WO2013068261A1

WO2013068261A1 - Hydroelectric power plant

Info

Publication number: WO2013068261A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/071360
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilfried Stein
Original assignee: Stein Ht Gmbh Spezialtiefbau
Priority date: 2011-11-10
Filing date: 2012-10-29
Publication date: 2013-05-16
Also published as: DE202011051930U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydroelectric power plant for generating electric energy by converting flow energy of a flowing water system (1) by means of a turbomachine (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) comprising at least one rotor (3), a generator (4) which is driven by the rotor (3), a floating body (5), and a nozzle unit (6) for increasing the flow rate in the region of the rotor. The nozzle unit (6) and the rotor (3) each have a separate support frame (7, 7') and at least one variable relative distance (A) to each other in the axial direction.

Description

Hydropower plant

Description:

The invention relates to a hydropower plant for generating electrical energy by converting Strömu ngsenerg ie a flowing water body by means of a turbomachine with at least one rotor, a generator driven by the rotor, a float, and with a nozzle unit for increasing the flow velocity in the region of the rotor.

A hydropower plant of the construction described above is described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,868,408 or also DE 20 2010 001 796 U1 of the applicant. In the former case, it is a total of a portable turbomachine, which is determined for example by means of an anchor in a river bed. The local rotor is preceded by a nozzle unit similar to that in an aircraft. This is intended to produce a converging and divergent flow by utilizing the Venturi effect in the area of the rotor.

The venturi effect is generally understood as the phenomenon that the flow rate of a body of water flowing through a pipe or, in the present case, through a river bed or the nozzle unit behaves inversely proportional to a changing cross section. In other words, the flow velocity is greatest where the flow area is the smallest. This takes advantage of the nozzle unit by the rotor is usually placed in the region of the smallest cross-section of the nozzle unit. As a result, the flow velocity is increased in this region of the smallest cross-section (narrowing cross-section). Such a narrowing cross-section can be achieved, for example, by the fact that the

Nozzle unit converges in the flow direction before the bottleneck and then diverges.

The known state of the art has proven itself in principle, in particular, what the solution according to the utility model DE 20 2010 001 796 U1 of the application forms eri ng. The next is that the nozzle unit has at least one adjustable wall. As a result, the electrical energy generated by means of the generator should be equalized on the output side. In particular, fluctuations in the water level and / or the flow velocity of the water body can be easily controlled.

In practice, the at least one adjustable wall has proven to be favorable when it comes to making adjustments to the water level and / or the flow velocity of the water within certain limits. This is also contributed to the fact that in the known teaching, the rotor is formed three-dimensionally adjustable relative to the nozzle unit. - However, in practical tests, situations are increasingly being observed in which the previous measures are insufficient or undesirable turbulences occur in the area of the rotor. Such turbulence reduces the efficiency and is therefore disadvantageous. Here, the invention aims to provide a total remedy.

The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a hydropower plant for generating electrical energy by converting the flow energy of a flowing body of water by means of a turbomachine so that a uniform energy output is observed by the generator and in particular no disturbing turbulence in the region of the rotor. more) occur.

To solve this technical problem, a generic hydroelectric plant in the invention is characterized in that the nozzle unit and the rotor each have their own support frame and at least one variable relative distance in the axial direction to each other.

As a rule, both the nozzle unit and the rotor each have at least one float. This float can each be designed so that its buoyancy force can be changed. In most cases, two or more floats are realized both on the nozzle unit and on the rotor. The design is such that the two or more floats each receive the support frame between them in the manner of a pontoon. That is, the rotor is usually connected to a rotor support frame carried by the float. In contrast, the nozzle unit is supported by a nozzle unit support frame. At least one float for the nozzle unit is connected to the nozzle unit support frame. Both the rotor shoring and the nozzle unit shoring are regularly designed in the manner of a pontoon. That is, the two or more floats each take up the shoring between them.

