WO2008093037A1 - Appareil servant à générer une énergie électrique - Google Patents

Appareil servant à générer une énergie électrique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008093037A1
WO2008093037A1 PCT/GB2007/004595 GB2007004595W WO2008093037A1 WO 2008093037 A1 WO2008093037 A1 WO 2008093037A1 GB 2007004595 W GB2007004595 W GB 2007004595W WO 2008093037 A1 WO2008093037 A1 WO 2008093037A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
main body
blades
rotation
turbine
flow
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/004595
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Clunas
Original Assignee
Robert Clunas
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Clunas filed Critical Robert Clunas
Priority to GB0815541A priority Critical patent/GB2448845A/en
Publication of WO2008093037A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008093037A1/fr

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B3/00—Machines or engines of reaction type; Parts or details peculiar thereto
    • F03B3/12—Blades; Blade-carrying rotors
    • F03B3/14—Rotors having adjustable blades
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/10—Submerged units incorporating electric generators or motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B3/00—Machines or engines of reaction type; Parts or details peculiar thereto
    • F03B3/04—Machines or engines of reaction type; Parts or details peculiar thereto with substantially axial flow throughout rotors, e.g. propeller turbines
    • F03B3/06—Machines or engines of reaction type; Parts or details peculiar thereto with substantially axial flow throughout rotors, e.g. propeller turbines with adjustable blades, e.g. Kaplan turbines
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0091—Offshore structures for wind turbines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/97—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a submerged structure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/70—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades
    • F05B2260/74—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades by turning around an axis perpendicular the rotor centre line
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for generating ' electrical power from a flow of fluid.
  • it relates to an improved water turbine that is adapted to minimise frictional losses for improved energy efficiency during transition of a tidal stream.
  • tidal turbines are of particular interest as tides and tidal streams are a reliable and consistent source of energy.
  • Significant and predictable tidal currents are produced by the tides and in particular localities, the speed and force of tidal flows are enhanced, for example, in narrows or river estuaries where the flow of water is channelled between land masses, making these particularly attractive locations for capturing tidal energy. Examples of such localities include the Pentland Bore and Severn Estuary.
  • tidal flows are oscillatory in nature such that the flow of water will reverse over the course of a tidal period. It is desirable to capture energy throughout the tidal cycle.
  • apparatus for generating electrical power from a flow of fluid comprising: - a main body; and - blades coupled to the main body, the blades adapted to impart rotation of the main body in response to the flow of fluid for generating electrical power; wherein the apparatus is adapted to conserve angular momentum of the main body upon a change of fluid flow direction.
  • the main body can keep rotating or spinning while the fluid direction changes, or stops flowing, such as in the transition period of a tidal stream.
  • the apparatus is adapted to be neutrally buoyant when located in the fluid.
  • the apparatus is substantially weightless, reducing friction and assisting with conservation of momentum further.
  • the apparatus may comprise ballasting material for neutrally buoyant operation of the apparatus.
  • the ballast and/or buoyancy material may be provided to the apparatus to permit neutrally buoyant operation of the apparatus at a predetermined depth within a column of water.
  • the ballast may take the form of a bulkhead provided in the main body.
  • the ballast and/or buoyancy material may comprise a body formed of an aerated material.
  • the buoyancy material may be a fluid, liquid, and/or solid material, for example, air, water, gas and/or polystyrene.
  • the main body of the apparatus may be adapted to provide buoyancy to the apparatus when in operation.
  • the main body preferably comprises an interior housing and/or a buoyancy chamber for buoyancy material.
  • the buoyancy material may be provided to balance the weight of the apparatus, such that it is operable under neutral buoyancy conditions.
  • the apparatus may be a water turbine, which may be adapted for use in a tidal stream, for example, a tidal stream of an estuary, bay and/or river or coastal areas.
  • the apparatus and/or main body may be adapted to form a flywheel for facilitating rotation of the main body.
  • the flywheel may comprise any one or more of: the main body, the blades and/or any other component attached to the main body.
  • the main body and the blades together may form a flywheel for facilitating rotation of the main body.
  • the blades may be attached to an outer surface of the main body to form the flywheel.
  • the main body may have a cylindrical outer surface, and/or may comprise a cylindrical main body adapted to rotate axially around a shaft located along a longitudinal axis of the cylinder for producing electricity.
  • the apparatus is preferably operable with the longitudinal axis oriented horizontally in the fluid flow.
  • the apparatus is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.
  • the apparatus is evenly balanced about a mid-point along the longitudinal axis. This assists to provide an even weight distribution and smooth, low-friction rotation around the shaft.
  • the main body may be configured to assist with operation of the flywheel.
  • the main body is preferably hollow, and may comprise walls formed of solid material, which may be formed from a heavy or/and dense material to form the flywheel and to assist with rotation.
  • the blades may be of uniform density and may be coupled to an outer wall of the main body to facilitate rotation of the main body.
  • the blades may have a non-uniform density.
  • the blades may have a radially varying density distribution along a direction away from the outer surface of the main body.
  • the blades may have a radially increasing density such that a greater weight acts on the extremities of the rotating components of the apparatus to facilitate initiation of rotation of the main body and/or rotation as a flywheel.
  • the main body and/or blades may be formed from metal or plastics materials.
  • the main body may be adapted to house power generation devices e.g. electrical conduction coils.
