WO2007139406A1

WO2007139406A1 - A device which converts the energy of flowing water

Info

Publication number: WO2007139406A1
Application number: PCT/PL2007/000019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur Olszewski
Original assignee: Arthur Olszewski
Priority date: 2006-05-25
Filing date: 2007-04-12
Publication date: 2007-12-06

Abstract

A device for converting the energy of flowing water, particularly of rivers, into energy, particularly mechanical or electrical, whose rotor system (1), contains a rotor (2) flexibly connected, via joints (35) to at least one other rotor (3). The rotor system (1) is immersed, preferentially completely, in a flowing water current, particularly a river, and the torque of the rotor system (1) is relayed to a receiver (4) wherein the length of the rotor system (1) is no smaller than the greatest rotor diameter of the rotor system (1). The receiver (4) may be, for example, a generator (18) producing an electrical current. The receiver may also be attached for example to a floating device (10), anchored to the bottom or the shore of the basin. The structural characteristics of the device make it possible to use the device in convoluted and relatively shallow rivers (or streams), where known devices may not be used. This greatly increases the range of applicability of the present invention.

Description

A device which converts the energy of flowing water The subject of the present invention is a device which converts the energy of flowing water, particularly of rivers, into energy, particularly mechanical or electrical energy with a system of rotors consisting of at least two rotors connected with universal joints and a receiver powered by the rotor system, whose rotors are preferentially completely immersed in the current of flowing water, particularly a river, and the torque of the rotor system is transferred onto the receiver which may be a generator producing an electrical current.

Another embodiment is a machine for performing useful work.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver is a hydraulic pump, which powers a hydraulic motor, which powers the generator.

The next embodiment of the present invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the hydraulic motor powers a machine for performing useful work.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the machine for performing useful work is a hydraulic pump which pumps water into a collecting system such as an irrigation system.

A flow-through turbine placed underwater is known from European patent description PCT/EP2003/0127 31.

A hydro-electrical plant according to said invention produces electrical energy by way of the conversion of the energy of a water current with the aid of a flow-through machine containing at least one rotor mounted on a solid shaft which powers a generator.

The flow-through machine is maintained suspended below the surface of the water with a floater, actuated with a gaseous factor such as compressed air. The floater is sinkable.

The flow-through machine is anchored, and the rotor is oriented towards the current or away from it.

The rotor blades are aligned with the aid of a regulatory mechanism.

In the description of said patent (PCT/EP2003/0127 31) the term ,,rotor" is defined as a bladed wheel, a paddle wheel or screw, or such device.

Furthermore, in an embodiment of that invention, the rotor axis may be hollow and constitute the floater. Moreover, in another embodiment of the present invention a greater number of rotors may be placed on the axis at determined intervals, where each one possesses a regulatory mechanism.

The axis on which the rotors are mounted is composed of units, each of which possesses a rotor and a regulatory mechanism, and said axis units are connected to one another via collar attachments, forming a rigid axis.

In another embodiment of said solution several generators are placed end-to-end and connected to the rotor axis.

The rotor axis is supported at determined intervals by bidirectional bearings.

There are also other known devices, which contain a rotor, consisting of a regular paddle wheel, partially submerged in flowing water.

The torque of said devices is used directly to power machines for performing useful work, particularly mills. Said devices are also used to actuate simple devices for collecting water from rivers.

The device converting the energy of flowing water, particularly of rivers into energy, particularly mechanical or electrical according to the present invention, containing at least two rotors and a receiver powered by the rotors is characterised in that the rotor system whose rotor is connected via a universal joint to at least one other rotor is immersed, preferentially entirely in the current of the flowing water, particularly a river, and the torque is transferred to the receiver.

In the description of the device according to the present invention, the term ,,rotor" particularly signifies rotors in the form of helices (helical paddles) and rotors with rings, giving them buoyancy, as well as rotors known from the state of the art such as bladed wheels and screws (powerboat screws), multi-armed rotors, paddle wheels or the like.

