WO2009127636A2

WO2009127636A2 - Solar chimney

Info

Publication number: WO2009127636A2
Application number: PCT/EP2009/054418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heinrich Koller
Original assignee: Heinrich Koller
Priority date: 2008-04-15
Filing date: 2009-04-15
Publication date: 2009-10-22
Also published as: DE202008005501U1; WO2009127636A3

Abstract

Device (1) for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, comprising an outer wall (2), wherein the wall (2) at least partially envelopes a first cavity (4), at least one inlet opening (6) for feeding air to the cavity and at least one discharge opening (8) for discharging the air from the cavity (4), wherein air located in the cavity can be heated by solar insolation acting on the wall. According to the invention, the inlet opening (6) is provided below the discharge opening (8) and an energy converter unit (12) can be disposed in or at at least one of the openings (6, 8), said energy converter unit (12) converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.

Description

Aufwindkraftwerk

description

The present invention relates to a device for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy (or for converting solar energy into electrical energy) and in particular to a so-called updraft power station. Such updraft power plants are known from the prior art and usually have a tube which projects vertically into the sky and in this way makes use of the principle of the upflowing warm air in this tube in order to obtain turbine energy. However, these systems have the disadvantage that, for example, during heavy storms such towers are usually affected. Often such power plants in the production costs are very complicated and expensive. In addition, the height of these power plants for static reasons is limited and thus the efficiency.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an energy-efficient power plant. This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive device for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy has an outer wall, said wall at least partially surrounding a first cavity. Furthermore, the device has at least one supply opening in order to supply air to the cavity and at least one discharge device to remove the air remove the cavity. In this case, the air in the cavity can be heated by solar radiation impinging on the wall.

According to the invention, the feed opening is provided below the discharge opening and in or on at least one of the openings, an energy converter unit can be arranged, which converts kinetic energy and in particular kinetic energy of the arranged in the cavity air into electrical energy. An arrangement in or at the opening is understood to mean that the energy conversion unit is in particular arranged such that essentially all the air which passes through the opening also passes through the energy conversion unit.

It is thus proposed in particular to create a large metal body, such as in the form of a pyramid, which heats up by the natural solar radiation and which preferably has an opening at the top for the outflow of heated air, so that the new incoming air below, for example, turbines for Power generation can drive. An opening is planned, which automatically adapts itself to the airflow quantity, ie can be made larger or smaller.

The air masses heated in the device flow upwards, thus creating a strong suction at the air inlet below, where the turbines sit. The outflowing air creates a negative pressure in the body, such as a metal body, so that enough "fresh air" must be supplied at the bottom, which is done by means of turbine orifices Advantageously, these turbines have blade adjustments to automatically adjust to the flow rates of the particular air temperature for power generation - NEN.

Advantageously, a large or multiple small turbines are also provided in the air outlet, since the outflowing hot air has enough power here to be converted again into electrical energy. Since in an almost closed container the air can only escape upwards, this is obvious. Significant here is the question of turbine choice, since there should be no backwater, in order not to reduce the intake turbines in their performance. This power plant type is especially suitable for areas where there are hardly any mountain massifs, in particular desert areas. Preferably, said feed opening is arranged in a bottom area of the device. The discharge opening is preferably provided in an uppermost region, for example the tip of the entire device. The energy is preferably achieved by utilizing a suction effect of the air in the cavity.

Preferably, the cavity is closed except for the above-mentioned openings. While in the power plants partially known from the prior art, the cavity partially apart from said openings has more openings, it is proposed that the cavity, except for the actual supply and Abführöff- openings is completed. In this case, the said wall preferably completely surrounds the cavity. However, it would also be possible that the cavity is indeed completed, but this only partially serves a wall. Thus, it would be possible, for example, to attach the wall to a massif or to buildings, whereby the cavity is formed on the one hand by a building wall and on the other hand by above said wall of the device. The wall is preferably made of a good heat-conducting and particularly preferably a metallic material.

Preferably, an outer surface of the wall is designed to absorb light. In this case, for example, the wall consist of a black anodized aluminum.

In a further advantageous embodiment, an energy storage unit for storing thermal energy is arranged in the cavity. This energy storage unit is used in particular for a post-operation of the device. In order to ensure this subsequent operation, it is advisable to arrange said energy storage unit within the cavity. Thus, it would be possible, for example, that the entire device is designed as a pyramid and the energy storage unit is a small second pyramid as a heat storage.

