ITVR20130055U1 - SYSTEM FOR THE GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY PREFERABLY OBTAINED FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES - Google Patents

Description

Description of a Utility Model Patent entitled:

"SYSTEM FOR THE GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY PREFERABLY OBTAINED FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES"

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a network for the generation and distribution of electrical energy.

In particular, the present invention refers to a network for the generation and distribution of renewable electricity, preferably derived from renewable sources, which can be easily implemented in places not covered by an electrical distribution network or in support of distribution networks. which are not able to guarantee stable electricity with regular continuity.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

As is known, the supply of electrical energy for the operation of users, precisely powered electrically, takes place through a distribution network of the more or less capillary type.

The electricity initially produced at a power station is then supplied to individual users.

In order to create a distribution network, a huge economic investment is required for the installation of infrastructures, for example the laying of earthworks, conduits, pipes, etc. o the laying of pylons, the construction of secondary plants, to broadly branch out a line coming from a production plant, etc. In sparsely populated places, the economic investment required for the construction of a distribution network is not very profitable since the number of users to be powered is reduced, and therefore, the initial investments far exceed the return in economic terms.

In cases where the users to be powered are confined to places that are difficult to access, such as islands, mountain resorts, or similar, or sparsely populated, it is usual to resort to small stations for the production of electricity including generators.

With particular reference to domestic users, or in any case with limited power requests, in the order of a few kilowatts, it is possible to use generators powered by hydrocarbons to generate the required electric current.

This solution, although it can be installed practically in any location, nevertheless requires the supply or storage of fuel in special tanks, to ensure a satisfactory operating autonomy.

The size of these tanks, of course, depends on the expected operating hours as well as the required power.

However, the creation of an electrical distribution network based exclusively on the use of electric generators such as generators, has some disadvantages, including: the difficulty of supplying fuel to power the generators, the pollution produced during their operation with the emission of combustion fumes released into the atmosphere and noise pollution.

Therefore, there is a need to overcome the drawbacks indicated above with particular reference to the construction of a power supply network, of reduced dimensions, in sparsely populated or isolated places and therefore difficult to reach.

There is also the need to create a network for the generation and distribution of electricity that can be easily implemented and that allows for the supply of all the electricity required by the users connected to it or, if necessary, that makes it possible to supply the energy supplied. from an unstable electricity distribution network and / or characterized by a discontinuity in the supply of electricity.

AIMS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to improve the state of the prior art.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a network for the generation and distribution of electrical energy which can be easily implemented in isolated locations and / or which are difficult to reach from a traditional electrical distribution network.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a modular type network for the generation and distribution of electrical energy, ie capable of being easily adapted to the variations in the energy needs of the users connected to it.

A further object of the present invention is to propose a network for the generation and distribution of electrical energy which acts as a support for a pre-existing electrical distribution network.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a network for the generation and distribution of electrical energy according to claim 1 is provided.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous forms of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a network for the generation and distribution of electrical energy, illustrated by way of indication, but not of limitation, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an electric power distribution network according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the wiring of the components of a module for the generation and distribution of electrical energy according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a further version of an electric power distribution network according to the present invention.

FORMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached figures, a network for the distribution of electrical energy according to the present invention is indicated as a whole with 1.

The distribution network 1 comprises a plurality of modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy wired together, through a wiring 3, to define the distribution network 1. With reference to the version illustrated in Figure 1, by way of example but not limiting, the distribution network 1 includes six modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity suitable for powering the users of the same number of buildings 4.

However, as can be easily understood, a distribution network 1 according to the present invention can comprise a greater or lesser number of modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy than that illustrated in Figure 1, without thereby departing from the scope protection of the present invention.

The number of modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity varies according to the number of users / buildings 4 that are intended to be powered through the distribution network 1. Each module 2 is preferably designed to supply electricity to a building 4.

However, as better described hereinafter, through the distribution network 1 a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy can possibly also supply electrical energy to a building 4 different from the one with which it is associated.

Hereinafter, the term "user" means one or more electrically powered devices.

The implementation of a distribution network 1 according to the present invention is particularly advantageous in isolated locations and / or sparsely populated or difficult to reach from a traditional distribution network.