In the description of the present invention, the term "universal joint" denotes a joint consisting of: a clutch, a Universal clutch (classic swivel clutch), a Universal shaft, so-called flexible shafts and joints consisting of "slip clutches". One of the device embodiments according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is attached to a construction anchored to the bottom of the water body.

Another embodiment according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is attached to a construction attached to a bridge pillar or other structural element of the bridge. The next embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is attached to a floating device, anchored to the bottom or shore of the water body.

The next embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is attached to a structure located on an island.

The next embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is attached to a structure located near a bend in the river.

Yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is attached to a post, driven into the bottom of the water body.

In the case when the receiver is located above the surface of the water, the torque from the rotor system is transferred into the receiver via a Universal shaft or flexible shaft.

Yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is a generator.

Still another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the receiver is a machine for doing useful work.

The defining characteristic of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is that the receiver is a hydraulic pump which actuates a hydraulic motor.

Yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the hydraulic motor actuates a generator.

The defining characteristic of yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the hydraulic motor actuates a machine for performing useful work.

The next embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the machine for performing useful work is a water pump, which pumps water via a conduit into a collecting system.

The defining characteristic of yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is characterised in that the rotor system is equipped with diffusers.

Furthermore, the defining characteristic of yet another embodiment of the device according to the present invention is that the rotors of the rotor system are helical. An important defining characteristic, differentiating it from other known solutions is that the length of the rotor system, composed of swivel-jointed rotors is not less than the greatest rotor diameter in this system.

In known solutions, several rotors are mounted on a common rigid axis occur, but for structural reasons thy are limited in number.

The use of a hollow shaft, in order to limit the total mass of the shaft and its rotors is not effective.

In a device according to the present invention, the considerable length of the rotor system in relation to the greatest rotor diameter of the rotor system is a preferential structural characteristic of the device according to the present invention.

The defining characteristic of a device according to the present invention is that the volume of water transferring its energy onto the device according to the present invention consists of the summary volume of the rotational solid formed by the spinning rotors of the rotor system, wherein the length of this solid can be considerable due to the swivel-joints connecting the floating rotors.

Thanks to this, the volume of water transferring its energy onto the device according to the present invention is very large.

Whereas in known solutions, the volume of water transferring its energy is the summary volume of the rotational solid formed by the spinning rotors mounted on the solid shaft of limited length due to structural reasons.

Taking into account the fact that rotor diameters in the device according to the present invention are comparable to the rotor diameters of known devices, the structural advantage of the device according to the present invention results from the considerable length of the rotor system in contrast to the limited length of a rigid shaft with attached rotors found in known devices.

In a device according to the present invention, the swivel-jointed connection of the rotors facilitates the application of the present invention even in meandering streams.

A preferential structural characteristic of the rotor system according to the present invention is the possibility of regulating the buoyancy of this system, through the application of rotors with structurally guaranteed buoyancy, such as those with nose cones and/or hubs and/or blades that are hollow or filled with a rigid, foamed plastic and the external covering is, for example, of synthetic resin reinforced with glass fiber. Considerable buoyancy is achieved in rotors, whose hub and blades are fitted with a ring floater.

For example, rotors outfitted with a ring floater or rotors whose helical blades are fitted with pipes at their outer edges are structurally preferential since their working elements are completely submerged underwater, whereas only fragments of the rotor

(floaters) protrude above the surface of the water.

The rotor system may contain several rotors with good buoyancy, distributed in various areas preferential in terms of the buoyancy of the complete rotor system.

Naturally all rotors of the rotor system may be rotor with good buoyancy.

This structural property facilitates the use of the present invention in shallow rivers

(streams) as well.

The device according to the present invention may be outfitted with more than one rotor system, as well as with more than one receiver.