In order to realize the variability of the relative distance between the nozzle unit and rotor in their axial direction to each other in detail, the two shoring towers on the one hand of the nozzle unit and on the other hand, the rotor can be structurally designed independently of each other. That is, the rotor support frame with the float and the connected rotor can be carried self-supporting and define a separate unit.

Vergleichbares g ilt for the nozzle unit support framework, which can also be performed self-supporting and describes a separate unit.

It is in principle possible that one of the two units is anchored statically in a river bed or generally on a ground, whereas the other unit is designed to float. As a rule, however, one proceeds in such a way that both building units, ie. h., That rotor support frame with the connected rotor as well as the nozzle unit support frame with the nozzle unit are each made buoyant and have at least one own associated floating body. In the latter case, the support frames in question are connected, for example, by means of chains or other connecting means with a river bed, a river bank, etc. Such a connection means ensures that the nozzle unit and the rotor according to the invention can change their relative distance in the axial direction to each other.

This can be done in the simplest case so that both the rotor support frame and the nozzle unit support frame are aligned independently of each other in the axial direction to each other to set the desired relative distance in this axial direction to each other. As a rule, the two shoring towers are slidably connected to each other in the axial direction. For this purpose, a rail arrangement connecting the two shoring structures at least in the axial direction can be provided. With the help of this rail arrangement it is ensured that the two shoring scaffolds maintain the mutual axial alignment with each other during their relative displacement.

To achieve this in detail, the nozzle unit is generally trough-shaped with bottom and side walls. In principle, a

Be configured adjustable side wall, as the introductory already referenced utility model DE 20 2010 001 796 shows. In addition, one will usually proceed in such a way that the rotor and / or the nozzle unit are designed to be adjustable relative to each other at least in the axial direction, that the rotor with variable lateral overlap dips into the nozzle unit.

In addition, the rotor is usually arranged in a Ausströmquerschnitt the nozzle unit. This outflow cross section of the nozzle unit typically adjoins the narrowing cross-section already described in the flow direction of the water body. The outflow cross-section is defined by side wall areas facing outward compared to the narrowing cross-section.

In addition, it has proven useful when the rotor is connected to a vertical adjustment unit. In addition, a horizontal positioning unit may also be provided. However, this is usually dispensable because the rotor is typically arranged on a common axis with the nozzle unit or aligned in the axial direction. With the help of the vertical adjustment unit, for example, the immersion depth of the rotor can be changed into the flowing water. In addition, with the help of the vertical adjustment unit, inspection work on the rotor can be carried out without problems. The vertical adjustment unit may comprise a column, a stand or the like. With the help of the vertical adjustment unit, the rotor or a propeller unit which is mostly realized at this point is moved in the vertical direction. In contrast, the associated support frame usually has a predominantly horizontal arrangement. The horizontal movement not only makes it possible to carry out any repair measures on the propeller unit but, if necessary, it is also possible to compensate for different water levels of the flowing water.

For this purpose, the vertical adjustment unit is designed to be adjustable manually and / or by means of a drive. If a drive can be used, the invention regularly resorts to an electric motor which operates on the rotor via a chain or another traction means and adjusts it vertically relative to the associated support frame in the manner of a lift.

Another special feature of the invention is to take into account that the rotor or at this point realized propeller unit is directly coupled to the generator - without intervening transmission. The generator in this case is a torque generator. As a result, the propeller unit can be designed to be particularly compact and lightweight, because the typically intermediate transmission between the rotor or propeller and the generator is missing or is not required according to the invention. That is, the generator converts the mechanical energy transmitted to it by the rotor directly into electrical power without the intermediate transmission. Such torque generators are known in principle, for which reference should be made, by way of example only, to DE 10 2009 033 203 A1.

Finally, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if individual or all propeller blades of the propeller are designed to be changeable with respect to their angle of attack. In practice, an angle of attack in the range of about 5 ° to 10 ° has proved to be particularly favorable at this point. This angle is set between the main axis of the propeller and the axial direction, which typically coincides with the flow direction of the flowing water.

