RO126140A2 - Hydroelectric power stations with gravimetric generator of hydraulic energy - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydro-electric power station with gravimetric hydraulic energy generator for producing electric energy. According to the invention, the power station comprises a water tank (2) to which a special profile vertical pipe (1) is connected, water circulating downwards through said pipe which is connected by means of a connecting pipe (5) to another constant diameter conduit (10) mounted vertically, wherethrough water circulates upwards and wherein the water flow is accelerated by blowing compressed air by a compressor (11), through a conduit (9) connected to the vertical conduit (10), to whose output there is mounted a Pelton turbine (13) which starts a current generator (12), the turbine (13) and generator (12) being above the water level in the tank (2), the water leaving the turbine (13) being recycled back to the water tank (2) through a channel (16).

Description

The invention relates to a hydroelectric power station with a gravimetric generator of hydraulic energy, intended for use in any geographical area, regardless of the conditions of relief or the abundance of water resources, for obtaining electricity.

For converting the energy of the running water into electricity, hydraulic installations consisting of dams, accumulation lakes, galleries of adduction to the blades of a turbine that starts an electric generator are known.

The disadvantages of these hydraulic installations are that they depend on the natural hydroelectric resources that are limited and distributed unevenly on the planet's surface, their functioning being conditioned, on the one hand, by the restoration of the water reserves from the accumulation dams, and on the other hand by the existence some level differences in the relief of the area where they are built. Existing installations require extensive planning, have a long execution time and the cost of investments is high. At the same time, these works, by their size, can have a negative impact on the environment.

The problem solved by the invention is that it allows electricity to be obtained in any geographical area, regardless of the conditions of relief or the abundance of water resources, and the development works are greatly diminished, which automatically reduces the execution time and of the costs of the necessary works as well as of reducing the impact on the environment.

The boiler is made up of a water tank to which a special profile pipe is connected, called "gravimetric pipe, having the role of hydraulic power generator and which will be described later. between the tank and the gravimetric pipe, a butterfly valve is installed, which has the role of controlling the flow and speed of the water and, implicitly the power of the boiler; it is also used when the boiler is switched on and off. Through the gravimetric pipe, the water flows vertically, in a downward direction, up to a predetermined depth, depending on the speed desired to be printed to the water at the exit of the gravimetric pipe.

The gravimetric pipe is connected by means of a deflection bend to a horizontal pipe of constant diameter which connects, through another deflection bend, with a conduit through which the water flows vertically, upwards. At the top end this

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The pipe is connected to a Pelton-type hydraulic turbine that starts an electric generator.

At the pipe through which the water flows upwards (hereinafter referred to as the upstream pipe), a compressed air pipe is connected, provided with a valve. The compressed air line is in turn coupled to a compressor, which generates high flow compressed air. The compressed air pipe is coupled to the upstream pipe at a depth at which the pressure generated by the compressor is higher than the hydrostatic pressure of the water in the upstream pipe so that the compressor can enter compressed air into that pipe. As far as possible, the compressed air pipe will be coupled to the base of the upward circulation pipe.

The water leaving the turbine cups is directed back to the water tank through a channel in which the water has the possibility to separate from the compressed air.

By introducing compressed air into the upward circulation pipe, the following effects are achieved:

- the compressed air produces a strong upward force in the upward circulation pipe, considerably increasing the installed power of the hydroelectric plant by accelerating the water speed, due to the very large difference between the specific weight of the air (1.3 Kg / Nm ³ ) and that of the water (1028 Kg) / m ³ at 4 ° C);

- the equalization of the pressures between the descending and ascending branches of the gravimetric generator is excluded (which would lead to the uncontrolled shutdown of the hydroelectric power station during operation);

- allows the boiler to start smoothly and gradually increase the speed from zero to the working speed, by gradually increasing the flow of compressed air, which excludes the possibility of producing ram blows in the installations;

- it is excluded the destruction of the installations due to the corrosion by cavitation to the water circulation at very high speeds (when the water speed produces negative pressures in the pipe).