  • the blades may be adapted to impart rotation of the main body in response to the flow of fluid from different directions.
  • the blades may be adapted to allow rotation of the main body in a sense of rotation, e.g. clockwise and/or counter-clockwise, in response to fluid flow from a first direction, and in the same sense of rotation in response to fluid flow from a second direction opposing the first direction.
  • the blades may be adapted to rotate around a radial axis to produce rotation of the main body upon a change in direction of fluid flow.
  • the blades may be variable and/or changeable pitch blades for allowing orientation of the blades according to fluid flow conditions.
  • the blades may be adapted to self-orientate and/or passively orientate in response to fluid flow past the apparatus, in the vicinity of the apparatus, and/or a change in direction of fluid flow.
  • the blades may be pivotalIy attached to the main body to rotate about axes extending radially of the cylindrical outer surface, for facilitating orientation of the blades to allow rotation of the main body in the presence of fluid flow from different directions.
  • the blades may be adapted to orientate vertically with respect to an outer surface of the main body and/or normal to the outer surface when there is no, little, and/or negligible flow during slack water. In this orientation, resistance to rotation imparted in a previous "driven" phase is reduced. More specifically, the blades may be adapted to orientate with faces, and/or a part of the faces, of the blades substantially parallel to the plane of rotation of the main body, and/or in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body, below a pre-determined flow rate, e.g., during slack water.
  • the apparatus comprises electrical generating means.
  • the electrical generating means may comprise first and second generating components adapted to electrically interact with each other for generating electrical power.
  • the first generating component may comprise electrical coils housed in the main body
  • the second generating component may comprise a shaft received through the main body along a longitudinal axis of the main body about which the main body is permitted to rotate.
  • the shaft may be coupled to the main body via a low-friction bearing.
  • the first generating component may comprise electrical coils housed in and end housing
  • the second generating component may take the form of a shaft attached to an end of the main body along a longitudinal axis of the main body, wherein the shaft is adapted to be rotatably received in the end housing near the electrical coils.
  • the shaft of the main body may be coupled to the end housing via a low friction bearing.
  • a method of generating electrical power comprising the steps of: - locating apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention in a flow of fluid; - using the flow to cause the blades to rotate the main body for producing electrical power; and
  • the method comprises the step of deploying the apparatus in water .
  • the method comprises the step of locating the apparatus in water for minimising the effect of frictional forces experienced by the apparatus, e.g. the effects of loss of energy.
  • the method may comprise the step of locating the apparatus under water.
  • the method may comprise the step of anchoring the apparatus under water.
  • the method may comprise the step of using tidal streams and/or currents to rotate the main body.
  • the method may comprise the step of using tidal streams or currents from different and/or opposing directions to rotate the main body.
  • the method may comprise the step of generating electricity in low and/or non-flow conditions, e.g. in slack water periods.
  • the method may comprise the step of operating the apparatus in conditions of neutral buoyancy.
  • the apparatus may be apparatus as defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
  • a method of generating electrical power comprising the step of: - locating apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention in a flow of fluid to allow the blades to rotate the main body in response to the fluid flow for producing electrical power.
  • the method may comprise the step of ballasting the apparatus to operate the apparatus under neutral buoyancy conditions thereby minimising the effect of frictional forces experienced by the apparatus .
  • the method may comprise the step of deploying the apparatus under water.
  • the step of deploying the apparatus under water may further comprise the step of orienting the apparatus for operation with the longitudinal axis oriented substantially horizontally in the water.
  • the apparatus may be apparatus as defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional representation of the water turbine according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 2A to 2C are schematic representations of the blade configuration of the water turbine of Figure 1 upon a change of direction of a tidal stream;
  • Figures 3A to 3C show different perspective views of a water turbine with three inline blades according to an further embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 4A is a line drawing of a water turbine during operation under water and in the presence of a tidal stream, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4B is a line drawing of a series of water turbines coupled together and submerged during operation in a tidal stream, according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a line drawing of a turbine with a bulkhead ballasting arrangement, according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a part cross-sectional representation of a water turbine according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a part cutaway representation of a water turbine according to a further embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is generally shown a horizontal water turbine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the turbine 10 has a cylindrical main body 12, with a shaft 14 located through the main body 12 along a central longitudinal axis 16 of the main body.
  • the shaft 14 is attached to a support structure 18 at each end.
  • the main body 12 and shaft 14 are arranged so that the main body 12 can rotate about the central shaft 14 to produce electrical power.
  • the water turbine further includes blades 20, which are attached the main body 12 extending radially outwards from an outer surface of the main body. In the presence of a fluid flow directed along the turbine, a rotational force is imparted to the blades.
  • the blades 20 function to rotate the main body 12 around the horizontal shaft in response to the fluid flow.
  • the main body is provided with nose cones 30 at each end of the main body 12 to assist to deflect fluid along the main body for driving the blades 20.
  • the blades 20 together with the main body 12 housing the coils 24 acts as the "rotor” component of a generator, while the shaft 14, which is fixed to the support structure acts as the "stator” component of the generator.