As a result, a hydropower plant for generating electric power by converting flow energy of a flowing water by means of a turbomachine is provided and described, in which the nozzle unit and the rotor are each equipped with their own support frame. In this way, both support structures, d. H. Change the rotor support frame with the rotor and also the nozzle unit support frame with the nozzle unit with respect to their axial distance. Since the axial direction typically coincides with the flow direction, this means that both support structures have a variable distance from one another in the flow direction.

By means of this artifice according to the invention, any congestion and / or suction effects between the nozzle unit and the rotor can be adjusted in a targeted manner. As a result, the performance of the hydropower plants according to the invention can be optimized and easily adapted to the topographical requirements.

In fact, the amount of water available at which flow speed at which (year) time depends on the topographical requirements. These natural specifications are quite variable. Thus, with a large amount of water and / or high flow rate, one tends to displace the rotor into a region having a large outflow cross section of the nozzle unit. Otherwise, there is the danger that too much water is accumulated in the nozzle unit by the rotor and flows out, for example, unused over the trough realized at this point and open at the top. Rather, by this measure, any distance between the respective edge of the propeller blades and the respective outward-facing side wall areas in Ausströmquerschn itt changed. In the case of a large amount of water and / or a high flow rate of the flowing water, this distance will in any case be set so great,

that the water, which is not processed by the rotor, can flow past it laterally and thereby advantageously produces an additional suction effect. Conversely, a small amount of water and / or low flow rate may require a maximum approximation of the respective outer edge of the propeller blade to the associated and outwardly facing side wall region in the outflow cross section. It is even possible for the rotor to dip into the actual throat area. In any case, it is clear that in this way the axial alignment between the nozzle unit and the rotor can be optimally adapted to the actual conditions. As a result, the electrical energy provided on the output side by the generator and thus the power of the hydropower plant can be optimized. In this context, it is even possible to change the axial distance between the nozzle unit and the rotor by motor. In addition, the output electric power output from the generator can be measured. Here, it is conceivable to change the axial distance between the nozzle unit and the rotor in the sense of a control or regulation by motor so that the output side, a maximum emitted electrical energy is measured. Here are the main benefits.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:

1a shows the hydropower plant according to the invention in a schematic

Overview and supervision,

Fig.1b the object of Fig.1a in front view and

Fig. 2 d he hydropower plant in their actual constructive ktiven

Interpretation. In the figures, a hydropower plant is shown, which serves to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy is obtained by converting Strömungsenerg ie a flowing body of water 1. In the present case, the flowing body of water 1 is a river 1, which flows in a river bed 2 in the flow direction S. In order to convert the energy of the river 1 into electrical energy, a turbomachine 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is realized.

The turbomachine 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 has in detail a rotor 3, which is offset from the flow 1 in rotation and a driven by the rotor 3 generator 4. In the embodiment and not limiting the generator 4 is directly to the Rotor or a realized at this point propeller unit 3 connected, d. h., Without intermediate transmission. Actually, the generator 4 is a torque generator 4.

With the help of the generator 4, the desired electric current or the electrical energy is generated, which is dissipated via leads 8. Furthermore, a measuring line 9 is detected by means of which the rotational speed of the rotor 3 and / or the electrical energy generated by the generator 4 are measured and transmitted to a control unit 10.

The turbomachine 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is also equipped with floats 5, a nozzle unit 6 and shoring 7. In fact, it can be seen on the basis of the overview drawing of FIGS. 1 a and 1 b as well as the

2, that two support frames 7 are realized, namely a rotor support frame 7 for the rotor 3 and another nozzle unit support frame 7 'for the nozzle unit 6, which can be distinguished from each other by the chosen different notation.

The nozzle unit 6 is trough-like equipped with a bottom 6a and side walls 6b, 6c and 6d. The trough is designed to be open at the top. In this way, you can easily observe the function of on the one hand the rotor 3 and on the other hand, the generator 4 from the shore.