The role of the compressor is not to force the water to circulate through the hydropower system due to the pressure of the compressed air that it inflates in the upward circulation pipe; its role is to breathe air into the system, air leading to the emergence of Archimedes' Force - and this force accelerates water to the surface, not the power of the compressor. After starting and reaching the important working speed is the compressor flow, not the pressure provided by it - the water flowing to the surface acting ^ -2009-00494-3 0 -06- 2009 as a vacuum pump on the blown air, which leads to the reduction the required power of the compressor.

For the realization of a hydroelectric power plant of the type proposed in the present invention, the gravimetric pipeline design is of particular importance. It has a geometric shape similar to a water column that flows continuously in free fall.

The dimensioning of the gravimetric pipe is made taking into account the continuity of the flow through any section practiced at different hydraulic falls Η _υ H2, ... Hi, ... H _n .

At the continuous flow the flow being constant, we have:

(I) Q = const. = S _o vo = = S ₂ v ₂ = ... = SjVj = ... = S _n v _n (So, Si, S ₂ , ..., Si, ..., S _n being cross sections hydraulics H _o , Hi, H ₂ , ..., Hj, ..., H _n , and v ₀ , v _1; v ₂ , ..., v _lz ..., v _n represent the water velocities at H levels _o , Hi, H ₂ , ..., Hi, ..., H _n ).

(II) Writing the speeds in the form:

v ₀ = y / 2gH ₀ , vj. = y / 2gH _v v ₂ = f2gH ₂ , ..., Vj = f2gHi, ..., v "= f2gH _n , the relationships between the cross sections So, Si, S ₂ , ..., S ,, ... , S _n , based on formula (I), will be:

or, simplifying:

(HI)

Using formula (III) for the design of the gravimetric pipe, a template can be created for the diameters carried out at different close dimensions, by tracing them on the vertical axis of the pipe (the distance between two successive diameters can be eg 5 cm).

The potential energy of the water is concentrated at the outlet of the pipe, under the conditions of the continuous flow in free fall regime. The special shape of the gravimetric pipe causes that at the outlet mouth the entire pressure of the moving water column is concentrated on the surface S _n instead of being dissipated on the whole surface So (So> S _n ), as in the case of a pipe. with constant diameter. This concentration of pressure on a smaller surface has the consequence of increasing the speed of water at the exit of the gravimetric pipe. The phenomenon occurs due to the reduction of the surface of the cross-section of the water column from the surface of the inlet section, since under the flow continuity conditions the flow (Q.) is constant:

Q. = const. = S _o v _o = S _n v _n

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or:

Q = const. = So j2gH "= S" j2gH "where it results:

Vn = V ₀

Starting the hydroelectric plant is done by compressed air in the ascending pipe of the hydroelectric plant (which leads to the breakdown of the hydrostatic balance between the two water columns coupled between them - the downstream column and the upstream column), after the opening of the two valves located at the inlet. gravimetric pipe, respectively at the exit of the compressed air pipe.

The shutdown of the hydroelectric plant is done by stopping the compressed air inlet and closing the two valves.

In relation to the state of the art, a power station of the type proposed in the present invention has the following advantages:

- the volume of works required to perform it is much smaller than in the case of conventional hydroelectric plants, which leads to lower costs and execution time. Also the impact on the environment is much diminished, especially if the plant is built completely underground;

- the water being recirculated in the installations, the hydroelectric power station can operate continuously, without having to wait for the water supply to be restored in the accumulation dam (in the technological process no more water is consumed). It can also work in areas where water resources are scarce;

- because the water fall is made artificially, the hydroelectric plant does not depend on the level differences in the relief of the area in which it is built (thus it can also operate on the plains or even on the seafront, with water taken from the sea);

- small, demountable hydroelectric power stations can be built, which can be transported and mounted in any location, being able to supply electricity even in areas where there is no electricity transmission network and building such a network would be too expensive, or locations where the use of electricity is not required for a longer period of time, or is used occasionally, and high electricity consumption is not required.

