WO2013126009A1

WO2013126009A1 - Multi stage turbine with overflow

Info

Publication number: WO2013126009A1
Application number: PCT/SE2013/050147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik LAGERSTRÖM; Torbjörn SKÅNBERG; Björn KRISTIANSEN
Original assignee: Lagerstroem Erik; Skaanberg Torbjoern; Kristiansen Bjoern
Priority date: 2012-02-21
Filing date: 2013-02-20
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: SE1250154A1; SE536398C2; EP2864626A1; EP2864626A4

Abstract

A multi stage turbine for the generation of current comprising a first paddlewheel rotating in a first direction and mounted on a first axle that is connected to a gear system on a first side of the gear system, whereas the multi stage turbine comprises a second paddlewheel rotating in a second direction, counter directional to the first direction and connected to a second axle that is connected to the gear system on the first side of the gear system, whereby the first axle is concentric with and surrounding the second axle, characterized in that the multi stage turbine comprises a third paddlewheel arranged on a third axle and coupled to a second side, opposite the first side, of the gear system, whereby the third paddlewheel is arranged to rotate in the first direction or the second direction, whereby the third paddlewheel have a diameter that is larger than the first and the second paddlewheel and the multi stage turbine comprises a casing that is surrounding the paddlewheels and is forming a passage for the control of the fluid flow with a flow direction from the first paddlewheel against the second paddlewheel, whereby the casing is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first and second paddlewheel for overflow of a part of the fluid flow past the first and second paddlewheel to the third paddlewheel.

Description

Title

MULTI STAGE TURBINE WITH OVERFLOW

TECHNICAL FIELD

A multiple stage turbine for the generation of energy (current), including a first stage paddlewheel rotating in a first direction and assembled on a first axle that is connected to a gear system on a first side of the gear system, whereupon the multiple stage turbine includes a second paddlewheel rotating in a second direction, opposite the first direction and coupled to a second axle that is coupled to the gear system on the first side of the gear system, whereupon the first axle is concentrically attached to and enclosing the second axle.

BACKGROUND ART

Turbines intended to have a full flow through it, by a fluid, is usually equipped with adjustable paddlewheels and the purpose of this arrangement is to create an optimal energy output, when the fluid flow varies. Also, the turbines can be equipped with different types of vanes in order to create optimum conditions for the rotating parts. It is also known that it is possible the replace these vanes with rotors, that rotates in different directions, which in itself requires different axle arrangements to have a coordination of the generation force. Multiple stage turbines are usually designed with a constant outer and inner diameter, even though an increasing inner diameter is known, see John Cambell, 1957.

In the case of turbines with adjustable paddlewheels are used to optimize the effect, it will also mean that the design will be somewhat less robust, which can be a problem, since this type of turbines are to be mounted during several years and the need for service is to be kept at a minimum.

Another disadvantage with the known arrangement is that the energy output from the fluid flow is limited, due to the use of only a part of the energy available in the defined fluid flow. Therefore there is a need for an improved efficiency in a turbine arrangement in a defined fluid flow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a multiple stage turbine for the generation of energy (current), including a first paddlewheel rotating in a first direction and assembled on a first axle that is coupled to a gear system on a first side of the gear system. The multiple stage turbines includes a second paddlewheel rotating in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, and coupled to a second axle that is coupled to the gear system on the first side of the first gear. The first axle is concentric with and is enclosing the second axle. The multiple stage turbine includes a third paddle wheel mounted on a third axle and coupled to another side, opposite the first side, of the gear system. The first axle and the third axle can be connected together and thus forming a combined axle. The first and the third axle can also be a unit that with its combination forms an axle going through the gear system. The third axle is so arranged, that it is to rotate in the first direction or the second direction. The third paddlewheel has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first and the second paddlewheel.

According to one example of the invention, the multiple stage turbine includes a fourth paddlewheel coupled to a fourth axle that is coupled to the gear system on the second side of the gear system. In this example the fourth axle is concentric with and encloses the third axle and the fourth paddlewheel is arranged to rotate in an opposite direction to the third paddlewheel. In the case where there is a fourth paddlewheel, then this can also be enclosed by the casing. By adding a fourth paddlewheel, it is possible to extract more energy from the fluid flow.

The gear system is built according to know technology for connection of three incoming axles and one outgoing axle as well as four incoming axles with one outgoing axle. In the example of the invention where the multiple stage turbines includes a first, a second and a third paddlewheel, that are coupled to a first, a second and a third axle that goes into the gear system. The second axle is arranged concentric to and encloses the first axle on one side of the gear system and the third axle is arranged on the opposite side of the gear system. All incoming axles centers are arranged in the same plane. The first axle and the third axle can be connected and forming a common axle. The first and the third axle can also be arranged as a unit that forms a common axle going through the gear system. The first and the second axle, with attached first and second paddlewheel, is arranged to rotate in opposite directions. How a gear system according to the above description, with three incoming axles and on outgoing axle, is arranged is knows since earlier.

In that example of the invention where the multiple stage turbine includes a first, a second, a third and a fourth paddlewheel, these are coupled to a first, a second, a third and a fourth axle that is going into the gear system. The second axle I arranged concentric to and encloses the first axle and the fourth axle I arranged concentric to and encloses the third axle. The first and the second axle is arranged on one side of the gear system and the third and fourth axle is arranged on the opposite side of the gear system. All incoming axles center is arranged in the same plane. The first and the second axle, with associated first and second paddlewheels, are arranged to rotate in different directions. The third and fourth axle, with associated third and fourth paddlewheels are arranged to rotate in opposite directions. How a gear system according to the description above, with four incoming axles and one outgoing axle, is arranged is known since earlier.