Preferably, the energy storage unit is at least partially and preferably circumferentially spaced from the outer wall. This means that a circumferential gap between the energy storage unit and the wall of the device is formed. In this space, air currents can rise from bottom to top. The energy storage unit can likewise have a wall which completely surrounds an interior and preferably a material-filled interior. Preferably, the energy storage unit has at least one obliquely (with respect to a horizontal plane) arranged air duct pipe. In this obliquely arranged air duct, heated air can also flow from the bottom up and thus make the operation of the device more efficient. Preferably, the energy storage unit has a plurality of completely separate air ducts. Thus, it is possible that the energy storage unit has a branched tube system, via which a faster heating of the entire storage device or storage pyramid can be achieved. When the sun is no longer shining, the stored heat in the pyramid also rises, providing a pull to constantly suck in fresh air into the turbines. Although the heat output of the system can not reach the daily output in this case, an efficiency of, for example, 30 percent would be respectable.

Preferably, with the device according to the invention, powers can be achieved in a range between 100 MW and 2 GW, preferably between 200 MW and 1.5 GW and particularly preferably in the range from 300 MW to 1 GW.

Preferably, an energy converter unit is arranged here at least in one of the openings, the energy converter unit converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. This energy conversion unit may be, for example, a turbine or the like. Preferably, the energy conversion unit is disposed at least at or in the one or more supply ports. In a further advantageous embodiment, the energy conversion unit is arranged in an outer region of said opening, so as to be easily accessible for repair work and the like in this way. Preferably, therefore, the device has a plurality of air supply openings, wherein preferably in or on each of these air supply units, such a converter unit is arranged.

Preferably, supply openings to supply air to the cavity are spaced from the cavity to provide a sufficient temperature gradient between the air supply openings and the discharge openings. Thus, it would be conceivable to arrange the feed opening in a concrete base, which itself is not exposed to light radiation. It would be too possible to arrange on such a concrete base mirror elements which direct light irradiated on the concrete base on the wall.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the opening cross section is variable at least one opening. Thus, for example, depending on the times of day or the sunlight, fewer or more openings can be opened or their opening cross sections can be changed in order to increase energy efficiency in this way. Also, the outlet opening can be changed accordingly with respect to their opening cross-section, in order to also control the energy efficiency in this way. Thus, it would be possible to open only those feed openings, which are themselves in the current shadow area of the device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one drive device in order to change the cross section at least at an opening. This means that automatic or automated drives are provided here, which regulate the supply of air and its discharge.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least one sensor device for detecting a characteristic characteristic value and in particular a characteristic characteristic of the air characteristic. For example, a temperature sensor may be provided which measures the temperature of the wall or also the temperature of the air in the interior of the device. In addition, it would often be possible for a plurality of such temperature sensors to be arranged at different regions within the device, for example at an input region to which the air is supplied and at the outlet region of the air. In addition, however, other sensor devices, such as moisture sensors, light sensors and the like could be provided. Preferably, in response to the signals of this sensor device, a control of the opening cross sections of the supply and discharge openings can be made.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a further substance is arranged in the energy storage unit next to the tubes. For example, it would be possible for the energy storage unit to have a network of several tubes and for these multiple tubes to be embedded in the further substance, such as sand, for example. On the one hand, the use of sand has the advantage that it is comparatively cheap and other on the one hand has a high heat capacity. This means that the sand can be heated throughout the day and heat is used during the night hours to heat the air, especially in the pipes, and thus to bring it up.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall in its entirety forms a pyramid. The shape of a pyramid is particularly suitable because it has a large surface that can be heated by the sun. However, cones, towers, pointed triangles, hemispheres or semi-ellipsoids are also in question. Also, a pyramid has the advantage of high stability, for example against updraft towers, since it is firmly connected to the foundation and has a very large footprint.

Such a pyramid preferably has a base area which lies between 80 m × 80 m and 2000 m × 2000 m, preferably between 150 m × 150 m and 1500 m × 1500 ×, and particularly preferably between 300 × 300 m and 1200 m × 1200 m. The height of this pyramid is preferably between 80m and 1500m, preferably between 150m and 1500m, and more preferably between 300m and 1200m. However, also beyond dimensions would be conceivable.

In order to generate energy with an updraft plant, a temperature difference is required between the air entering below and the air temperature prevailing at the exit. The higher this difference, the greater the efficiency of a power plant. However, such a large metal container is subject to other laws of nature. It is caused by the sunlight and the associated heating a heat pressure in the interior of the pyramid, which acts like a motor.