For the description of the possibilities for carrying out the invention, fig. 1-8, which represents:

FIG. 1 a comparison between a gravimetric pipe and a pipe with constant diameter. The inlet mouth of both pipes has the transverse surface S _o , located at the depth H _o below the water level of a reservoir. H _n represents the hydraulic fall to their outlet. H, represents an intermediate hydraulic drop, Η, <H _n . If in the case of a pipe of constant diameter the surface of the cross section is the same, S _o , and at the level of the outlet mouth, and at the level of any intermediate drop (Η,), in the case of the gravimetric pipe at the level Hj we have:

respectively at the H _n level:

FIG. 2 shows a pattern with the diameters developed according to the successive hydraulic drops at predetermined fixed intervals (eg 5 cm) on the vertical axis of the gravimetric pipe, D _o , Di, D ₂ , ..., Dj, ..., D _n being the diameters corresponding to the cross sections S _o , S _b S ₂ , ..., Sj, ..., S _n from the hydraulic falls H _o , H _{1 (} H ₂ , ..., Hj, ..., H _n . The template thus formed could be a useful working tool for the designers and executors of gravimetric pipes.

FIG. 3 shows a section according to a vertical plane through a gravimetric power station in a first embodiment:

(1) is the gravimetric pipe;

(2) is the water tank to which the gravimetric pipe is connected;

(3) is a valve that allows the flow of water to be regulated through the gravimetric pipe, respectively its closure;

(4) is an access path to the valve (3) (5) is a horizontal connecting pipe between the gravity pipe and the upstream pipe, of constant diameter (10).

(6) is a bend of the water diversion from the gravimetric pipe (1) to the connecting pipe (5);

X- 2 O 0 9 - 0 O 4 9 4 - 3 O -06- 2009 (7) is a diversion of water from the connecting pipe (5) to the upstream pipe (10);

(8) is a valve that allows to regulate the flow of compressed air from the compressed air pipe (9), respectively it allows to close it;

(11) is a compressor;

(13) is a Pelton turbine that starts a generator (12) connected to a transformer station (15);

(14) is a building that protects the installations from the weather;

(16) is the channel through which the water leaves the turbine and returns to the reservoir.

FIG. 4 shows a section according to a vertical plane through a gravimetric power station in a second embodiment, in which the gravimetric pipe (1), the upstream pipe (10) and the connecting pipe (5) are mounted in a well. (17) covered with a concrete floor or a metal plate (19). Inside the well, one or more access stairs (18) can be mounted.

FIG. 5 shows a section according to a horizontal plane A - A through the boiler described in fig. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a section according to a vertical plane through a gravimetric power station built completely underground. The pipes (1, 5, 9,10) can be mounted either directly in the ground (according to fig. 3) or inside a covered well (according to fig. 4). The turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) are mounted in an underground hall (20), and the reservoir will be a covered basin (21), which can be mounted inside the support posts (22). The access path to the plant (23) is protected by the building (24). The boiler is provided with air vents (25).

FIG. 7 shows a section according to a vertical plane through a gravimetric power station used in addition to the production of electricity and to the lifting of water in aqueducts, irrigation channels, sluice systems etc., respectively a top view of the boiler in this variant.

The boiler is located on a running water (26), the tank (2) is replaced by an upstream channel (28). The channel is provided with a gate (29) and mouths (27) for the discharge of excess water having the role of keeping the water constant at the projected level (H _o ) above the inlet mouth in the gravimetric pipe.

In this case, the turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) are located at a height higher than the water level, the difference in level being noted H _M axis, the difference given by the compressor's ability to move the water from central.