Example embodiments of the subject of the present invention are presented in graphic form as schematics: Fig.l shows a side view of the device with a receiver attached to a structure anchored to the bottom of the basin; Fig.2 shows a side view of the device with a receiver attached to a structure attached to a bridge pillar; Fig.3 shows a side view of the device with a receiver attached to a floating device, anchored to the bottom of the basin; Fig.4 shows a side view of the device with a receiver attached to a structure located on an island; Fig.5 shows a top view of the device with a receiver attached to a structure, located on a shore near a bend in a river; furthermore Fig.6 shows a side view of the device with a receiver attached to a post, driven into the bottom of the basin, wherein the receiver is situated above the surface of the water and coupled to the rotor system via a Universal shaft; whereas Fig.7 shows a side view of the device with a receiver is attached to a structure attached to a bridge pillar, wherein the receiver is situated above the surface of the water and coupled to the rotor system via a flexible shaft; Fig.7 shows a side view of the device with a receiver is attached to a structure attached to a bridge pillar, furthermore Fig.8 shows a device whose receiver is a generator; Fig.9 shows a device whose receiver is a machine for performing useful work; Fig.10 shows a device whose receiver is a hydraulic pump, actuating a hydraulic motor; whereas Fig.11 shows a device whose receiver is a hydraulic pump, driving a hydraulic motor which actuates a generator; Fig.12 shows a device whose receiver is a hydraulic pump, driving a hydraulic motor which actuates a machine for performing useful work; Fig.13 shows a device whose receiver is a water pump, which pumps water into a collecting system; Fig.14 shows a device with a rotor system equipped with a diffuser, Fig.15 shows a device with a rotor system whose one rotor is a helix; whereas Fig.16 shows a device with a rotor system whose two rotors are helices; whereas Fig.17 shows a perspective view of rotors coupled with a Universal joint; whereas Fig.18 shows a long-axis cutaway of a buoyant rotor with blades; furthermore Fig. 19 shows a cross-section of a rotor blade at plane A-A marked on Fig. 18; Figs.20-23 show views of example helical rotors; whereas Figs.24-27 show cross-sections of helical rotor blades at planes indicated in Figs.20-23; and Fig.28 shows a helix rotor with 4 blades in perspective; Fig.29 shows a helix rotor with 8 blades in perspective; Fig. 30 shows a frontal view of a diffuser for use in shallow rivers; Fig. 31 shows a perspective drawing of two rotors whose rotors are equipped with ring floaters, coupled with universal joints; whereas Fig.32 shows a top view of a device with many rotor systems and many receivers; and Fig.33 shows a top view of a device with many hydraulic pumps actuating a hydraulic motor. A device converting the energy of flowing water, particularly of rivers, into energy, particularly mechanical or electrical, according to the present invention is equipped with a rotor system (1), whose rotor (2) is flexibly connected to at least one other rotor (3), is submerged, preferentially entirely, in a flowing water current and the torque of the rotor system (1) is transferred to the receiver (4) attached to a structure (5) anchored in the bottom of the basin (6). Another embodiment of a device according to the present invention differs from the above in that the receiver (4) is attached to a structure (7) attached to a the pillar (8) of a bridge (9). The direction of water flow is indicated by a ,,wavy" arrow, marked with the letter W"

Another embodiment of a device according to the present invention differs from the above embodiments in that the receiver (4) is attached to a floating device (10) anchored to the basin bottom (6) or shore (14).

In another embodiment of a device according to the present invention, the receiver (4) is .

In the next embodiment of a device according to the present invention, the receiver (4) attached to a structure (13), situated on the shore (14) near a bend in a river. In the next embodiment, the receiver is attached to a post driven into the bottom of the basin, wherein the receiver, situated above the surface of the water (36) is connected to the rotor system via a Universal shaft (16). The connection of the receiver to the rotor system via a Universal shaft (16) enables the system to compensate for changes in water level to a certain extent. Placement of the receiver above the surface of the water is preferential due to questions of the watertight integrity of the receiver.

