LU500836B1 - Buoyancy utilization device and capillary suction vaporization device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a buoyancy utilization device for converting kinetic buoyancy energy and/or potential energy into electrical and/or mechanical energy and a capillary suction evaporation device for converting potential energy into electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the device according to the invention. The invention uses the cyclic buoyancy and fall of a buoyant body within a fluid to provide electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention uses capillary ascension and sunlight to impart higher potential energy to a fluid, which is converted to electrical energy.

Description

Buoyancy utilization device and capillary suction vaporization device

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention relates to a device for converting kinetic buoyancy energy and/or potential energy into electrical and/or mechanical energy

Protection claim 1 or 30. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the device according to the invention and its use for converting kinetic

Lift energy or potential energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy.

STATE OF THE ART

A variety of devices is known from the prior art, which

Buoyancy energy should make at least one mostly hollow buoyancy body usable. Such a device is also known as a buoyancy power plant.

Thus, DE000008510493U1 discloses a device in which spherical

Move the buoyancy body alternately from a water-filled container to an air-filled container. The spherical buoyancy bodies are connected to one another via a chain. The movement drives wheels, which with a

generator are connected. The disadvantage of this is that losses inevitably occur because the

Sealing elements cannot prevent the water from escaping.

A similar principle is disclosed in DE000002557746A1. Here buoyant bodies are arranged on a conveyor belt, which drives a generator via wheels. So that

Buoyant body against the hydrostatic pressure can enter the water-filled container, the device includes a pump system, which water from a

Water collection tank with increased pressure pumps into a pressurized water chamber. The disadvantage of this is that the pump system consumes energy, which increases the efficiency of the

Device minimized.

DE102016010718A1, DE000009300674U1, DE202010011168U1, DE102016009649A1,

DE102009037452A1, DE000004029150A1, DE000002622693A1, DE000002606160A1 describe further devices that are similar to one another and follow the same principle of action. What all these devices have in common is that the buoyancy bodies either have a

Element (chain, cord, etc.) are mechanically coupled to each other. This means that the frictional/inertial forces of the connecting element (chain, rope,

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

conveyor belt, etc.) buoyancy bodies stored further back to LU500836 stored further forwards

transfer buoyancy bodies and thus reduce the efficiency.

Devices are also known in which the buoyancy bodies are not mechanically coupled to one another. DE102010015667A1, DE102013009842A1,

DE102011003099A1, DE102010051596A1 Devices in which the buoyancy bodies are guided within a pipe or chamber system. The disadvantage here, however, is that the buoyancy bodies, due to the lack of mechanical coupling, can be individually connected by a

Lock system must be performed, which in turn reduces the efficiency.

Fonts are also known from the prior art, which use a

Propose capillary ascension for the production of electrical energy. For example, ATO00000520053A1 and JP0000S5813172A each describe a system of cascaded basins and capillary tube elements in which a liquid is to be conveyed from a lower basin to a higher basin by means of capillary ascension. However, both systems have the disadvantage that the capillary flow in the upper basin is interrupted and thus drains away.

DE000010257375A1 describes a system which also uses capillary forces, but the element comprising the capillaries is heated in order to evaporate the water contained in the capillaries. Furthermore, the water is already before entering the

capillaries heated. The disadvantage of the system is that gas formation occurs within the capillaries, which in turn causes the capillary flow to break off. It is also not described how the energy required for heating and vaporization is provided.

TASK

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a buoyancy force utilization device for the utilization of buoyancy energy, which is based on a mechanical coupling of the buoyancy bodies and at the same time on a lock system with movable mechanical

Elements (e.g. flaps, doors) are omitted. The device should have a higher

Have efficiency than the buoyancy power plants known from the prior art.

Furthermore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a capillary suction evaporation device which can be operated with sunlight.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

SOLUTION LU500836

The task is performed with a buoyancy utilization device with the features of

Claim 1 and a capillary suction evaporation device with the features of

Claim 30 fulfilled. Further advantageous configurations are the dependent claims

Refer to the description and the examples.

GENERAL ADVANTAGES

Since the buoyancy bodies according to the invention are not mechanically coupled to one another, occurring frictional/inertial forces of downstream connecting elements and downstream buoyancy bodies cannot be applied to upstream connecting elements and

Buoyancy are transferred, whereby the efficiency is increased.

Furthermore, due to the lock system according to the invention, there are no connecting ones

elements necessary. As a result, fewer components are required overall, what with a

weight savings and less wear.

The capillary suction evaporation device allows for the use of solar energy, and the system disclosed herein advantageously allows the capillary flow to remain uninterrupted.

Further advantages can be found in the description and the exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a buoyancy utilization device with which kinetic

Buoyancy energy and potential energy is to be harnessed.

In general, energy is understood as the ability to do work, give off heat or emit light. Energy is required if something is to be set in motion, accelerated, lifted, heated or illuminated. The mechanical

Work (W) is the product of force (F) and the distance covered (s) by the body doing the work.

According to the invention, kinetic buoyancy energy is understood to mean the ability to perform mechanical work using the static buoyant force of a body. Static buoyancy is a force opposing gravity on a person

Bodies in liquids or gases. The static buoyancy is caused by the displacement of the surrounding medium. The cause of the buoyancy is that the hydrostatic pressure depends on the height of the location under consideration. On the underside of

The pressure on the body is higher than on the upper side. The static buoyancy corresponds

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application of the weight of the corresponding deformation of the fluid. This relationship is known as the LU500836 Archimedean principle. A buoyant force (Fa) acts on a body immersed in a fluid with a density (p). This is calculated as the product of the volume (V) of the fluid displaced by the body, its density (p) and the

Acceleration due to gravity (g). The weight (Fc) of the displaced fluid and the

Lifting force (Fa) can therefore be calculated with Fac = g * p * V. From this formula it follows that the buoyancy force is greater, the denser the fluid and the greater the volume of the water

body displaced volume is. However, the weight of the body opposes the buoyant force, so for the greatest possible buoyancy, a substantially hollow

Body is preferred so that the body has a lower average density than the fluid.