The present invention is further directed to methods for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy wherein air is introduced into a cavity via a supply port and is made through an exit opening from that cavity and heated within that cavity by exposure to sunlight on a wall surrounding the cavity becomes. According to the invention, the supply opening is arranged below the delivery opening and arranged over at least one in or at least one of the openings. The energy converter unit converts kinetic energy of the air into electrical energy.

Preferably, the total amount of air entering the cavity via the supply openings is equal to the total amount of air exiting the cavity via the discharge opening. This means that the device preferably has no further openings next to these openings, ie is closed.

In another preferred method, the air within the cavity is guided essentially in a flow direction which is not vertical. Preferably, the air moves within the cavity at least partially obliquely upwards. Preferably, the air moves obliquely upward in a section which is greater than 30% of the total distance, preferably greater than 50% of the total distance, preferably greater than 80% of the total distance and particularly preferably greater than 90% of the total distance.

Further advantages and embodiments will become apparent from the attached drawings:

To the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an energy storage unit.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device 1 according to the invention for converting kinetic energy (from air) into electrical energy. This device has a wall 2, which forms a pyramid-shaped housing 7 in its entirety. Within this housing 7, a designated in its entirety 4 cavity is formed. Due to the irradiation of the sun 3, light passes along the arrows P1 onto this wall and heats it.

The interior of the pyramid heats up in this way, causing air disposed inside the pyramid to escape to the outside through an outlet 8 (see arrow P4). In this case, a turbine 14 can be arranged in an upper region of the pyramid, which converts the kinetic energy of the air into electrical energy. In a lower one Area, but more specifically in a bottom area 2a, the device 1 has a plurality of feed openings 6, via which air passes along the arrows P2 in the pyramid or the cavity 4.

This air rises within the pyramid upwards in the direction of the outlet opening 8. In the individual openings 6 energy conversion devices 12 (in particular turbines) may be arranged, which also convert the kinetic energy of the air into electrical energy. Preferably, a plurality of openings 16 are arranged uniformly, at least in a region of the outer circumference of the conversion or the pyramid. The floor area 2a can be designed here as a concrete base.

The reference numeral 26 refers to a sensor device, such as a temperature measuring device, which determines a temperature of the air in this lower region. Further temperature measuring devices can be distributed over the inner surface of the pyramide. A temperature measuring device 28 determines the temperature in an upper region of the pyramid. On the basis of these data, a control device can control opening or closing devices 16 which control the supply of air through the individual openings 6. Also, a corresponding opening and closing device may be arranged on the discharge opening 8.

In addition, several discharge openings could be present. In addition, also light measuring devices could be provided. The energy for operating these sensor devices and / or the drive devices could be obtained, for example, from solar cells, which are arranged on the outer surface of the wall.

In the interior of the pyramid, an energy storage unit designated in its entirety by 20 is provided. The reference numeral 32 refers to a transport means which can move a transporting means 34 up or down on an outer wall of the pyramid. However, it would also be possible for the means of transport 34 to be a means of transport 34 with which, for example, visitors can be brought to the top of said pyramid. The reference numeral 24 schematically shows a control device for driving the individual drives and for detecting the signals output by the sensor devices 26. The reference numeral 15 denotes a circulating NEN intermediate space formed between the housing 2 and the energy storage unit 20.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed representation of an energy storage unit 20. Here, in the interior, this energy storage unit has a multiplicity of tubes 56 and openings 52. If this energy storage unit 20 is heated in its entirety, the air is heated in the interior of the tubes 56 and increases, since these tubes are arranged obliquely, also upwards. In this way, further buoyancy is generated inside the energy storage device 20. Energy converters 30 can also be provided in this energy storage unit 20 for converting kinetic energy (the air) into electrical energy. The energy storage unit is also designed here as a pyramid, but it would also be conceivable here a different kind of form. The reference numeral 58 refers to a filler which is provided in an inner space 55 of the energy storage unit, such as sand.

In addition, a thermally conductive connection between the wall and the energy storage unit could be present. If necessary, it is necessary that there are struts within the wall for static reasons. These struts can be mounted between the wall 2 and the outer wall of the energy storage unit 20, in order to ensure not only the effect of the stiffening but also improved heat transfer from the wall 2 to the energy storage unit.

In the interior of the energy storage unit is here preferably a granular medium, in particular but not exclusively sand, arranged. It would also be possible to arrange other media which are suitable for storing heat energy.

Preferably, the energy converters are low-friction turbines which, although each have only a limited power yield, but contribute in their high number to a total high energy yield of the entire device.

In order to increase the power of the power plant even further, it would also be conceivable to include glass roofs of already known updraft power plants, which could additionally be arranged around the housing 2 or the pyramid in order to warm the air before it can flow into the turbine openings. Also, transparent coatings on the Outside wall 2 may be provided, which allow light to happen, but reduce heat leakage from the wall 2 to the outside.