In isolated locations such as, for example, offshore islands or mountainous locations, located far from industrialized inhabited centers, it is possible to guarantee an effective generation and distribution of electricity through the modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity connected to each other. through the distribution network 1.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the distribution network 1 can be implemented, in series, to support a pre-existing unstable distribution network, i.e. not capable of guaranteeing a continuous and / or constant supply of electricity.

Still, according to a further version of the present invention, the distribution network 1 can be implemented to support a pre-existing distribution network, in order to allow a user to be able to use an amount of electricity greater than that supplied by the pre-existing network.

As schematically illustrated in the attached figures, the distribution network 1 comprises at least one electric power generator 5 powered by a renewable energy source. By way of non-limiting example, the electricity generator 5 can be of the type belonging to the group of wind-driven generators, for example a wind turbine or similar, of the photo-voltaic type, with geothermal drive, with hydroelectric drive, for example for example a mechanical turbine of the Pelton or Francis or Kaplan type or similar.

At least one energy generator 5 is connected to each electric power generation / distribution module 2.

According to a version of the present invention, at least two energy generators 5 are connected to each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy.

1 energy generators 5 connected to each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy can be of the same type, i.e. driven by the same energy vector (kinetic energy of the wind or water, thermal energy, solar energy, etc. .) or of a different type without any limitation.

By way of example, a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy could comprise a wind generator 5 and a photovoltaic generator 5, each wired independently to the module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity itself.

In a further version of the present invention, a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy could comprise two or more wind generators 5, or two or more photovoltaic generators 5, etc.

In particular, it can be observed that the possibility of connecting more than one generator 5 to each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy guarantees a high modularity to the distribution network 1 according to the present invention.

In particular, this modularity is not limited to the possibility of connecting different types of generators 5 to each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy.

In fact, generators 5 of different power can be connected to each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy.

In this way, it is possible to modulate the power generated by each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy as a function of the power required of the users fed through the distribution network 1.

Each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy comprises first connection means 6 and second connection means 7.

In particular, the first connection means 6 are provided for connecting the at least one generator 5 at the input of each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy. The second connection means 7, on the other hand, allow the connection of each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy to the wiring 3, in order to distribute the electrical energy produced through the generators 5 to the individual users.

The module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy can comprise an inverter 8, in order to modify the electrical energy produced by the individual generators 5 according to the specific needs of use of the end users.

The operation of an inverter 8 is assumed to be known and will therefore not be further described.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the distribution network 1 comprises at least one storage device 9, suitable for storing the electrical energy produced by the at least one energy generator 5 of a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy and subsequently transfer it to the distribution network 1 as needed.

The at least one storage device 9 allows to store the electrical energy produced by the at least one energy generator 5 and not used by the users, and to make it available at a later time.

According to a version of the present invention, the at least one storage device 9 can be connected directly to a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy. According to a further version of the present invention, each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy can be connected to at least one storage device 9. Therefore, the number of modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy and the number of the accumulation devices 9 can be the same or different, without any limitation.

According to a version of the present invention, the at least one storage device 9 comprises one or more batteries or similar storage devices. According to a further version of the present invention, not shown in the figures, the at least one storage device 9 comprises at least one hydraulic pump suitable for pumping water into a high-altitude basin from which it is possible to subsequently obtain, by means of devices known in the field, hydroelectric energy.

According to a further version of the present invention, the at least one accumulation device 9 can comprise means for storing compressed air, not shown in the figures.

If the users to which a specific module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity is connected are not in operation or the energy produced by the generators 5 is greater than the quantity required by the users, the generators 5 can be kept operational until the storage device 9 is not fully charged.

At this point, it is then possible to deactivate the operation of the at least one generator 5, to preserve its integrity, with particular reference to generators comprising mechanical moving parts, subsequently reactivating it in case of need.

Each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy can then comprise a communication interface 10 capable of displaying, to a user, messages on the status and / or operation of a specific module. According to a version of the present invention, the interface communication device 10 may include a display, not shown in the figures, through which the operating status of the module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity and / or alarm messages or for the maintenance of the module 2 itself or its components can be viewed .

According to a further version of the present invention, the communication interface 10 can comprise means for the emission of radio signals, not shown in the figures, suitable for sending a wi-fi signal or according to the Bluetooth data transmission protocol, to a device mobile 15, such as for example a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook or a similar device or to a remote device according to methods known in the field.

Module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity includes a management unit 11.

The management unit 11 is able to control and manage the operation of the individual generators 5 wired to module 2 according to the power demand of the users wired to the distribution network 1.