Potential energy or potential energy enables work to be done in the direction of the

acceleration due to gravity. In the earth's gravitational field, the potential energy is the energy that a body has due to its altitude. If a body falls from a height of 20 meters, it can do twice as much work as if it falls from a height of 10

meters falls. During the fall, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy or other forms of energy and decreases. In hydroelectric power plants, the potential energy of the water in a reservoir can be converted into electrical energy.

According to the invention, the potential energy and/or the kinetic buoyancy energy of a body can be converted into electrical energy and/or into mechanical energy. For example, the buoyancy or falling of the

The buoyancy body can be used to connect another via a mechanical coupling

For example, to set the body in motion. Accordingly, the device according to the invention comprises a converter capable of converting the kinetic

To convert buoyancy energy into a mechanical and / or electrical energy. The

Converter can be designed as a generator to provide electrical energy. To the

Different embodiments of the coupling of mechanical elements to generators are known to those skilled in the art.

According to the invention, a body comprises at least one buoyancy body, which in a

Fluid is movable. A fluid can be a liquid (e.g. water, oil) or a gas (e.g.

air, hydrogen, helium).

The device according to the invention comprises at least a first space which is filled with a first medium, the first medium comprising a fluid, and at least a second space which is filled with a second medium, the second

Medium includes a fluid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

Medium has a higher mean density than the second medium and the second medium LU500836 has a lower mean density than the buoyancy body.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, both spaces include a peripheral

Guide. This is understood to mean a limitation that limits the movement of the

buoyancy in two out of three dimensions. The is particularly preferred

Movement of the buoyancy body as well as its lateral expansion along the

Endless rail system limited by an endless rail system.

In essence, the buoyant body is buoyant away from the center of the earth and through

Traps move towards the center of the earth. To change the upward

To allow movement in a downward direction, i.e. towards the center of the earth, and vice versa, at least two reversal points are necessary, the

Invention includes a top dead center and a bottom dead center.

According to the invention, there is a change from an upward movement of the

Buoyancy body in a downward movement of the buoyancy body at the top

turning point. The change from a downward movement to an upward movement of the buoyancy body takes place at the bottom reversal point.

The orientation of the device can be described within a Cartesian coordinate system. The negative z-axis points to the center of the earth, the positive z-axis away from it. The designations "below" or "below" and "above" or "above" refer to the spatial position of an object within the Cartesian system

Coordinate system where a lower position is closer to the center of the earth than an upper position.

The circumferential guide runs through the first and second rooms and includes a

Endless rail system, which is designed in such a way that at least one buoyancy body can be guided in it. The endless rail system can be designed in such a way that at least two guide rails aligned parallel to one another extend parallel to the z-axis through the first and the second space. At the transition from the first to the second

Room, as well as from the second to the first room, a curvature of the guide rails is required, which is why the guide rails do not run parallel to the z-axis in this area. The curvature of the guide rails must be designed such that a

Buoyant body can be performed with as little friction as possible in it. The advantage of using an endless rail system is that a buoyancy body can be moved continuously through it. In addition, the endless rail system is wear-free because no moving parts are involved.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

In order to achieve the least possible friction of a buoyancy body within the LU500836

To allow endless rail system, this can include friction-reducing elements. For example, a friction-reducing element can be made of a low-friction plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The friction-reducing element contacts the guide rail and advantageously allows the buoyancy body to slide through the endless rail system with little friction. Furthermore, the endless rail system can also include wheel or roller elements that the

Space hollow bodies to the endless rail system and reduce friction.

The first and the second room can be separated by at least one further third room (also:

Transition area) be separated from each other, with the third room

Lock system includes. The lock system is preferably arranged at the lower reversal point. In one embodiment of the invention, the opening of the lock system is designed to fit the smallest lateral cross section of the buoyant body.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the lock system comprises at least one

Sealing element, which can be designed, for example, as a lip seal.

According to the invention, the sealing element is designed to fit the smallest lateral cross-section of the buoyancy body with a precise fit, so that it can be guided through it with a precise fit. In the case of a cylindrical configuration of the buoyant body, the smallest lateral cross-section results perpendicularly to the lateral surface of the cylinder. With a spherical

Configuration of the buoyancy body corresponds to the smallest lateral cross-section of the largest

Diameter (or the great circle) of the spherical configuration.

Several sealing elements can also be connected in series. A person skilled in the art will select the number of sealing elements, their dimensions and their material in such a way that the buoyancy bodies can move through them with little friction.

According to the invention, the endless rail system is interrupted in the physical sense by at least one sealing element. However, since also between the sealing elements

Guide rails are arranged and a continuous movement of the buoyancy body takes place through them, the endless rail system should continue to be referred to as such, although the term "discontinuous rail system" would be more appropriate.

In contrast to the systems described in the prior art, this

Lock system has a permanent opening, which means that the first and second room is not separated by a lock system with gates or flaps. A permanent opening and the omission of a lock system with moving mechanical parts advantageously allows low-wear operation

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application Device according to the invention. In addition, no energy needs to be expended to power the LU500836

lock to open or close.

So that the buoyant body can rise within a fluid, its mean specific density must be lower than that of the fluid surrounding the buoyant body. The

The buoyant body is preferably designed as a hollow body, the material of the

Hollow body a metal (e.g. aluminum, stainless steel), preferably a thermoplastic

Plastic such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),

polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a glass, an organic material (e.g. wood), or a semi-synthetic plastic. Furthermore, the material of the hollow body can also include glass fiber reinforced plastics (GRP).

