google Patents

Hydroelectric generator mounted to foundation by pivoted strut Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2483160A
GB2483160A GB1114676.8A GB201114676A GB2483160A GB 2483160 A GB2483160 A GB 2483160A GB 201114676 A GB201114676 A GB 201114676A GB 2483160 A GB2483160 A GB 2483160A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
base
pivot
foundation
strut
control means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1114676.8A
Other versions
GB201114676D0 (en
Inventor
Marc Paish
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pulse Group Holdings Ltd
Original Assignee
Pulse Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pulse Group Holdings Ltd filed Critical Pulse Group Holdings Ltd
Publication of GB201114676D0 publication Critical patent/GB201114676D0/en
Publication of GB2483160A publication Critical patent/GB2483160A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/061—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/062—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction
    • F03B17/065—Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially at right angle to flow direction the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/40—Movement of component
    • F05B2250/41—Movement of component with one degree of freedom
    • F05B2250/411—Movement of component with one degree of freedom in rotation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

A structure for deployment and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator comprises a base 3 connected to a foundation 2 by a pivoted strut 8. The base may be raised by varying buoyancy, by filling chambers 11 with air at approximately equal rates. The use of two chambers may allow the base to remain substantially horizontal as it rises. Mechanical or hydraulic means may be provided to pivot the base with respect to the strut, or to pivot the strut with respect to the foundation. The base is described for use with a hydrofoil generator, but is also suitable for use with a turbine.