  • the fluid flow 22 causes the blades 20 to turn the main body around the shaft 14 such that electricity is produced and an electrical current can be extracted from the turbine 10.
  • a generator rotor may form a part of a generator assembly external to the main body coupled the support 18.
  • angular momentum of the main body is transferred to a "rotor" component of the generator assembly via a gearing arrangement provided toward the nose 30 of the main body.
  • the main body 12 is substantially hollow, with the majority of its weight associated with walls 28 of the body; the walls in this example being formed from a metal material. Further, the rotors 20 extend outwardly of the main body away from the central longitudinal axis.
  • This distribution of weight helps to maintain the angular momentum of the main body around the shaft after initially being set in motion by the water flow.
  • the rotor component of the turbine 10 (including the main body, blades and coils 24) functions as a flywheel that can turn around the shaft 14.
  • the turbine 10 is neutrally buoyant in operation when fully submerged in sea water so that there is negligible weight acting on the water turbine and/or contact points between the shaft 14 and main body 12.
  • the materials and form of the turbine are selected to help to ensure that the turbine is neutrally buoyant in this way.
  • the main body 12 and blades 20 are formed from metal.
  • the main body 12 is in the form of a hollow cylinder (filled with air) to balance the weight of the metal tube.
  • Additional ballast material 29 is provided to ensure it is neutrally buoyant when deployed under water. Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a further example of how ballast might in a specific embodiment be applied to a turbine 100.
  • ballast elements 104 are attached to bulkheads 106 provided inside the main body, depicted as a sealed casing 112.
  • the ballast elements 105 have a greater volume toward the centre axis 16 of the turbine.
  • the casing rests against ball-type bearings 118 that assist with rotation of main casing 112 around the stator shaft 14.
  • Other components are as described with reference to the embodiment of Figure 1.
  • additional floatation material might be added to the turbine as required so that it is neutrally buoyant. Such requirements may depend on the depth at which it is desired to operate the turbine, and physical properties of the water etc.
  • the blades 20 are attached to the main body 12 about a pivot so that they are able to rotate about radial axes extending from an outer surface of the main body.
  • the blades can rotate passively about these axes according to the orientation of the fluid flow impinging on the blades. This allows the blades to be driven by the flow as the flow direction changes. Where there is negligible flow along the turbine main body, the blades align with their faces substantially parallel to the plane of rotation of the main body 12. The blades can also rotate to allow the turbine to rotate in the same sense regardless of flow direction.
  • the turbine 10 is shown as immersed in a tidal stream flowing from a region 40 toward a region 50.
  • the blades 20 rotate clockwise around their axes, causing clockwise rotation of the turbine.
  • the blades self- orient into a neutral or unrotated position, allowing the angular momentum from the prior driven phase of Figure 2A to be conserved such that rotation of the turbine continues on in a clockwise sense.
  • an opposing tidal stream flows from the region 50 toward the region 40.
  • the blades are rotated anti-clockwise around the radial axis, causing the turbine to turn and be driven again in the same clockwise sense of rotation.
  • the tidal turbine rotates in the same sense regardless of the direction of the tidal stream. This is energy efficient as it is not necessary to spend energy in also reversing the direction of rotation of the turbine itself.
  • the rotor flywheel behaviour of the present turbine provides for preservation of angular momentum and consistent rotation of the main body and generator apparatus during this tidal transition period where flow of water may be slow or even negligible.
  • the flywheel is of particular help to overcome and reduce energy loss due to frictional forces acting on the water turbine body and blades.
  • This rotation in the transition period is assisted by the blades rotating into a neutral orientation such that frictional forces across the blade faces are reduced.
  • rotation in this period is enhanced further as the neutral buoyancy feature of the turbine also reduces the effect of friction on the operation of the turbine .
  • FIG. 3A to 3C there is shown examples of a triple bladed water turbine 100 in perspective with the shaft ends coupled to the support structure 18 of an anchor or securing device 102.
  • the anchor 102 provides a fixing point for the central shaft, allowing the rotating unit, i.e., the main body blades and additional generator components, to rotate around the shaft.
  • the anchor is shown located on the ground, however it will be appreciated that this might stand on the seabed in practice, or, it might be located in the water column as a submerged buoy-type anchor to support the turbine from above.
  • the turbine may be suspended from a semi- submersible vehicle.
  • inline blades 120 helps to maximise use of an impinging tidal stream toward driving the turbine.
  • energy that is not captured by, for example, the first blade 102a might be captured by the second or third bladed 102a, 102b at slightly later times to produce rotation of the turbine.
  • FIGs 4A and 4B show water turbines 10 as described above in use under water in the presence of a tidal stream.
  • the turbine 10 is anchored to the seabed 204 via anchoring device 102 as referred to in relation to Figures 3A to 3C.
  • the turbine 10 is located a distance off the seabed where it is neutrally buoyant .
  • FIG. 4B there is shown a number of turbines linked together and submerged under water.
  • the turbines 10 are neutrally buoyant, and anchored by floating anchors 202.
  • the turbine may be located at a different height to remain neutrally buoyant.
  • the support 102 or anchor 202 may be configured to allow for vertical movement of the turbine accordingly.
  • the tidal stream indicated by arrow 302 causes the blades 20 and main body 12 (acting as generator rotor) of a turbine 10 to rotate around the shaft (stator) to generate electricity, which is exported from the turbine via a cable 304.
  • the rotating component of the turbine acts as a flywheel to continue or carry the rotational momentum.
  • the entire unit of rotation contributes to the flywheel effect.