In one embodiment, the mean density of the buoyancy body and thus its

Buoyancy depending on a temperature change. For this, the buoyant body comprises a temperature-variable medium and/or a technical element whose spatial

Expansion is dependent on a temperature change. Due to the variability of the spatial expansion, the volume, the mean density and thus the buoyancy of the

Buoyancy are influenced. According to the invention, a temperature change is understood to mean a reduction in temperature and preferably an increase in temperature.

The interior of the hollow body can comprise a gas and/or a polymer as a temperature-variable medium, the expansion of which influences the average density of the hollow body. In this way, a gas can be used which, depending on the temperature of the

Fluids changed its expansion. The hollow body can be designed to be at least partially flexible, so that the expansion of the gas increases the volume of the

Buoyancy body and thus causes increased buoyancy.

It is also conceivable that the interior of the hollow body comprises a thermoresponsive polymer as a technical element, which is dependent on the temperature of the fluid

volume changes. Shape memory polymers are also conceivable to increase the volume of the

to influence the buoyancy body. For example, shape memory polymers (e.g.

Polylactic acid) known, which take their original form under the influence of temperature. A buoyant body could for example be designed so that in its

Interior a spring element or a pneumatic element is arranged, which is arranged between two opposite walls and this as well as a

Shape memory polymer element pushes apart to increase the volume of the buoyancy body. A shape memory polymer element, which contracts under the action of temperature, may be arranged longitudinally parallel to the spring and counteract the outward force of the spring to fill the volume of the buoyancy body

THUL-0001-P-DELU 11/08/2021 Luxembourg patent application and thus to reduce the specific lift. Alternatively, the interior of the LU500836

The hollow body can be designed with a foamed shape memory polymer in order to change the mean density of the buoyancy body as a function of temperature.

In an alternative embodiment, the buoyancy body comprises at least one element made of a shape memory metal. The material of a shape memory metal includes, for example, nitinol. A shape memory metal can be formed, for example, as a spiral and with a spring element as described above or pneumatic

element can be arranged in an operatively connected manner within the buoyancy body, so that the

spiral made of the shape-memory metal contracts when the buoyant body heats up, counteracting the force of the spring element or pneumatic element and consequently reducing the volume of the buoyant body. Advantageously, the use of a shape memory metal results in a wear-resistant use of the

lifting body.

There are also conceivable embodiments in which at least one element from a

Shape memory metal and at least one element are combined from a shape memory polymer.

In another embodiment, a polymer network spans from a

shape memory polymer the buoyancy body. The buoyant body can contain a gas which fills the walls of the buoyant body dependently or independently of the

pushes the temperature outwards. The polymer network can contract with an increase in temperature and reduce the volume of the buoyancy body and thus its average density. In order to delimit the polymer network from the surrounding fluid, it can be sealed with a further—and flexible—layer or delimited from the surrounding fluid by a shell. This has the advantage that the polymer network can be heated or cooled more quickly.

Shape-memory polymers that change their shape as a function of light also come into consideration. Thus, light-dependent polymers are known from the prior art

Light irradiation are ionized, creating an internal osmotic pressure that is a

Causes swelling of the polymer. As soon as the light is removed, the gel collapses.

Particularly in an embodiment that uses a light-dependent polymer, it is advantageous if the buoyant body comprises glass or another transparent material, so that the light can penetrate through the outer wall of the buoyant body to reach the light-dependent polymer located behind it.

Combinations of all the embodiments described above are also conceivable. In one embodiment, for example, the outer polymer network can have an inner

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application of the spring element located in the buoyancy body, and/or a LU500836

Shape memory metal element and / or a shape memory polymer element are combined. In further embodiments, shape memory polymers, which expand with increasing temperature, can be used.

In order to enable a temperature-dependent change in the volume of the buoyancy body, it is necessary for the buoyancy body in the first space to be in another

Temperature exposed than in the second room. Depending on the materials used for the buoyant body, in particular the shape-memory metals or shape-memory polymers, the person skilled in the art can determine the necessary temperature difference and provide this, for example, by means of a heat exchanger or heating element. In this respect, the

VVwärmeenergie provided are converted into buoyancy energy and consequently into mechanical and/or electrical energy.

As for the function of the shape memory polymer described above or

Shape memory metal also small temperature differences of the first and second

Space are sufficient, the buoyancy utilization device with low

Thermal energy entries are operated. This has the advantage that

Temperature changes of processes that have only a low heat emission, can be harnessed. For example, it is conceivable that, for example, the

Waste heat from a biological process (e.g. fermentation in a biogas plant) is conducted into at least the first and/or second room in order to bring about a temperature change therein. Biogas plants are often used in the mesophilic (20-45°C) or thermophilic (>50°C)

area operated. Alternatively, the waste heat from a combustion process can operate the device according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, the buoyant body comprises at least one profile which is designed to engage in the guide rails in order to stabilize the buoyant body. The profiling can reduce friction as described above

include item.

The shape of the buoyancy body can be essentially cylindrical, elliptical, conical, spherical, pyriform and/or streamlined, with

Combinations of these are conceivable. Since the buoyancy body moves in at least a first and/or second space in a fluid whose average density is greater than that of the

Buoyancy body, a streamlined shape of the buoyancy body is preferred. Furthermore, a higher hydrostatic pressure acts on the underside of a buoyancy body than on its upper side, which is the reason for its buoyancy. In this respect, an essentially conical shape of the buoyancy body is preferred. The exact shape, as well as the size of the

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

Depending on the fluids used and LU500836

materials are chosen.