Description

A STRUCTURE FOR DEPLOYMENT AND RECOVERY OF A HYDROELECTRIC
POWER GENERATOR
The present invention relates to a structure for deployment and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to such a structure comprising a foundation, a base and a strut pivotally connected to the foundation and base.
It is known to generate electrical power by connecting a turbine or hydrofoil to a heavy base. The base is arranged on the bed of the flowing body of water.
From time to time it is necessary to maintain the turbine or hydrofoils. Doing this underwater can often be impractical, necessitating lifting the base and associated hydrofoil or turbine to the surface. Often specialist lifting gear is brought to the scene.
This can be expensive and time consuming. More significantly, the base and turbine or hydrofoil may tilt in an uncontrolled manner whilst being lifted. In a fast flowing body of water this can cause significant damage.
The structure according to the invention seeks to overcome the problems of the prior art.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a structure for deployment and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator comprising a foundation; a base having a first base end proximate to the foundation and a second base end remote from the foundation; and, a strut pivotally connected to the base at a base pivot and pivotally connected to the foundation at a foundation pivot.
The structure according to the invention allows for a controlled raising of the base and arms without uncontrolled pivoting of the base.
In addition, the structure according to the invention can be used on a rough of uneven sea or river bed. The foundation need only be firmly attached to the bed. This can then support the base close to the bed. As the base is pivotally connected to the strut the base can be pivoted to closely align with the bed.
The structure can comprise at least one hydroelectric power generator arranged on the base.
The at least one hydroelectric power generator can be a turbine. The at least one hydroelectric power generator can comprise a base arm extending from the base and a hydrofoil pivotally connected to the base arm remote from the base.
Preferably, the base comprises a buoyancy control means for adjusting the buoyancy of the base.
The base pivot can be arranged at one of the first and second base ends.
The pivot can be a universal pivot.
The base pivot can be connected to the base between the first and second base ends.
The buoyancy control means can be arranged on the side of the base pivot remote from the foundation.
The buoyancy control means can be arranged on the side of the base pivot proximate to the foundation.
Preferably, the structure can comprise buoyancy control means on both sides of the base pivot.
The base pivot can be arranged substantially half way between the first and second base ends, and is preferably a single axis pivot.
The base pivot can be a universal pivot arranged closer to one base end than to the other.
The structure can further comprise a mechanical or hydraulic means for pivoting the base with respect to the strut about the base pivot.
The structure can further comprise a mechanical or hydraulic means for pivoting the strut with respect to the foundation.
The structure can further comprise a locking means between the base and the strut for locking the base in a fixed position relative to the strut.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a structure according to the invention; Figure 2 shows the structure according to figure 1 in a partially raised position; Figure 3 shows the structure of figure 2 in a fully raised position; Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a structure according to the invention in side cross sectional view; and, Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a structure according to the invention in side cross sectional view.
Shown in figure 1 is a structure 1 according to the invention. The structure 1 comprises a foundation 2 firmly anchored to the bed of the river or stream in which the structure 1 is arranged. The structure 1 further comprises a base 3. The base 3 has a first base end 4 proximate to the foundation 2 and a second base end 5 remote from the foundation 2.
Extending upwardly from the base 3 is a plurality of base arms 6. A hydrofoil 7 is pivotally connected to each arm 6 remote from the base 3.
A strut 8 extends between the base 3 and the foundation 2. The strut 8 is pivotally connected to the foundation 2 by a foundation pivot 9. The strut 8 is pivotally connected to the base 3 at a base pivot 10. In this embodiment the base pivot 10 is arranged at the second base end 5, remote from the foundation 2.
In use water flows over the base 3, typically substantially parallel to the first and second base ends 4,5.
It is occasionally necessary to raise the base 3 to the surface for maintenance or upgrades. Contained within the base 3 is a buoyancy control means (not shown).
Typically this comprises a volume within the base 3 which can be filled with air to control the buoyancy of the base 3. In this embodiment the end 4 of the base 3 proximate to the foundation 2 is connected to the strut 8. Accordingly, as the buoyancy of the base 3 is increased the strut 8 pivots about the foundation pivot 9 as shown in figure 2. In this embodiment the structure further comprises a locking member (not shown) between the base 3 and strut 8 which locks the base 3 in a fixed position relative to the strut 8.
Once the strut 8 has pivoted, raising the base 3 sufficiently the locking means is released. The base 3 then floats to the surface as shown in figure 3. The base pivot 10 is a universal pivot allowing rotation of the base 3 about a plurality of axis about the base pivot 10. The flow of the water therefore rotates the base 3 about the base pivot until it lies parallel with the stream as shown. The strut 8 holds the base 3 steady in the water while it is maintained. The base 3 can be disconnected from the strut 8 if necessary and removed to a remote location for more extensive maintenance.
In an alternative method of raising the base 3 from the bed a locking means is not employed to maintain the base 3 in fixed relation to the strut 8. As the buoyancy of the base 3 is increased it floats towards the surface pivoting the strut 8 about the foundation 2. In this embodiment the base 3 typically comprises a plurality of volumes (not shown) which can be filled with air to different degrees to keep the base 3 substantially parallel to the bed as it rises to the surface.
Shown in figure 4 in schematic cross section is a further embodiment of an oscillating hydrofoil structure 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment the base pivot 10 is arranged half way between the first and second ends 4,5 of the base 3. The base pivot is a single axis pivot, the axis of the pivot being substantially parallel to the bed.
Arranged on each side of the base pivot 10 is a buoyancy control means 11 comprising a volume which can be filled with air.
In order to raise the base 3 the two buoyancy control means 11 are filled with air at approximately equal rates. The base 3 therefore rises from the bed substantially horizontally. The base pivot 10 is equally spaced between the two ends 4,5 of the base 3 so that the force on the base 3 due to the flow of water over the base is substantially balanced at the base pivot 1 0.
The base 3 of this further embodiment can be raised to the surface in a number of other ways. As a first example the buoyancy control means 11 on the far side of the base pivot 10 to the foundation 2 is filled with air. This raises the strut 8, pivoting it about the foundation 2. When the end 5 of the base 3 has reached the surface the other buoyancy control means 11 is filled with air so raising the base 3 to the surface. In a further example, after the end 5 of the base 3 remote from the foundation 2 has reached the surface it is connected to a support or vessel (not shown) at the surface. It is then disconnected from the strut 8 before the second buoyancy control means 11 is filled with air, raising the base 3 to the surface. In both of these alternative embodiments a locking means may be used to hold the base 3 in fixed relation to the strut 8 during the first stage of raising an end of the base 3 to the surface. This is then released for the second stage.
Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of an oscillating hydrofoil structure 1 according to the invention in cross section. This embodiment is similar to that of figure 4 except the base pivot 1 0 is not arranged equally between the first and second ends 4,5 of the base 3. The force on the base 3 about the base pivot 1 0 is therefore unequal. In this embodiment the base pivot 10 is a universal pivot free to pivot about a plurality of axis and so as with the embodiment of figures 1 to 3 the base 3 rotates in a horizontal plane in the stream due to the flow of water over it until the long axis of the base is parallel to the direction of water flow. Again, a locking means may or may not be used during raising of the base 3 to the surface.
In further embodiments of the invention (not shown) the structure 1 includes a mechanical or hydraulic link which pivots the strut 8 about the foundation 2, raising the strut 8 as required. This increases the degree of control over the raising of the base 3.
In further embodiments of the invention, the structure 1 includes a mechanical or hydraulic means for pivoting the base 3 about the base pivot 10 with respect to the strut 8. The orientation of the base 3 with respect to the strut 8 may be mainly controlled by filling the buoyancy control means 11 on either side of the base pivot 10 with air. The mechanical or hydraulic means may provide a fine control over the orientation of the base 3.
In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown) the base 3 includes one or more buoyancy control means 11 on one side of the base pivot 1 0 only. A mechanical or hydraulic means is arranged on the other side of the base pivot 10 to control the orientation of the base 3 about the base pivot 10.
In a further embodiment of the invention (not shown) the hydrofoil structure 1 lacks buoyancy control means 11. The pivoting of the strut 8 and base 3 is controlled by hydraulic or mechanical means.