In the exemplary embodiment, two side wall regions 6d provided on the input side of the nozzle unit 6 and defining an inflow cross section Q _E are designed to be adjustable. Of course this is not mandatory. At this side wall portions 6d S close in the flow direction, two further mutually opposite side wall portions 6c, which define a total cross-sectional constriction Q _v. With the help of this throat cross-section Qv the nozzle effect already described in the introduction is generated. On the output side of the nozzle unit 6, finally two side wall regions 6b are realized, which are each designed to point outward. These outwardly facing side wall regions on the output side of the nozzle unit 6 define the outflow cross section Q _A following the narrowing cross section Q _v .

Of particular importance for the invention is now the fact that the nozzle unit 6 and the rotor 3 each have their own support frame 7, 7 ', namely on the one hand, the rotor support frame 7 and on the other hand, the nozzle unit support frame 7'. Both shoring 7, 7 'have at least one variable relative distance A in the axial direction to each other. The axial direction of both the nozzle unit 6 and the rotor 3 and the associated support frames 7, 7 '

coincides with the flow direction S of the water. The variable relative distance A between on the one hand the rotor 3 and on the other hand the nozzle unit 6 or between their associated support frames 7, 7 'allows an optimal adjustment of the mutual arrangement to use congestion and suction effects to optimize the electrical energy yield advantageous. This has already been described in the introduction. The two shoring 7, 7 'of one hand, the rotor 3 and the other part of the nozzle unit 6 are structurally designed independently of each other. Both shoring 7, 7 'each have their own float 5. In fact, in the context of the embodiment, two floats 5 (or even more floating body 5) is real isiert, d ie the associated support frame 7, 7 'record between them in the manner of a pontoon. The associated support frame 7, 7 'and the corresponding floating body 5 are a constructive each independently designed unit 7, 5; 7 ', 5. Both units 7, 5; 7 ', 5 are designed not only structurally independent of each other, but also formed self-supporting. In addition, both buildings can be buoyantly swimmable in days 7, 5, 7 ', 5, respectively. For this purpose, one or more floating bodies 5 can be changed with regard to the respectively generated buoyancy force. This can be done, for example, by the realization of (water) ballast tanks or in other ways.

In order that the two support frames 7, 7 ', in the axial direction or flow direction S, maintain their orientation relative to each other when their relative distance A changes, both support frames 7, 7' are slidably connected to one another. For this purpose, one of the two support frames 7, 7 'at least in the axial direction interconnecting rail assembly 1 1 is realized, which is particularly in the Fig. 2 detects. Along this rail arrangement 1 1, both the rotor support frame 7 and the nozzle unit support frame 7 'with the respective

associated rotor 3 and the floats 5 and the nozzle unit 6 and the floats 5 are moved. As a result, it is possible to realize practically relative displacements A in the axial direction or flow direction S. For this purpose, a motor drive 1 2 may be provided, by means of which the desired relative distance A is set. The drive in question 12 is indicated in Fig. 1 a.

As a rule, the rotor 3 and / or the nozzle unit 6 are adjusted relative to each other at least in the axial direction or flow direction S in question, so that the rotor 3 with variable lateral covering Ü dips into the nozzle unit 6. This overlap Ü is indicated in FIG. 1 a. That is, in general, the procedure will be such that the rotor 3 finds an arrangement at least in the region of the outwardly facing side wall regions 6b and consequently in the region of the outflow cross section QA. Characterized in that the rotor 3 relative to the nozzle unit 6 is adjustable or can vary their mutual relative distance A, a distance B between an outer periphery of rotor blades or propeller blades 3a of the rotor or propeller 3 with respect to the Düsenein unit 6 respectively the corresponding side wall portions 6b, 6c and 6d are changed as needed. The tendency is to set this distance B the greater, the greater the amount of water flowing into the nozzle unit 6 and / or its flow rate.