In one embodiment, the movement of the buoyancy body, in particular in the second

Space influenced by gravity. This is to be understood in such a way that the

Lifting bodies in the first space in a fluid located therein are moved upwards by buoyancy against the force of gravity. After the buoyancy body a

Has passed the reversal point, he enters the second room, in which the fluid has a lower average density than that of the buoyant body. In the second space, the buoyant body can follow the force of gravity (also: fall) and do work on the distance covered by converting the potential energy, as described above, into electrical or mechanical energy by a converter.

In a further embodiment, a buoyant body comprises at least one magnetic one

Element, wherein at least one coil is arranged around this along the endless rail system. During the buoyancy as well as the fall, the buoyant body thus moves through the coil and can induce an electric current in it, which can be picked up.

The temperature change brought about by a heat exchanger or a heating element takes place as far as possible in the immediate vicinity of the lower or upper reversal point and/or in the immediate vicinity of the buoyant body, the positioning and the

Removal of the heat exchanger or the heating element to the buoyancy body from

specialist can be determined. The positioning and the distance should be chosen in such a way that the most efficient possible temperature change of the buoyancy body is induced and at the same time it is ensured that a temperature change in the first or second room does not or only slightly causes a temperature change in the second or first

Room effects, depending on which of the rooms the heat exchanger is located in.

It goes without saying that the first and/or second space must comprise insulating elements in order to limit the temperature change to a certain range.

In order to induce a temperature change in the first or second space comprises a

Embodiment of the invention, a heat exchanger comprising a primary and a

Secondary circuit, both circuits are not fluidly connected to each other. The

Heat exchanger can be arranged within the first space, wherein the

Secondary circuit includes the medium of the first space, while the primary circuit of the heat exchanger leads a third medium / fluid, which the waste heat of a heat-generating biological process (e.g. fermentation), and / or a physical

process (e.g. solar thermal energy) and/or a chemical process (e.g. combustion)

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application leads. In an alternative embodiment, the heat exchanger can also be arranged in the second room LU500836. It is also conceivable that the heat exchanger has a

Temperature reduction in the first and / or second space induced by its

Primary circuit carries a fluid which is colder than the buoyancy body.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and the second medium have the same chemical structure. For example, the first and second spaces can contain water or oil. The buoyancy body can move through both rooms, with the

Transition areas are fluidly connected to the first and second space. A lock system can be arranged between the first and the second room, which one

Heat diffusion from the first to the second room is prevented or made more difficult. Advantageously, this results in the fact that the buoyancy body only has a maximum in the designated space

Temperature change is subjected to the volume and thus the buoyancy of the

to influence the buoyancy body. In an alternative embodiment, a

lock system are dispensed with.

In a further embodiment, the primary circuit, i.e. the third medium, des

Heat exchanger, the waste heat from a solar panel or other waste heat-producing process described above, the temperature of the third

Medium is changeable.

The invention further relates to a capillary suction evaporation device for using the

Capillary ascension for the provision of potential energy of a fluid and the

Conversion of potential energy into electrical energy.

Capillary ascension occurs with liquids that wet the material of a capillary vessel (also: capillary). For example, water rises in a glass tube and forms a concave surface (meniscus). This behavior is due to the force of adhesion between two substances. Capillary ascension can be used to

To transport fluid to a higher position (related to the distance from the center of the earth), the fluid receives a higher potential energy, which is necessary for the

Conversion into electrical energy can be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a capillary bundle, which preferably comprises more than one capillary, particularly preferably more than 50 and very particularly preferably more than 100 capillaries. Here, the expert can the diameter of

Determine capillaries. A smaller inner diameter of the capillaries results in an increased capillary rise of the fluid.

The fluid comprises a liquid which can be vaporized with an input of energy. In one embodiment, a fluid includes a polar compound (e.g., water).

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

This results in the advantage that the height of rise of the fluid is increased, since polar LU500836

Liquids show increased adhesion to the capillary walls.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid ascends through a capillary or a

Capillary bundles from a lower container against the direction of gravity into an upper container. Both containers are therefore fluidly connected to one another. Within the upper container, the fluid can be converted into a gas phase. It should be noted that instead of water, another fluid can be selected that has a lower

boiling point than water. Advantageous results from the fact that a lower

Heat energy input is necessary to evaporate the fluid around this in the

to convert gas phase.

The upper vessel is designed in such a way that the fluid in its gas phase is held therein and condenses therein. Depending on the nature of the nucleation process, two basic types of condensation can be distinguished. In any case, the condition is that the gas phase is supersaturated with respect to the condensing component. If individual gas particles unite when they meet within the gas, this is referred to as a homogeneous condensation. For this it is necessary that sufficiently slow particles come together to form larger structures without the involvement of interfaces. In contrast, only very low levels of supersaturation are required for heterogeneous condensation. This form of condensation occurs on existing ones

Surfaces, that is, as a rule, on solid particles suspended in the gas phase

condensation nuclei or aerosol particles. In relation to the respective gas, these act as a kind of particle trap, whereby essentially the radius and the chemical

Properties of the particle determine how well the gas particles stick to it.

This also applies analogously to surfaces of non-particulate bodies, where one then speaks of a

fitting speaks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the upper container therefore comprises at least one

Condensation element which, in the simplest case, is the wall of the upper container which makes contact with the gas phase of the fluid. In a further embodiment, the wall is provided or coated in whole or in part with a structure which advantageously allows improved condensation of the gaseous fluid.

After the condensation has taken place, the fluid can flow back out of the upper container into the lower one

Get container, this process occurs due to gravity and therefore as

Falling can be designated. During the fall, the potential energy can be

Converter are converted into electrical energy.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

In one embodiment, the converter comprises at least one, preferably more than one LU500836 triboelectric element. Triboelectric elements use the physical effect that the movement of a fluid on a surface causes an electrostatic charge. A triboelectric element comprises, for example, a layer of

Semiconductor indium tin oxide (ITO) to which the electrically insulating polymer

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is applied. PTFE is a so-called electret that can store electrical charges or accumulate them, for example, through friction. A small piece of aluminum connects both layers and serves as an electrode. Occurs now

Drop of water on the PTFE layer, it spreads on the water-repellent PTFE

surface and generates an electric current there through electrochemical interactions

Charge, with the increasing number of impinging water drops, the charge of the

surface increases. The electrical charge can then be used for generating electrical

electricity are used.