In the next embodiment, however, the receiver is attached to a structure affixed to a bridge pillar, wherein the receiver situated above the surface of the water is connected to the rotor system via a flexible shaft.

In all of the above described embodiments, the receiver (4) is a generator (18) producing an electrical current.

In the next example embodiment of the present invention described above, the receiver (4) is a machine for performing useful work (19).

In a different example embodiment of the present invention, the receiver (4) is a hydraulic pump (20) which actuates a hydraulic motor (21).

In yet another example embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic motor (21) actuated by the hydraulic pump (20), powers a generator (18) producing an electrical current.

In the next example, the hydraulic motor (21) powers a machine for performing useful work (19).

In another example embodiment, the receiver (4) is a water pump (22), which pumps water via a water conduit (23) into a water collection system (24), which is a field irrigation system. Such a solution is preferential, since it facilitates drawing water from the river for irrigation without the needing electrical energy to actuate the pump. In some cases it is possible to avoid laying down electrical supply lines. In the next example embodiment of the present invention, the rotor system is equipped with a diffuser (25).

In the example embodiments of the present invention possessing multiple rotor systems, a diffuser additionally separates neighbouring rotor systems. The rotors within the rotor system (1) are preferentially helical (26), at least single- coiled, permanently attached to or monolithic with the hub (27). In order to achieve buoyancy, the hub (27) is hollow inside or filled with a hard, foamed plastic mass, whereas the outer shell is of synthetic, glass-fiber reinforced resin.

In order to achieve buoyancy, the coil of the rotor (28) of some rotors of the rotor system (1) is hollow inside or filled with a hard, foamed plastic mass, whereas the outer shell is of synthetic, glass-fiber reinforced resin. In cross-section, the layout of the blades on the rotor (28) is approximately rectangular.

To increase buoyancy, the rotor blades (29) may be constructed in a similar fashion, hollow inside or filled with a hard, foamed plastic mass, whereas the outer shell is of synthetic, glass-fiber reinforced resin.

Rotors or their elements may for example be made of aluminum alloys, due to its low mass, resistance to corrosion in water and their high mechanical resistance.

The cross-sections of the blades (29) of the rotor system (1) in the shape of helices

(26) vary in shape.

Example shapes of helical cross-sections (26) are: flat (30), flat (30) with a pipe (31), dished (32), dished (32) with a pipe (31), and sickle-shaped (33).

Pipes (31) running helically along the helical blades (30 or 32) play the role of floats.

The shapes of the blade pattern in cross-section may take on various forms, an example of the rotor float is the pattern of float 34, (toroidal).

Example connection of rotors is embodied with Universal joints (35).

The ring float (34) may be monolithic with the rotor or may be attached to it.

In rotors whose rings (28 or 34) are floats, the rotor blades (29) are fully submerged whereas the ring floats (28 or 34) partially extend above the surface of the water (36).

In shallow basins, the diffuser (25) takes the shape of a double-walled, or in deeper water single-walled funnel.

In an example embodiment according to the present invention of a device with multiple rotor systems, the rotor systems are situated beside one another (rank-wise) on the structure (37) which is attached to a floating device (10), which gets its buoyancy from floats (38).

The rotor systems (1) are connected to their receivers (4) with the aid of universal joint shafts (16).

The ends of the rotor systems (1) are separated from one another with diffusers (25).

The floating device (10) is anchored with anchors (39) to the bottom of the river (6) and/or to the shore (14).