In practice, the management unit 11 compares the quantity of electricity produced by the individual generators 5 connected to the module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity and the quantity of electricity required by the users connected to the module 2 itself.

In the event that the quantity of electricity produced is greater than that required, the management unit 11 sends the excess quantity to at least an accumulation device 9.

If the generators 5 connected to a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity are not able to produce sufficient electricity to meet the demand of the users connected to the module 2 itself, this electricity can be drawn from at least one device accumulation 9.

In order to avoid the exhaustion of the electrical energy stored inside the at least one storage device 9, it is possible to recharge the at least one storage device 9 itself by the generators 5 of a second module 2 connected to the network. distribution 1.

Therefore, through the distribution network 1 and the modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity implemented in it, it is possible to distribute and guarantee the supply of electricity to all users wired to the distribution network 1 itself.

In fact, if the at least one generator 5 of a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity is unable to supply the electricity required to the users connected to this module 2, it will be possible to withdraw from the distribution network 1 the energy produced by other modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity.

Therefore, each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity wired to the distribution network 1 can be considered as an electricity production node and, possibly, if it is unable to generate electricity, as a electricity consumption.

The management unit 11 of each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity can activate / deactivate the operation of the individual generators 5 connected to module 2 itself, according to the electricity demand of the users wired in the distribution network 1 .

In this way, it is possible to optimize the operation of the generators 5 themselves.

In particular, since each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electric energy can comprise more than one generator 5, the use of the latter can be optimized by providing for their operation at an optimal working rate. With reference to electric power generators of the type comprising mechanical moving parts, for example comprising a shaft set in rotation, the optimum working speed substantially corresponds to the rotation speed for which approximately 70% -80% of the production of energy compared to the maximum power that can be supplied by the energy generator itself.

This working regime is lower than the maximum production regime. Therefore, the generator 5, if it comprises mechanical moving parts, is subject to less wear, thus requiring less maintenance and allowing a longer duration of the same over time.

Each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy can comprise a suitable filter 12, of a type known in the field, between the individual generators 5 and the module 2 itself, adapted to modulate the energy produced by the individual generators 5.

Through the management unit 11 of each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy it is possible to guarantee a constant electrical power supply, free of voltage fluctuations, to the users connected to the distribution network 1. According to a version of the present invention , illustrated in Figure 2, the distribution network 1 comprises at least one additional generator 13, powered by non-renewable energy sources, connected to at least one module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy.

The additional generator 13 can be, by way of non-limiting example, a generator, a hydrogen generator (fuel cell), a solid oxide cell (soft cell) or similar devices.

The additional generator 13 can make up for the momentary inability of one or more modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy to function correctly or to supply the quantity of electrical energy required by the users.

If, for example, maintenance work has to be carried out, by disconnecting a module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity from the distribution network 1, it will still be possible to guarantee the electricity supply of the users served by this module 2 through the additional generator. 13 connected to it.

Furthermore, one or more additional generators 13 will be able to make up for the momentary lack of electricity production due to a malfunction of the generators 5 present in the distribution network 1 or, again, if the storage devices of the modules 2 for the generation and distribution of energy are close to exhaustion.

Figure 3 illustrates, with the number 100, a further embodiment of an energy distribution network according to the present invention.

In the following, the same numbering will be used to indicate the components corresponding to those of the previous embodiment.

The distribution network 100 differs from the previous embodiment by the presence of a central unit 14 for the supply of electrical energy.

The central unit 14, similarly to what has been described above with reference to the individual housing units 4, comprises a module 2 'for the generation and distribution of electrical energy to which at least one generator 5' of electrical energy is connected.

The operation of the present embodiment is the same as that described above.

In particular, the installation of the distribution network 100 is preferable in places where decentralized installation of the central unit 14 is possible.

Since the latter must completely or partially meet the demand for electrical energy of all the users wired to the distribution network 100, the at least one generator 5 'connected to it is characterized by a power and, consequently, by larger dimensions than those of the generators 5 associated with the modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity. Thanks to the presence of the central unit 14 it is possible to provide for the installation of generators 5 of lower power or at least, of lower energy storage, with respect to those of the previous embodiment, since the greater energy input to the individual modules 2 for generation and the distribution of electricity is provided by the central unit 14.