In a further embodiment, the fluid comprises a deionized liquid (e.g. salt-free water) in order to advantageously improve the generation of an electric current by means of the triboelectric element, since the efficiency of the triboelectric element can be adversely affected by salts contained in the fluid.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper capillary end, which is arranged in the upper container, is designed as a flat element (also: artificial leaf), this being designed in such a way that the interior of the upper container is fluidly connected to the capillary interior through gap openings. This can be caused by fine holes, for example. This has the consequence that the fluid through the stomata from the

Capillary can get into the upper container. The design of the stomata is arbitrary. Elongated recesses arranged within the planar element, for example, or also round or rectangular holes are conceivable. The size of the holes or the recesses can be chosen variably. For example, the

diameter of a stomata between 5 µm and 2 cm. The diameter depends on the design and the spatial orientation of the flat element. If this is oriented vertically, for example, gap openings of <100 μm are advantageous in order to achieve a sufficiently high surface tension of the fluid so that it does not already pass through the gap openings due to gravity. However, this also depends on the material used. The person skilled in the art will decide how to design the flat element and the gap openings in order to achieve the described

to achieve effect.

In one configuration, the planar element comprises a heat-absorbing and/or light-absorbing coating and/or consists of a heat-absorbing

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application and/or light-absorbing material. This has the advantage that light incident on the LU500836 coating or the material, for example sunlight, is converted as efficiently as possible into heat energy, which causes the fluid to evaporate on the surface of the planar element.

The upper container is designed to be fluid-tight, so that the fluid in the gaseous or liquid state preferably does not escape. However, the upper container includes at least one opening which allows a controlled escape of the fluid from the upper

container allowed. The upper container may further comprise a headspace whose

Content is not fluidly connected to the gaseous fluid. In one embodiment, the

Gas space filled with a lifting gas (e.g. an inert gas such as helium), which the upper

Container allows increased buoyancy within the atmosphere.

It goes without saying that the wall of the upper container and/or the

Gas space is made of a transparent material for the electromagnetic spectrum.

A capillary or capillary bundle can comprise an inflexible element, which means that it cannot be bent or can only be bent to a very limited extent. In an alternative

In one embodiment, a capillary or capillary bundle comprises a flexible element (e.g. a textile). In a preferred embodiment, the material of the capillary comprises a

Plastic, whereby the person skilled in the art can choose from various plastics that are suitable for the production of capillaries with the highest possible rise heights of the fluid. The

The inner diameter of a capillary can be freely selected by a person skilled in the art. However, preference is given to an inner diameter which allows the highest possible capillary ascension of the fluid.

A flexible capillary, or flexible capillary bundle, enables the device to advantageously have increased mechanical stability. Furthermore, the associated flexibility can be used to provide additional electrical energy.

In one embodiment, at least one capillary or capillary bundle is arranged in a flexible, enveloping channel which connects the upper container to the lower

Connects container and allows a return of the condensed fluid from the upper into the lower container. The flexible channel may include triboelectric elements.

Furthermore, the flexible channel or a capillary at least one piezoelectric

include item. For example, a piezoelectric element can include a flexible fiber arranged parallel to the flexible channel. The fiber can

plastic and a metal compound (e.g. polyimide and zinc oxide). A stretching of the flexible fiber generates an electric current. So it is conceivable that the upper

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

Container comprises a lifting gas, which gives the upper container a positive buoyancy LU500836 and also carries the capillary bundle or the flexible channel. Wind movements cause the flexible channel or capillary bundle and the piezoelectric fibers arranged thereon to stretch, thereby generating an electric current.

It is also conceivable that the flat element is configured as a catalytic element, so that the fluid, if it is water, can flow through

Solar radiation is split into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen being able to be used as a lifting gas. Advantageously, this results in that the lifting gas at

solar radiation is continuously produced. The hydrogen as well as the

Oxygen can be separately derived from the upper vessel, thus allowing the device to be used to generate hydrogen as an energy source.

Finally, it should be noted that all the features that are named in the application documents and in particular in the dependent claims, despite the formal reference made to one or more specific claims, should also be entitled to independent protection, either individually or in any combination.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention also result from the following description of exemplary embodiments and the

Drawings. All of the features described and/or illustrated form the subject matter of the present invention, either alone or in any combination, even independently of their summary in the claims or their back-references.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is explained in more detail on the basis of the following figures and exemplary embodiments, without restricting the invention to these.

while showing

In the different figures, parts that are equivalent in terms of their function are always provided with the same reference symbols, so that they are usually only described once.