In the example embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the torques of the multiple rotor systems (1) are relayed to the receivers (4), which are hydraulic pumps (20), which actuate a hydraulic motor (21), which powers a generator (18). In comparison to known devices, the device according to the present invention is characterised by the following structural characteristics: a) considerable length of the rotor system, which facilitates better usage of the energy of the water, particularly of a river, since the volume of water relaying its energy to the device according to the present invention is a summary volume of the rotational solid formed by the rotors of the rotor system, wherein the length of this solid may be considerable thanks to the flexible connection of floating, elongated, helical rotors. The reception of the energy of the flowing water occurs over the entire surface of the rotational solid, formed by the spinning rotors of the rotor system. b) flexible connections between the rotors of the rotor system facilitate the installation of the device in convoluted rivers. The application of universal jointed shafts or flexible shafts as the element joining the rotor system to the receiver makes it possible to largely eliminate the detrimental influence of water level variation. c) the buoyancy of the rotor system makes it possible to build a device with a long rotor system, including in shallow rivers d) the simplicity of the design, and by the same token its relatively low price with preferable utility parameters

Preferentially, the structural characteristics of the device act synergistically since the structural characteristics make it possible to use the device in rivers (streams) which are convoluted and relatively shallow, where known devices may not be used. This greatly increases the range of applicability of the present invention. The relatively low price of the device according to the present invention may be a factor conducive to the mass popularization of this ecological device.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. A device for converting the energy of flowing water, particularly of rivers, into energy, particularly mechanical or electrical energy, characterised in that the rotor system (1) whose rotor (2) is connected flexibly (35) with at least one other rotor (3) is submerged, preferentially entirely in the current of flowing water, particularly of a river, and the torque of the rotor system (1) is relayed to the receiver (4) wherein the length of the rotor system (1) is no smaller than the largest rotor diameter of the rotor system (1).

2. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is attached to a structure (5), anchored to the bottom of the basin (6).

3. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is attached to a structure (7), attached to the pillar (8) of a bridge (9) or any other structural element of a bridge.

4. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is attached to a floating device (10), anchored to the bottom of the basin or the shore.

5. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is attached to a structure (11), located on an island (12).

6. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is attached to a structure (13), located on a shore (14) close to a bend in the river.

7. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is attached to a post (15), driven into the bottom of the basin (6).

8. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is situated above the level of the water (16).

9. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the torque of the rotor system (1) is relayed to the receiver (4) via a universal-jointed shaft (16).

10. A device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the torque of the rotor system (1) is relayed to the receiver (4) via a flexible shaft (17).

11. A device according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the receiver (4) is a generator (18).

12. A device according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the receiver (4) is a machine for performing useful work (19).

13. A device according to Claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the receiver (4) is a hydraulic pump (20) actuating a hydraulic motor (21).

14. A device according to Claim 13, characterised in that the hydraulic motor (21) powers a generator (18).

15. A device according to Claim 13, characterised in that the hydraulic motor (21) powers a machine for performing useful work (19).

16. A device according to Claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the receiver (4) is a water pump (22) which pumps water via a water conduit (23) into a water collecting system (24).

17. A device according to Claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the rotor system (1) is equipped with diffusers (25).

18. A device according to Claim 11, 12 or 13, characterised in that the rotor (2) of the rotor system (1) is at least mono-helical (26).

19. A device according to Claim 18, characterised in that one or more rotors (3) of the rotor system (1) is at least mono-helical (26).

20. A device according to Claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the rotor (2) of the rotor system (1) is buoyant in water.

21. A device according to Claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the one or more rotors (3) of the rotor system (1) is buoyant in water.

22. A device according to Claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, characterised in that the rotor system (1) is buoyant in water, wherein the rotor blades (29) are immersed completely in water, whereas ring floats (28 and/or 34 and/or 31) protrude partially above the surface of the water (36).

23. A device according to Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the cross-section of the helix (26) of the rotor of the rotor system (1) is flat (30).

24. A device according to Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the cross-section of the helix (26) of the rotor of the rotor system (1) is flat (30) with a pipe (31).

25. A device according to Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the cross-section of the helix (26) of the rotor of the rotor system (1) is dished (32).

26. A device according to Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the cross-section of the helix (26) of the rotor of the rotor system (1) is dished (32) with a pipe (31).

27. A device according to Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the cross-section of the helix (26) of the rotor of the rotor system (1) is shaped-shaped (33).