  • the blades 20 rotate passively in response to the change in direction of the tidal stream. Where there is negligible stream, e.g. at slack water, the blades are neutrally oriented in parallel to the plane of rotation, thus, minimising friction acting across the blade surfaces to assist with rotation of the turbine. Being neutrally buoyant, frictional forces due to weight of the turbine are minimised, and the ability of the turbine momentum to be maintained through the flywheel effect is maximised. In this way, the momentum can be carried over the tidal transitional period.
  • the blades rotate correspondingly such that the turbine continues to rotate or spin in the same sense, again to avoid frictional losses.
  • the turbine remains fully submerged at all times regardless of the changes in water height over the tidal period.
  • a water turbine 500 is shown.
  • the turbine 500 operates in a similar manner to the turbines described with reference to the embodiments above, being particularly effective under water in a tidal stream. Similar features are denoted with corresponding reference numerals but are incremented by a multiple of one hundred.
  • the turbine 500 comprises a cylindrical elongate main body 512 defining a longitudinal axis 516.
  • the main body is a sealed hollow unit providing a buoyancy chamber 515 which contains ballasting 592.
  • the chamber is filled with air, which counteracts the weight of the turbine and adds buoyancy to the turbine in water.
  • Other buoyancy materials may also be provided in the chamber.
  • the ballasting and/or buoyancy materials are chosen to control the depth of operation of the turbine below the water surface so that it operates under neutrally buoyant conditions.
  • the turbine 500 is provided with three sets of blades 520a-c which are attached to the main body 512, along its length.
  • Each set comprises a number of blades which are evenly disposed around a circumference of the main body, and which are mounted at the respective attachment points 521a-c such that they can rotate relatively freely about their own respective axes.
  • the blades rotate about their respective longitudinal axes 523a-c extending radially from the outer surface of the cylindrical main body 512, such that the blades can self- orientate to drive rotation of the main body in response to a flow of water impinging on the blades from different directions.
  • the main body 512 and components attached to the main body form a flywheel once set in motion during operation of the turbine in a tidal stream.
  • the flywheel acts to store energy, and resists intermittency or fluctuations in loads applied to the turbine while it is rotating.
  • the turbine 500 differs from the above-described embodiments primarily in its configuration for power generation.
  • the main body 512 of the turbine 500 is fitted with end shafts 590a, b which extend from end surfaces of the main body along the longitudinal axis 516.
  • the end shafts 590a, b are fixedly attached to the main body.
  • the main body 512 is coupled to separate nose cone housings 530a, b via end shafts 590a, b.
  • a bearing arrangement (not shown) provides for the coupling such that in neutral buoyancy conditions of operation, the main body 512 exerts no or at least minimal weight against the bearing, minimising frictional losses.
  • the end shafts 590 extend via gearing mechanisms 572a, b into rotator shaft portions 544a, b which are received within stator generator coils 542a, b in the nose cone housings 530a, b. Coil windings or a magnetic material may be provided to the rotator shaft portions 544a, b. As the end shafts 590a, b rotate along with the main body 512 in response to fluid flow, the rotator shaft portions 544a, b rotate correspondingly within and with respect to the stator generator coils 542a, b to generate electrical power, which may be tapped off from the nose cone generator housing and exported.
  • the gearing mechanisms 572a, b are primarily provided to change the rate of rotation of the rotator shaft portions as compared with that of the end shafts 590a, b.
  • end shafts 590a, b comprises wire windings and extend directly from the end of the main body to be received in the stator coils 590 without gearing mechanisms being used.
  • the nose portions 'at each end of the turbine are provided as separate nose cone housings 530a,b (but coupled to the main body) .
  • the nose cone housings 530a, b are arranged to be rotationally static and are not part of the rotating flywheel.
  • the nose cone housings 530a, b are harnessed, for example, to a seabed anchored support or submerged buoy, to fix the nose cones within the water column to allow for relative rotation of the main body 512 with respect to the nose cone housing and in turn the stator generator coils 542a, b.
  • the turbine 500 has an aerodynamic construction in that it is formed with a cylindrical main body, while the nose cone housings 530a, b are tapered to points at their ends. This helps to deflect fluid past the turbine, avoiding disruption and turbulence of fluid flow, and thereby improving efficiency of rotation of the main body and the harnessing of energy from the fluid.
  • the Figure 6 arrangement also has benefits in simplicity of operation and construction of parts.
  • FIG 7 a further example embodiment is shown of a water turbine 700.
  • the turbine is generally configured in a similar manner to that of Figure 6, except the buoyancy chamber 715 has a different arrangement of the end shafts and positioning of buoyancy/ballasting material.
  • the ballast plates 792 are provided to an internal extension of the end shafts 790a, b further toward the midpoint along the main body 712.
  • the ballast plates are provided either side of a bulkheads 702a, b attached to an inner wall of the main body 712. This arrangement assists to provide structural integrity and stiffness to the main body 712 of the turbine.
  • the turbine comprises an outer flow tube surrounding the blades for channelling water toward and past the blades.
  • the turbine may be viewed to be a "neutral buoyancy flywheel turbine generator”.
  • the turbine blades are located in air, and are coupled to the main body submerged under water, for example, via a gearing arrangement.
  • the blades rotate in response to an air stream, to cause rotation of the main body.
  • the main body is neutrally buoyant so that it is weightless in the water and rotates around the shaft with ease to generate power.
  • This arrangement may be beneficial in use with a floating vessel, which may for example provide support the blades.
  • the present water turbine offers significant benefits in that it can be readily used to generate electricity in opposing flow directions. Further, it is used under water and operates silently and does not present a navigational hazard to ships and/or boats. It may advantageously be used particularly in estuary environments, rivers, and tidal streams. The presently described turbines are particularly efficient in such environments as frictional losses are significantly reduced or minimised, providing for momentum to be conserved through directional transitions of the flow.