1A-C shows an embodiment of the buoyancy utilization device (1.0), which has a first space (1.1) that is filled with a first medium (2.1) (here: water) and a second space (1.2) that is filled with a second Medium (2.2) (here: air) filled is included.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

Furthermore, the device includes buoyancy bodies (3.0), which are located within a revolving LU500836

Guide (4.0), which is designed as an endless rail system, are feasible. The first room (1.1) and the second room (1.2) are separated from one another by a lock system (1.3), which is arranged at the lower reversal point (1.4). lock system (1.3) shown enlarged in FIG

Cross-section of the buoyancy body (3.0) is designed. The float (3.0) are as

Hollow body made of polyethylene and coated with polytetrafluoroethylene, so that the

Buoyant bodies (3.0) can be guided with as little friction as possible through the endless rail system (4.0). Converters, not shown, are arranged along the endless rail system (4.0), which convert the kinetic energy of the buoyancy body (3.0) during the ascent in the first

Space (1.1) as well as the case in the second space (1.2) convert into electrical energy. Fig. 1C shows the view of the section plane S-S shown in Fig. 1B. The peripheral guide (4.0) here includes a first guide rail (4.1), a second

Guide rail (4.2) and a third guide rail (4.3), the guide rails being arranged at an angle of 120° to one another. The inner diameter of the

Lip seal (1.5) is designed to fit the cross section of the buoyant body (3.0) so that advantageously no first medium (2.1) between the buoyant body (3.0) and

Lip seal (1.5) can penetrate. The guide rails (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) on the one hand stabilize the lip seal and on the other hand serve to continuously carry out the

Buoyant body (3.0) through the circumferential guide (4.0). Alternatively, just two

Guide rails are used, which are arranged at a 180° angle to one another.

In each of Figures 2A and 2B and 2C, one embodiment is one

Buoyant body (3.0) shown, which is essentially a circular cross-section

profile. The float (3.0) is arranged within three guide rails (4.1, 4.2, 4.3), so that the float (3.0) only in the longitudinal direction of the

Guide rails (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) is movable. Fig. 2D shows that shown in Fig. 2B

Buoyant body (3.0) with the guide rails (4.1, 4.2, 4.3), these being arranged at an angle of 120° to one another. 2E shows a modified one

Embodiment, wherein the outside of the buoyant body (3.0) is designed in such a way that it has profiles (5.0) into which the guide rails (4.1, 4.2, 4.3) are guided in an engaging manner. With this profiling, a rotary movement of the

Buoyancy body (3.0) are prevented about its longitudinal axis.

3A and 3B show a further embodiment of a buoyant body (3.0) whose average density and thus its buoyancy depend on a temperature change.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

The buoyancy body (3.0) comprises a centrally arranged pneumatic element LU500836 (3.1), the function of which is to move the mold shells (3.2) apart in order to reduce the mean density of the buoyancy body (3.0), thereby increasing its buoyancy. As soon as the buoyancy body (3.0) heats up, a thermoresponsive pulls itself

Polymer sleeve (3.3) encasing the mold shells (3.2) together, the forces exerted by the contraction of the thermoresponsive polymer sleeve (3.3) counteracting those of the pneumatic element. A spring can also be arranged inside the pneumatic element (3.1). The maximum force of the pneumatic

Elements (3.1) adjusted in such a way that the force of the thermoresponsive polymer shell (3.3) has a larger magnitude as soon as a transition temperature is reached. Contracting the thermoresponsive polymer shell (3.3) reduces the average density and thus the

Buoyancy of the buoyancy body (3.0). If the temperature drops again, the force of the pneumatic element (3.1) directed outwards will prevail and the buoyancy will increase again. The thermoresponsive polymer shell (3.3) is additionally surrounded by a liquid-repellent shell (3.4) made of stretchable plastic. A fully compressed buoyancy body has the least buoyancy. A fully decompressed buoyancy body has the greatest buoyancy. FIG. 3A shows the decompressed buoyancy body (3.0) and FIG. 3B shows a compressing one

buoyancy body (3.0).

A further embodiment of a buoyant body (3.0) is shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. Here the buoyancy body (3.0) includes a gas-filled pneumatic

Hollow body (3.5), which is covered by a thermoresponsive polymer mesh (3.6) and a liquid-repellent cover (3.4). The functional principle corresponds to that described above, with FIG. 3C showing the decompressed buoyancy body (3.0) and FIG. 3D showing the compressed buoyancy body (3.0).

4A shows an embodiment of the buoyancy utilization device (1.0), buoyancy bodies (3.0) being shown here, the mean density of which varies with temperature as described above. The endless rail system is not shown here, but is designed in such a way that the compressed buoyancy bodies (3.7) and the decompressed

Float (3.8) are movable within the endless rail system. So there is preferably so much play between the endless rail system and the buoyancy body that the decompressed and the compressed buoyancy body within the

Endless rail system is feasible. Here, the buoyancy utilization device (1.0) comprises a first space (1.1) separated from one another by an insulating partition (1.6) and a second space (1.2), with the same medium (here: water) in both spaces.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application is included. In the second room (1.2) there is a heat exchanger (1.7) which is the LU500836

waste heat from a biogas plant. The heat exchanger (1.7) causes a

Increase in temperature of the buoyancy bodies (3.0) guided by it, which are configured as indicated above and reduce their average density. Arriving at the lower reversal point (1.4), the buoyancy increases again, causing the buoyancy bodies (3.0) to rise upwards. At the top of the first room (1.1) and there second room (1.2) is a

Air space (2.3) arranged. This serves as an insulator to prevent heat transfer from the second

To minimize room (1.2) in the first room (1.1). Converters, which convert the kinetic energy of the buoyancy bodies into electrical energy, are not shown. FIG. 4B shows an embodiment that is slightly modified from FIG. 4A, with no air space being present here. Instead, the first room (1.1) and the second room (1.2) are separated from one another by an insulating partition (1.6), which is designed in such a way that heat diffusion from the second room (1.2) into the first room (1.1) is prevented, For example, the partition openings (1.8) are designed in such a way that as little water as possible can diffuse between the insulating partition (1.6) and the buoyancy body (3.0). The partition openings (1.8) can be one

Embodiment of a lock system according to the invention.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a capillary suction evaporation device (6.0). A capillary bundle (6.1) of capillaries arranged parallel to one another leads a fluid (here: water) from a fluid-tight lower container (7.1) into an upper container (7.2).