The rotor 3 is beyond and, as shown in FIGS. 1 b and 2, connected to a vertical line unit 1 3. In addition, I may also be a horizontal positioning unit realized, which is not shown. Because of the propeller 3 and the rotor 3 is located with its axis on an axis of symmetry Z of the entire turbomachine 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. With the help of the vertical adjustment unit 13, the rotor 3 with respect to its immersion depth in the

River 1 to be changed. In addition, the vertical adjustment unit 13 allows the rotor 3 to be lifted out of the flow 1 for inspection work. The vertical adjustment unit 1 3 can be operated manually and / or by machine. For this purpose, for example, a drive or an unillustrated electric motor may be provided, which changes the propeller 3 in the manner of a lift against its associated support frame 7 in height via a chain or other traction means. Finally, the individual propeller blades 3a of the propeller 3 can be changed with respect to their angle of attack α. This angle of attack α is enclosed between the main axis of the associated propeller blade 3a and the flow direction S, as indicated in FIG. 1a. The motor or motor drive for changing the relative distance A is acted upon by the control unit 10. In addition, the control unit 1 is fed 0 m with measured values h insichtl I the speed of the rotor 3 and / or the electrical energy generated on the output side of the generator 4. As a result, the control unit 10 is able to optimize the output-side power of the turbomachine 4, 5, 6, 7 in the sense of a control or regulation. In fact, the control unit 10 will act on the drive 12 so that it changes the relative distance A between the nozzle unit 6 and the rotor 3 until a maximum of the electrical energy generated on the output side of the generator 4 is observed. For this purpose, a speed maximum of the rotor 3 usually also corresponds.

Claims

claims:

1. Hydroelectric plant for generating electrical energy with conversion of flow energy of a flowing water body (1) by means of a turbomachine (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) with at least - a rotor (3),

a generator (4) driven by the rotor (3),

- a float (5), and with

- A nozzle unit (6) for increasing the flow velocity in the region of the rotor (3), characterized in that the nozzle unit (6) and the rotor (3) each have their own support frame (7, 7 ') and at least one variable relative distance (A ) in the axial direction to each other.

2. Hydropower plant according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle unit (6) and the rotor (3) are each equipped with at least one floating body (5).

3. Hydropower plant according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotor (3) is connected to one of the floating body (5) supported rotor support frame (7).

4. Hydropower plant according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the nozzle unit (6) is connected to one of the floating body (5) carried nozzle unit support frame (7 ').

5. Wasserkraftan age according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two support frames (7, 7 ') of one part of the nozzle unit (6) and on the other hand, the rotor (3) are designed structurally independent of each other.

6. Hydropower plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two support frames (7, 7 ') are slidably connected to each other in the axial direction. 7. Hydroelectric plant according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the two shoring (7,

7 ') at least in the axial direction interconnecting rail arrangement (1 1) is provided.

8. Hydropower plant according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the nozzle unit (6) trough-like m with bottom (6 a) and

Side walls (6b, 6c, 6d) is formed.

9. Hydropower plant according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rotor (3) or the nozzle unit (6) are formed so as to be adjustable in the axial direction relative to one another, that the rotor (3) with variable lateral overlap (Ü) is immersed in the nozzle unit (6).

10. Hydropower plant according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotor (3) in an outflow cross section (Q _A ) of the nozzle unit (6) is arranged, which is defined by outwardly Shen side wall portions (6 b).

1 1. Hydroelectric power plant according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rotor (3) is connected to a vertical adjusting unit (13)

for example, to change its depth of immersion in the water (1) and / or to be able to carry out revision work.

12. Hydropower plant according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the vertical adjusting unit (13) is acted upon manually and / or with a drive.

1 3. Wasserkraftan age according to one of claims 1 to 1 2, dad u rch characterized in that the rotor (3) directly to the generator (4) - is coupled - without intervening transmission.

14. Hydropower plant according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that individual or all propeller blades (3a) of the rotor (3) are formed variable in terms of its angle of attack α.