The entire apparatus 1 has the advantage that it offers a relatively simple solution path and that the outer panel of the metal construction, which is preferably dark and particularly preferably black, can achieve a higher efficiency, in particular in the case of a pyramid, as in already known updraft power plants. In this case, however, the heating effect of the metal construction held in black is particularly advantageously exploited. As stated above, aluminum is preferably used as the metal. A further advantageous feature is, as mentioned above, the extensive seclusion of the system.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is particularly suitable for mountainous areas. The cavity 4 is formed here by a tube which is arranged by means of a plurality of supports 42 on a mountain massif 44. Again, a turbine 12 is provided, which converts the flow energy of the air into electrical energy. Within the cavity 8, the air rises along the arrows P3 upwards. Furthermore, it would also be possible for an energy storage unit 20 to be provided within the feed tube 48 or below it, which operates in a similar manner to the energy storage unit mentioned above. Also at the upper end of the cavity, a turbine could be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 40 forms a closed up to the supply port 6 and the discharge opening 8 cavity, but it would also be possible that the wall 2 is grown directly on a mountain mass and together with this forms the cavity 4.

Thus, in this embodiment, the use of one or more large pipes is suggested, which lean against mountain massifs, whereby over known from the prior art devices increased stability is achieved because the pipes can be anchored to solid ground 44. In addition, an additional rather more efficiency is added by the sun's radiation, the dark or black tubes 40, which are advantageously adapted to the mountain 44, heated and give the power plant additional energy. The heat or air supply takes place at the bottom of the mountain massif. However, this system is also advantageously completed, so that the air take only the prescribed path to and through the turbines 12 can. The reference numeral 48 refers here to a glass roof under which also the above-mentioned energy storage unit 20 is located.

In this embodiment, it would be possible, for example, to attach this at sea level and to attach the pipes to the mountain massif, depending on the available height, if necessary, up to a height of 3000 m or higher. The resulting suction can not be achieved with the towers known from the prior art.

All features disclosed in the application documents are claimed as essential to the invention insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 device

2 wall

2a floor area, pedestal

3 sun

4 cavity 5 feed tube

6 feed opening

7 housing

8 outlet opening

12 energy conversion device 14 energy conversion device, turbine

15 gap

16 opening device

20 energy storage device

24 control device 26 sensor device

28 temperature measuring device

30 energy conversion device

32 transport device

34 means of transport 42 support

44 mountain (massive)

48 feed tube

52 opening

55 interior

56 pipes

58 fillers, sand

P1 - P4 arrows

Claims

Aufwindkraftwerk patent claims

A device (1) for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy having an outer wall (2), said wall (2) at least partially surrounding a first cavity (4), with at least one feed opening (6) for supplying air to the cavity and at least one discharge opening (8) for removing the air from the cavity

(4) dissipate, wherein in the cavity located air can be heated by incident on the wall solar radiation. characterized in that the feed opening (6) is provided below the discharge opening (8) and in or on at least one of the openings (6, 8) an energy converter unit (12) can be arranged, which energy converter unit (12) converts kinetic energy into electrical energy.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cavity (4) apart from the openings (6, 8) is completed.

3. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer surface of the wall (2) is designed to absorb light.

4. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the cavity (4) an energy storage unit (20) for storing thermal energy is arranged.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the energy storage unit (20) is spaced from the wall.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the energy storage unit (20) has at least one obliquely arranged air duct pipe (56).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the energy storage unit (20) has a plurality of completely separate air duct pipes (56).

8. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one opening (6, 8) an energy converter unit (12) is arranged, which converts energy conversion energy into electrical energy.

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a plurality of air supply openings (6).

10. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an opening cross-section of at least one opening (6, 8) is variable.

1 1. A device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one drive means (16) to change the cross section of at least one opening.

12. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one sensor device (26, 28) for detecting a value characteristic of the air.

13. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that in the energy storage unit (20) next to the tubes, a further substance (58) is arranged.

14. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (2) in its entirety forms a pyramid.

15. A method for converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, wherein air via a feed opening (6) is inserted into a cavity (4) and via an export opening (8) from this cavity (4) is executed and within this cavity (4) on a cavity surrounding the cavity (4) surrounding solar radiation is heated, characterized in that the feed opening (6) below the Ausführöffnung (8) is arranged and at least one (or at least one of the openings arranged in (6, 8) energy converter unit kinetic energy the air is converted into electrical energy.