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The channel (16) is branched in two directions, one towards the channel (30) in which the water leaving the turbine (13) is raised, and the other back to the flowing water. The two branches are provided with a gate (31, 32) having the role of directing water in one direction or another.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a small gravimetric power station, built entirely above the ground, on a support platform (36), on which support columns (33) of the reservoir (2) are mounted, as well as support posts ( 35) of the upper platform (34) on which the turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) are mounted.

The following are 5 examples of embodiments of the invention:

1. If the pipes in the structure of the plant are large, they will be made in two twin wells, connected by a connecting gallery: in the first well the gravimetric pipe (1) and the valve (3) will be fitted, through which the pipe is connected to the water tank (2). This valve has the role of controlling the flow of water flowing through the gravimetric pipe. An access path (4) will be constructed at this valve. In the second well the upward circulation pipe (10) and the compressed air pipe (9) will be fitted, and the connecting pipe (5) will be made in a horizontal gallery that connects the two wells. The connections between the vertical pipes and the horizontal pipe will be made through two bends (6, 7). On the surface, the turbine (13) which starts the generator (12) connected to a transformer station (15) will be connected to the output of the ascending circulation pipe; also on the surface will be mounted the compressor (11) which blows compressed air through the compressed air duct (9) in the upstream circulation pipe (10). The flow of compressed air through the pipe (9) will be controlled by means of a valve (8). The turbine, generator and compressor can be protected from the weather by a building (14). The water leaving the turbine (13) will be diverted to the tank (2) via the channel (16), according to fig. 3.

2. If the pipes through which the water circulates - gravimetric pipe (1), connecting pipe (5), upstream pipe (10) - respectively the compressed air pipe (9) have smaller diameters, they will be fitted inside a well (17). To prevent flooding of the well with water infiltrated from the groundwater, it will be concrete. The well will be covered with a concrete floor or a metal plate (19) on which some of the boiler components (turbine, generator, compressor) can be mounted. To ensure access in tV “2 Ο Ο 9 Ο Ο 4 9 4 -3 Ο -06- 2ΠΠ9 inside the shaft, the ladder (18) will be fitted. The water tank (2) will be partially built above the well that houses the pipes, so that it can be connected to it the gravimetric pipe mounted in the mentioned well. The reservoir will in turn be concreted to prevent water leakage by infiltration through the surrounding rocks, according to fig. 4 and FIG. 5.

3. If necessary, the boiler can be built entirely underground. In this case, the pipes (1, 5, 9,10) will be mounted either directly into the ground or inside a covered well (17), as described above, the turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) will be installed inside an underground hall (20), and the tank will be a covered underground basin (21), inside which support columns (22) can be mounted to strengthen it. in the boiler, it will be possible to enter the access path (23), protected by a building (24). The ventilation of the installation will be done through ventilation holes (25), according to fig. 6.

4. If at the same time as the electricity generation it is desired to raise the water from a river (26) into a channel (30) above the water level of that river, the water tank will be replaced by an adduction channel ( 28) built along the river bank. In order to maintain the water level above the mouth of the inlet in the gravimetric pipe (1), the gate (29) and the mouths (27) of the excess water outlet are mounted in the duct. The gravimetric pipeline will be, as described above, below the river water level, and the upward circulation pipe (10) and the compressed air pipeline (9) will be partially below the river water level, and partially rise above it, to the level of the channel (30) in which it is desired to raise the water from the river. Also at this level the turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) will be mounted, at the exit of the upstream pipe. The channel (16) through which the water leaves the turbine will be branched in two directions: one of the branches leads the water to the transport channel, and the other branch allows its discharge back into the river from which the water comes (when there is no need for water in the channel transport). The two branches are provided with a gate (31) and (32) that allow the water to be directed either to the transport channel or back to the river. The boiler can be protected from the weather by constructing a building (14), according to fig. 7.