Only one capillary is shown here for the sake of simplicity. In the upper container (7.2), the upper end of the capillary bundle is designed as a flat element (8.0) with stomata (8.1). The stomata are designed here as elongated recesses. The

Stomach openings (8.1) are also arranged parallel to one another. The upper container (7.2) is also designed to be fluid-tight and includes a transparent element (7.3).

Incident sunlight (7.4) penetrates through the transparent element (7.3), hits the flat element (8.0), and leads to its heating, whereby the stomata (8.1)

water evaporates. Evaporation is indicated by the wavy arrows. Since the upper

Container (7.2) is designed to be fluid-tight, the water vapor condenses on the walls of the upper container (7.2) and collects in an upper basin (7.5). From here, the condensate (7.6) returns to the lower container (7.1) in a downpipe (6.2).

Converters (8.2, 8.3) are arranged inside the downpipe (6.2), which convert the potential or kinetic energy of the water into electrical energy. One can

Be configured converter as a rotating element (8.2) or as a triboelectric element (8.3). Instead of water, there is another fluid with a low boiling point

THUL-0001-P-DELU 11/08/2021 Luxembourg patent application conceivable, so that evaporation of the fluid LU500836 is guaranteed even in weak sunlight.

FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of the capillary suction evaporation device (6.0) that is modified from FIG. Here the upper container (7.2) comprises an inner balloon (9.0) and an outer balloon (9.1). Inside the inner balloon (9.0) are the flat ones

Arranged elements (8.0) with gap openings and suspensions (9.2), here as

Cords are designed, connected to the wall of the inner balloon (9.0). The inner balloon (9.0) is suspended within the outer balloon (9.1) via suspensions (9.2). Both balloons (9.0, 9.1) are made of a transparent and fluid-tight material

made of plastic. In the gas space (9.3), which is arranged between the wall of the inner balloon (9.0) and the outer balloon (9.1), there is a lifting gas (here: helium), which gives the upper container (7.2) increased buoyancy within the atmosphere gives. The active principle of the rising of the fluid (here: water) within the

capillary bundles (6.1), the evaporation of the fluid via the fissure openings of the flat

elements (8.0), condense and move into lower receptacle (7.1) through the

Downpipe (6.2) corresponds to the process described for FIG.

FIG. 6B shows an embodiment modified from FIG. 6A, the capillary bundle (6.1) and also the downpipe (6.2) being designed to be flexible and in a flexible covering

Channel (6.3) are arranged. Between the downpipe (6.2), the capillary bundle (6.1) and the

Piezoelectric fibers (6.4) are arranged on the inner wall of the flexible channel (6.3). With a stretching or compression of the flexible channel (6.3) can thus an electrical

Energy to be tapped.

The proportions of the components described are not drawn to scale. In addition, the embodiments of the invention shown are each exemplary and not to be understood as limiting. The invention can also deviate from this

way to be executed. For example, in a further alternative configuration, flat elements and a capillary bundle and downpipe can be dispensed with. Alternatively, the piezoelectric fibers may be arranged along a flexible element supported by a balloon inflated with a lifting gas.

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 7500836 1.0 buoyancy utilization device 5.0 profiling 1.1 first space 6.0 capillary suction evaporation device 1.2 second space 6.1 capillary/capillary bundle 1.3 lock system 6.2 downpipe 1.4 lower reversal point 6.3 enveloping channel 1.5 sealing element/ 6.4 piezoelectric element/

Lip seal piezoelectric fibers 1.6 insulating partition 7.1 lower container 1.7 heat exchanger/heating element 7.2 upper container 1.8 partition wall openings 7.3 transparent element 1.9 upper turning point 7.4 sunlight 2.1 first medium 7.5 upper basin 2.2 second medium 7.6 condensate/condensed fluid 2.3 air space 8.0 flat element 3 .0 Buoyant body 8.1 Stomach openings 3.1 pneumatic element 8.2 transducer (rotating element) 3.2 shell mold 8.3 transducer (triboelectric element) 3.3 thermoresponsive polymer envelope 9.0 inner balloon 3.4 hydrophobic envelope 9.1 outer balloon 3.5 pneumatic hollow body 9.2 suspension 36 thermoresponsive polymer mesh 9.3 headspace 3.7 compressed buoyancy body 3.8 decompressed buoyancy drive body 40 revolving guide/

Endless rail system 4.1 first guide rail 4.2 second guide rail 4.3 third guide rail

THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application

Claims (43)