In a further version of the present invention the central unit 14 can comprise an additional generator 13 'to supplement the electrical energy supplied by the at least one generator 5'.

The central unit 14 therefore acts as a central node for supplying electricity to which all the modules 2 of the distribution network 100 are connected.

The modularity of the distribution network 1, 100 according to the present invention allows its effective implementation in environments not easily reachable from the traditional electrical distribution network.

Furthermore, since each module 2 comprises several electric power generators 5, it is possible to modulate, according to the energy requirements of the users connected to the distribution network 1, 100, the electricity produced thus avoiding excessive stress on the generators themselves.

The electricity that is produced in excess of what is required by the users of the distribution network 1, 100, can be stored in special storage devices 9 in order to make it usable later, for example if the generators 5 are not able to meet the energy demands of individual users.

Each module 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity, in fact, can produce electricity for the users connected to it, or for the users of other modules 2 for the generation and distribution of electricity, thus ensuring correct operation. of all users wired to the distribution network 1, 100.

Furthermore, the distribution network 1, 100 according to the present invention can act as a support to a pre-existing distribution network, supplementing the electricity produced and distributed by the latter, as better described below.

In particular, it can be observed that the connection between the distribution network 1, 100 and a pre-existing distribution network takes place by connecting the terminals of the pre-existing network, which are normally wired to a power supply cabin or to a meter of a building. 4, to the first connection means 6 of the at least one module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy. In fact, therefore, the electrical energy distributed by a pre-existing distribution network is fed into the at least one module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy.

As previously described, the management unit 11 of the at least one module 2 for the generation and distribution of electrical energy compares the electrical energy entering the module 2 itself with the quantity of electrical energy required by the users connected to it.

In the event that the pre-existing distribution network, wired with the distribution network 1, 100, is unable to supply the quantity of electricity required, due to an interruption in the supply of electricity, or supplies electricity in a manner unstable, i.e. with a significant variation of the voltage (voltage fluctuations), the management unit II ensures in any case to the user connected to the at least one module 2 a constant and stable supply of electrical energy, generated through the at least one generator 5 and / or at least one additional generator 13.

According to a further version of the present invention, the distribution network 1, 100 can be implemented to support a pre-existing distribution network, to allow a user to exploit a greater quantity of electricity than that supplied, in fact, by the pre-existing distribution network. The cabling between the distribution network 1, 100 and a pre-existing distribution network takes place in the same way as described above.

In this case, if the utilities connected to the at least one module 2 require a quantity of electricity greater than that normally available from the pre-existing distribution network, the management unit 11 of the at least one module 2 for the management and electricity distribution will provide the aforementioned quantity of energy required by taking it from the at least one generator 5 and / or from the storage device 9 and / or, if present, from other modules 2 of the distribution network 1, 100.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements without thereby abandoning the scope of the protection of the following claims.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS 1. Network for the distribution (1, 100) of electrical energy comprising at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electrical energy connected to said distribution network (1, 100) by means of a wiring (3), called at least a module (2) for the generation and distribution of electrical energy being connected to respective users, which can be electrically powered, characterized in that at least one of said at least one module (2) comprises at least one current generator (5) powered by power sources renewable energy. 2. Electricity distribution network (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electric energy comprises at least two current generators (5) which can be powered by the same source of renewable energy or through different renewable energy sources. Electricity distribution network (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electric energy comprises first connection means (6) of said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electrical energy to said at least one generator (5), and second connection means (7) of said module (2) for the generation and distribution of electrical energy to said distribution network (1, 100). Electric power distribution network (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one additional generator (13) connected to at least one of said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electric power. Electric power distribution network (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electric power comprises a unit (11) for managing the operation of the at least a generator (5) connected to said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electrical energy. Electric power distribution network (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one storage device (9) of said electric energy generated by said generators (5). Electric power distribution network (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electric energy comprises a communication interface (10) for displaying the operating state of said at least one module (2) for the generation and distribution of electrical energy. Electric power distribution network (100) according to claim 1, comprising a central unit (14) for the production of electricity to be supplied to each of said modules (2) wired to said distribution network (100). Electric power distribution network (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said central unit (14) comprises at least one electric current generator (5 ') powered by a renewable energy source. Electricity distribution network (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said central unit (14) comprises at least one additional generator (13 ') powered by a non-renewable energy source. Electric power distribution network (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can be implemented, in series, to support a pre-existing electricity distribution network.