5. Small plants can also be built, built entirely above the ground. The tank (2) is fixed to the support posts (33). The turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) are mounted on an upper platform (34) fixed to other support posts (35), some of them also having the role of fixing the boiler pipes.

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The support posts are mounted on a lower platform (36) which is intended to ensure the stability of the entire system, according to fig. 8.

The power plant described in the present invention will be used for the production of electricity, but it can also be made in a variant that allows, besides the production of electricity, the lifting of water from rivers in different hydrotechnical constructions, according to needs.

NOTE: The water moving in the hydroelectric power plant described in the present invention is regarded as an energy carrier. Its role is to convert gravitational energy into hydraulic energy through the gravimetric pipeline, respectively the compressed air blown into the ascending pipe, energy which in turn is transformed, through the turbine and the generator, into electrical energy. Thus, we can say that this plant no longer consumes water under pressure, but only uses the energy of gravity to produce electricity.

Claims (5)

1. Hydroelectric power station with gravimetric generator of hydraulic energy, characterized in that the water processed in the boiler circulates in a closed circuit, being taken from a tank (2) in a gravimetric pipe (1) mounted vertically, which has the role of to accelerate the water flowing through it in a downward direction, under the effect of the force of gravity, up to a predetermined speed that is obtained at a predetermined depth H _n , from where the water is taken through a connecting pipe (5) in a upward circulation (10) in which compressed air is blown with the role of further accelerating the processed water, under the influence of Archimedes' Force, to a Pelton turbine (13) located above the water level in the reservoir, where the water returns to the reservoir through a channel (16), the turbine starting a generator (12), the operation of the hydroelectric plant, including starting and stopping it being controlled by means of two valve, valve (3) controlling the flow of water from the gravimetric pipeline and allowing its complete closure including, and valve (8) controlling the flow of compressed air from the compressed air pipeline (9) and allowing even its complete closure, the boiler can be constructed either entirely underground, either partially underground having the water tank, turbine, generator and compressor surface-mounted and pipes totally or partially underground, or entirely surface-mounted. 2. The gravimetric pipe, mentioned in claim 1, characterized in that it has the shape of a column of water flowing vertically under the influence of gravitational force, which allows the water flowing through such a pipe to reach at its exit a velocity. higher than the velocity of the water flowing vertically in a pipe of constant diameter having the same height and the same section of the inlet mouth as the gravimetric pipe, the cross-section of the gravimetric pipe can be calculated with the formula Sj = S _o t ² ·, where S is the cross-sectional area of the section applied to the fall of the hydraulic H _{(S a} cross-sectional area section of the inlet pipe, and H _is the fall hydraulically to the inlet pipe weight, that is to say the depth at which the extent of the gravimetric pipe below the water level of a tank. 3. Compressed air insufflation into the ascending water in a pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that it results in the acceleration of the water below - 2 Ο Ο 9 - Ο Ο 4 9 4 - 3 Ο -06- 2009 the influence of Archimedes' Force, in order to increase the hydraulic energy of the water, in order to increase the power of a hydroelectric power station. 4. Hydroelectric power station with a gravimetric hydraulic power generator, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is small in size, is built entirely above the ground, the reservoir (2) is fixed to the support posts (32), the turbine (13), the generator (12) and the compressor (11) are mounted on an upper platform (33) fixed to other supporting posts (34), some of them also having the role of fixing the boiler pipes, the supporting posts are mounted on a lower platform (35). ) which has the role of ensuring the stability of the entire system, this way of accomplishment allowing including the dismantling and transport of the boiler in different locations where it is necessary to put it into operation in order to obtain electricity. 5. Hydroelectric power station with gravimetric hydraulic power generator, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is built on the bank of a flowing water, the water reservoir being replaced by an adduction channel and the turbine is mounted above a water transport channel in which it can discharge the water used in the process of producing electricity, the water transport channel being located at a level higher than the water level in the adduction channel from which the water used to produce the electricity comes from.