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil servant à générer une énergie électrique à partir d'un écoulement de fluide et un procédé associé. Dans un mode de réalisation, l'appareil comprend un corps principal auquel sont couplées des pales servant à répartir la rotation du corps principal en réponse à l'écoulement de fluide de telle sorte qu'un moment cinétique du corps principal est conservé lors d'une modification de direction de l'écoulement de fluide. Par conséquent, de l'électricité peut être générée pendant que le corps principal pivote, et pendant que la direction du fluide est modifiée, tel que lors d'une période d'étale dans un écoulement tidal.
PCT/GB2007/004595 2007-02-02 2007-11-30 Appareil servant à générer une énergie électrique WO2008093037A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0815541A GB2448845A (en) 2007-02-02 2007-11-30 Apparatus for generating electrical power

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0702002.7A GB0702002D0 (en) 2007-02-02 2007-02-02 Apparatus for generating electrical power
GB0702002.7 2007-02-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008093037A1 true WO2008093037A1 (fr) 2008-08-07

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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITVE20090004A1 (it) * 2009-01-22 2009-04-23 Claudio Berti Trasformatore di moto ondoso e/o flussi in modo rotativo:condotto saturatore con elica a flusso assiale a pale indipendenti auto orientabili
ITTO20110493A1 (it) * 2011-06-07 2011-09-06 Shiftplus Di Bussolino Giuseppe Sistema di generazione elettrica da moto ondoso.
US20110296825A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2011-12-08 Inventua Aps Rotating apparatus
ES2439423A1 (es) * 2012-07-20 2014-01-22 Sagres S.L. Generador para el aprovechamiento energético de corrientes marinas
CN103803733A (zh) * 2014-02-17 2014-05-21 张玉 一种曝气水流的能量再利用装置
US9334847B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2016-05-10 Grover Curtis Harris Bi-rotational generator
DK178830B1 (da) * 2010-01-14 2017-03-06 Svend-Erik Ringtved Vendbar duoprop tidevandsgenerator
US10788009B2 (en) 2017-11-02 2020-09-29 Finn Escone Oy Device for recovering wave energy
US20220325689A1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2022-10-13 Loubert S. Suddaby Assembly for capturing oscillating fluid energy with hinged propeller and segmented driveshaft