PATENT CLAIMS LU500836 1. Lifting force utilization device (1.0) for utilizing and converting kinetic buoyancy energy and potential energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy, comprising the following components: a) a first space (1.1) which is filled with a first medium (2.1), b) a second space (1.2) which is filled with a second medium (2.2), c) at least one buoyant body (3.0), d) a peripheral guide (4.0), wherein a movement of at least one buoyant body (3.0) along the peripheral guide ( 4.0), the mean density of the first medium (2.1) being greater than the mean density of the second medium (2.2), the circumferential guide (4.0) running through the first space (1.1) and the second space (1.2), characterized in that the circulating guide (4.0) comprises an endless rail system, with the first space (1.1) and the second space (1.2) being separated from one another at at least one point by a lock system (1.3), with the lock system (1.3) having a permanent opening, wherein the opening of the lock system is designed to fit the smallest lateral cross-section of the buoyant body (3.0). 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the buoyant body (3.0) is designed as a hollow body, wherein the material of the hollow body comprises a metal, a plastic, a glass or an organic material. 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the hollow body comprises a gas and/or a polymer, wherein the average density of the buoyant body (3.0) can be influenced by the expansion of the gas and/or the polymer. THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first medium LU500836 (2.1) and/or second medium (2.2) facing surface of the buoyancy body (3.0) includes a profiling (5.0). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shape of the buoyancy body (3.0) is configured as cylindrical, elliptical, conical, spherical, pyriform and/or streamlined. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least the first medium (2.1) has a greater mean density than the buoyant body (3.0). 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second medium (2.2) has a lower mean density than the buoyancy body (3.0). 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movement of the buoyant body (3.0) along the endless rail system (4.0) is limited in its lateral extension. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the buoyancy body (3.0) moves alternately from the first room (1.1) to the second room (1.2) and wherein the buoyant body (3.0) moves through the lock system (1.3) at least in a transition area between the first room (1.1) and the second room (1.2). . 10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the device (1.0) comprises a converter which is set up to convert the kinetic energy of the buoyancy body into mechanical and/or electrical energy. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the second space (1.2) the movement of the buoyant body (3.0) can be influenced by gravity. 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the endless rail system (4.0) comprises a lower reversal point (1.4) and an upper reversal point (1.9). THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lock system (1.3) is arranged at the lower reversal point (1.4) between the first room (1.1) and the second room (1.4). 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the lock system (1.3) is designed in such a way that the buoyancy body (3.0) is continuously movable through it. 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the lock system (1.3) comprises at least one sealing element (1.5), wherein the sealing element (1.5) is designed in such a way that it fits exactly to the smallest lateral cross-section of the buoyancy body (3.0). 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the buoyancy body (3.0) is designed in such a way that its mean density is dependent on a temperature change. 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the average density of the buoyancy body (3.0) decreases or increases with increasing temperature. 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the buoyant body comprises a temperature-variable medium and/or a technical element, the spatial expansion of which depends on the temperature change. 19. Device according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the volume of the buoyant body (3.0) can be influenced by the expansion of the temperature-variable medium and/or the technical element. 20. Device according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein a heat exchanger (1.7) and/or a heating element is provided in order to induce a temperature change at least in the first and/or in the second space. THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application 21. Device according to claim 20, wherein the temperature change in the immediate vicinity of the lower reversal point (1.4) and/or in the immediate vicinity of the upper reversal point (1.9) and/or in the immediate vicinity of the buoyancy body is controlled by the heat exchanger or the heating element (3.0) is inducible. 22. The device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a primary and a secondary circuit, both circuits not being fluidly connected to one another. 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the secondary circuit comprises the first medium (2.1) of the first room (1.1). 24. Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the first medium (2.1) and the second medium (2.2) have the same chemical structure. 25. Device according to one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the primary circuit comprises a third medium which has a higher temperature than the first medium (2.1) of the first space (1.1) and is not fluidly connectable thereto. 26. Device according to one of claims 22 to 25, wherein a solar collector and/or a waste heat-producing process is operatively connected to the primary circuit in such a way that the temperature of the third medium can be changed. 27. Combination product for converting kinetic buoyancy energy and potential energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy, comprising a) at least one first space (1.1) and one second space (1.2) according to one of claims 1 to 26, b) at least one buoyancy body (3.0 ) according to one of claims 1 to 26, c) at least one endless rail system (4.0) according to one of claims 1 to 26, d) at least one converter according to one of claims 1 to 26, THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application characterized in that the buoyancy body (3.0) can be guided within the LU500836 endless rail system (4.0) and thereby operates the converter. 28. Method for using the buoyancy force utilization device (1.0) as defined in one of the above claims, comprising a) moving the buoyant body (3.0) in a first space (1.1) by buoyancy, b) moving the buoyant body (3.0) in a second space ( 1.2) by gravitation, characterized in that the movement of the buoyant body (3.0) takes place along an endless rail system (4.0). 29. Use of the buoyancy utilization device (1.0) for converting kinetic buoyancy energy and potential energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy. 30. Capillary suction evaporation device (6.0) for using the capillary ascension of a fluid and for converting potential energy into electrical energy, with a fluid flowing out of a lower container (7.1) within at least one capillary (6.1) against the direction of gravity in the direction of an upper container (7.2 ) is transportable, the fluid after transport in the upper container (7.2) can be converted into a gas phase, characterized in that the fluid inside the upper container (7.2) condenses from the gas phase, the condensed fluid (7.6) falling from the upper container (7.2) into the lower container (7.1). 31. Apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the falling of the fluid operates at least one converter which converts the potential energy of the condensed fluid (7.6) into electrical energy. 32. Device according to claim 31, wherein the converter comprises at least one triboelectric element (8.3). THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application 33. The device according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the fluid comprises a polar compound. 34. The device of claim 33, wherein the fluid is deionized. 35. Device according to one of claims 30 to 34, wherein an upper capillary end is formed in the upper container as a flat element (8.0). 36. Device according to claim 35, wherein the flat element (8.0) comprises a light-absorbing coating. 37. Device according to one of claims 30 to 36, wherein the upper container is designed to be fluid-tight. 38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the upper container comprises a gas space (9.3) which can be filled with a lifting gas. 39. Device according to one of claims 30 to 38, wherein the capillary (6.1) is flexible. 40. Device according to claim 39, wherein the capillary (6.1) is arranged in an enclosing channel (6.3). 41. Device according to claim 40, wherein the condensed fluid (7.6) within the enclosing channel (6.3) can be returned to the lower container (7.1). 42. Device according to one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the capillary (6.1) and/or the enveloping channel (6.3) comprises at least one piezoelectric element (6.4). THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application 43. Method of operating the capillary suction evaporation device (6.0) as defined in any one of the above claims, comprising a) moving the fluid from the lower container (7.1) into the upper container (7.2) by capillary ascension, b) evaporating the fluid within the upper vessel (7.2), c) condensing the fluid within the upper vessel (7.2), d) moving the condensed fluid out of the upper vessel by gravity (7.2), characterized in that the evaporation of the fluid takes place by means of solar energy on the flat element (8.0), the condensed fluid operating at least one converter (8.2, 8.3). THUL-0001-P-DELU 08.11.2021 Luxembourg patent application