Claims (18)

  1. CLAIMS1. A structure for deployment and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator comprising a foundation; a base having a first base end proximate to the foundation and a second base end remote from the foundation; and, a strut pivotally connected to the base at a base pivot and pivotally connected to the foundation at a foundation pivot.
  2. 2. A structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one hydroelectric power generator arranged on the base.
  3. 3. A structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one hydroelectric power generator is a turbine.
  4. 4. A structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one hydroelectric power generator comprises a base arm extending from the base and a hydrofoil pivotally connected to the base arm remote from the base.
  5. 5. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base comprises a buoyancy control means for adjusting the buoyancy of the base.
  6. 6. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base pivot is arranged at one of the first and second base ends.
  7. 7. A structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pivot is a universal pivot.
  8. 8. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base pivot is connected to the base between the first and second base ends.
  9. 9. A structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the buoyancy control means is arranged on the side of the base pivot remote from the foundation.
  10. 10. A structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the buoyancy control means is arranged on the side of the base pivot proximate to the foundation.
  11. 11. A structure as claimed in either of claims 9 or 10, comprising buoyancy control means on both sides of the base pivot.
  12. 12. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the base pivot is arranged substantially half way between the first and second base ends, and is preferably a single axis pivot.
  13. 13. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the base pivot is a universal pivot arranged closer to one base end than to the other.
  14. 14. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a mechanical or hydraulic means for pivoting the base with respect to the strut about the base pivot.
  15. 15. A structure as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a mechanical or hydraulic means for pivoting the strut with respect to the foundation.
  16. 16. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a locking means between the base and the strut for locking the base in a fixed position relative to the strut.
  17. 17. A structure substantially as hereinbefore described.
  18. 18. A structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
GB1114676.8A 2010-08-27 2011-08-25 Hydroelectric generator mounted to foundation by pivoted strut Withdrawn GB2483160A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1014294.1A GB201014294D0 (en) 2010-08-27 2010-08-27 A structure for depployement and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201114676D0 GB201114676D0 (en) 2011-10-12
GB2483160A true GB2483160A (en) 2012-02-29

Family

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1014294.1A Ceased GB201014294D0 (en) 2010-08-27 2010-08-27 A structure for depployement and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator
GB1114676.8A Withdrawn GB2483160A (en) 2010-08-27 2011-08-25 Hydroelectric generator mounted to foundation by pivoted strut

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB1014294.1A Ceased GB201014294D0 (en) 2010-08-27 2010-08-27 A structure for depployement and recovery of a hydroelectric power generator

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2609324A1 (en)
GB (2) GB201014294D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2012025754A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BR112015017314A2 (en) 2013-01-21 2017-07-11 Univ Brown kinetic energy capture using physical-cyber systems

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS62267577A (en) * 1986-05-16 1987-11-20 Sanuki Tekko Kk Cross-flow water-wheel generator
WO2004090325A1 (en) * 2003-04-08 2004-10-21 Lionel William Mills Reciprocating blade system for energy extraction from currents
GB2409885A (en) * 2003-12-20 2005-07-13 Marine Current Turbines Ltd Articulated support for water turbine
GB2441821A (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-03-19 Michael Torr Todman Self-aligning submerged buoyant tidal turbine
GB2450624A (en) * 2007-06-30 2008-12-31 John Richard Carew Armstrong A support frame for water turbines adapted for movement with respect to an underwater mounting
GB2480000A (en) * 2010-04-29 2011-11-02 Nova Innovation Ltd Water turbine assembly

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2501696A (en) * 1946-01-12 1950-03-28 Wolfgang Kmentt Stream turbine
GB2462320B (en) * 2008-08-05 2013-02-20 Pulse Group Holdings Ltd An apparatus for generating power from a fluid stream

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS62267577A (en) * 1986-05-16 1987-11-20 Sanuki Tekko Kk Cross-flow water-wheel generator
WO2004090325A1 (en) * 2003-04-08 2004-10-21 Lionel William Mills Reciprocating blade system for energy extraction from currents
GB2409885A (en) * 2003-12-20 2005-07-13 Marine Current Turbines Ltd Articulated support for water turbine
GB2441821A (en) * 2006-09-13 2008-03-19 Michael Torr Todman Self-aligning submerged buoyant tidal turbine
GB2450624A (en) * 2007-06-30 2008-12-31 John Richard Carew Armstrong A support frame for water turbines adapted for movement with respect to an underwater mounting
GB2480000A (en) * 2010-04-29 2011-11-02 Nova Innovation Ltd Water turbine assembly

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012025754A1 (en) 2012-03-01
EP2609324A1 (en) 2013-07-03
GB201114676D0 (en) 2011-10-12
GB201014294D0 (en) 2010-10-13

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