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2589572C2 (ru) * 2014-03-06 2016-07-10 Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Воронежский государственный технический университет" Гидротурбина

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GB191000582A (fr) *
US4306157A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-12-15 Wracsaricht Lazar J Underwater slow current turbo generator
JPS5818565A (ja) * 1981-07-27 1983-02-03 Tsuchiya Riyuuko ユニバ−サルタ−ビン
GB2392713A (en) * 2003-09-13 2004-03-10 John Hunter Multi-direction flow turbine
EP1741926A2 (fr) * 2005-07-05 2007-01-10 Gencor Industries Inc. Générateur avec turbine à courant d'eau

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191000582A (fr) *
US4306157A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-12-15 Wracsaricht Lazar J Underwater slow current turbo generator
JPS5818565A (ja) * 1981-07-27 1983-02-03 Tsuchiya Riyuuko ユニバ−サルタ−ビン
GB2392713A (en) * 2003-09-13 2004-03-10 John Hunter Multi-direction flow turbine
EP1741926A2 (fr) * 2005-07-05 2007-01-10 Gencor Industries Inc. Générateur avec turbine à courant d'eau

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110296825A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2011-12-08 Inventua Aps Rotating apparatus
US8959907B2 (en) 2008-10-29 2015-02-24 Inventua Aps Rotating apparatus
ITVE20090004A1 (it) * 2009-01-22 2009-04-23 Claudio Berti Trasformatore di moto ondoso e/o flussi in modo rotativo:condotto saturatore con elica a flusso assiale a pale indipendenti auto orientabili
DK178830B1 (da) * 2010-01-14 2017-03-06 Svend-Erik Ringtved Vendbar duoprop tidevandsgenerator
ITTO20110493A1 (it) * 2011-06-07 2011-09-06 Shiftplus Di Bussolino Giuseppe Sistema di generazione elettrica da moto ondoso.
ES2439423A1 (es) * 2012-07-20 2014-01-22 Sagres S.L. Generador para el aprovechamiento energético de corrientes marinas
US9334847B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2016-05-10 Grover Curtis Harris Bi-rotational generator
CN103803733A (zh) * 2014-02-17 2014-05-21 张玉 一种曝气水流的能量再利用装置
CN103803733B (zh) * 2014-02-17 2015-08-12 张玉 一种曝气水流的能量再利用装置
US10788009B2 (en) 2017-11-02 2020-09-29 Finn Escone Oy Device for recovering wave energy
US20220325689A1 (en) * 2021-04-12 2022-10-13 Loubert S. Suddaby Assembly for capturing oscillating fluid energy with hinged propeller and segmented driveshaft
US11754035B2 (en) * 2021-04-12 2023-09-12 Loubert S. Suddaby Assembly for capturing oscillating fluid energy with hinged propeller and segmented driveshaft

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GB0815541D0 (en) 2008-10-01
GB2448845A (en) 2008-10-29

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