The force in the outgoing axle is used to generate current with the help of a generator according to methods known since earlier.

In one example of the invention, the multiple stage turbine comprises a casing that encloses the first, second and third paddlewheel and forms a passage for direction of a fluid flow with a flow direction from the first paddlewheel towards the second paddlewheel. The casing is arranged on a

predetermined distance from the first and second paddlewheel for overflow of a part of the fluid flow past the first and second paddlewheel, to the third paddlewheel. By arranging the three paddlewheels according to this configuration it is possible to better utilize the energy in the fluid flow. The present invention combines known technology in a new way. In order to minimize losses and to have improved part load properties, this invention intends to replace turbines equipped with vanes with turbine pairs so that an optimized power output can be obtained independent of the fluid flow size and variation. According to the invention, multiple stage turbines can comprise at least two stages with 3 or 4 paddlewheels in modules. In that case, according to the invention, a multiple stage turbine comprises 3 paddlewheels, are the first two paddlewheels arranged in a first pair of turbines and the third paddlewheel is arranged separately. In that case, according to the invention, that a multiple stage turbine comprises 4 paddlewheels, the two first paddlewheels are arranged in a first pair and the other two paddlewheels are arranged in a second pair. In order to minimize the losses, the two paddlewheels forming a pair, is rotating in opposite directions. The more paddlewheel pairs that is combined, the more energy can be extracted from the fluid flow. Also, modules comprising multi stage turbines with 3 or 4 paddlewheels can be arranged in series and/or parallel.

For a multi stage turbine according to the invention, the energy extraction will decrease with each stage. A part of the fluid flow is therefore allowed to pass the first stage paddlewheel around its outer perimeter, so that at least the third paddle wheel in the second stage will have an increased inflow of energy and therefore a possibility for an increased energy extraction from the fluid flow. The rotating paddle wheel have a higher efficiency at the outer perimeter, partly due to the higher velocity, but also due to the larger moment arm, thus will the smaller diameter of the first stage cause a better efficiency closer to the inner diameter of the turbine. In order to increase the fluid flow for the downstream paddlewheel, the outer diameter for the downstream paddlewheels will be increased.

According to one example of the invention, the multiple stage turbine comprises one inner casing, enclosing the first, second and third axle and the gear system. The inner casing has an increasing outer diameter in the downstream direction, which is beneficial. In that case the multiple stage turbine also includes a fourth paddlewheel, with a fourth axle, the casing will also enclose the forth axle. This will increase the fluid flow velocity in the downstream direction.

According to one more beneficial example of the invention, the third and the forth paddlewheel, in such a case as it occurs, will have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the first and second paddlewheels with approx. 20 - 40%.

According to one example of the invention, the casing will have a decreasing inner diameter in the downstream direction. In another example of the invention, the casing has an increase in the inner diameter in the downstream direction. Both these different arrangements will have an impact on the fluid flow pattern.

In yet another beneficial example of the invention, the distance between the casing and the third and fourth paddlewheel is approx. 80-90% less, compared to the distance between the casing and the first and second paddlewheel.

In one example of the invention includes the multiple stage turbine a conical inlet pipe to control the fluid flow in towards the passage and the paddlewheels. The conical inlet can be attached to the casing or close to the casing, without being directly attached to the casing. In such a case as a conical inlet pipe will be used, it will increase the fluid flow towards and into the turbine. In yet another example of the invention the multi stage turbine will comprise a guiding arrangement to guide the flow direction inside the casing. The use of a guiding arrangement will make it possible to guide and direct the fluid flow in such a way, as to improve the use of the paddlewheels.

In one advantageous example of the invention does the multi stage turbine comprise a casing enclosing the paddlewheels and forms a passage for guiding of the fluid flow with flow direction from the first paddlewheel towards the second paddlewheel, wherein the casing is arranged at a predetermined distance of approximately 25-45% from the first and second paddlewheels in relation to the diameter of the first and second paddlewheels for overflow of a part of the fluid flow past the first and second paddlewheel to the next in line paddlewheels.

In another example of the invention is at least two multi stage turbines arranged in parallel to each other. In yet one example of the invention is at least two multi stage turbines arranged in series to each other.

In another example of the invention, where at least two multi stage turbines are arranged serially, the downstream arranged multi stage turbine has a casing with inner diameter larger than the casing for an upstream arranged multi stage turbine. In yet one example of the invention, where at least two multi stage turbines are arranged serially in a system, has the downstream serially arranged multi stage turbine paddle wheels with larger outer diameter than an upstream serially arranged multi stage turbine on order to utilize the fluid flow in the overflow. This makes it possible to better utilize the energy in the fluid flow.

In one example of the invention where at least two multi stage turbines are arranged in series in a system, can a flow divider be arranged at the upstream multi stage turbine, with the purpose of direct a part of the fluid flow to the passage and turbine and/or a part of the fluid flow in an overflow past the casing of the upstream arranged multi stage turbine.

I another example of the invention where at least two multi stage turbines are arranged in series, an upstream arranged multi stage turbine comprises an outer casing enclosing the casing and forming an outer passage between the casing and the outer casing for guidance of the overflowing fluid flow to the multi stage turbine arranged downstream.

In one example of the invention is at least one multi stage turbine is, by means of the gear system, coupled to generator for production of power (current).

The above presented examples, are each able to be combined in order to optimize the efficiency and power output of the invention, but can also be used independently to achieve increased power output and efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention presented will now be described in detail with directions to the figures described below: Fig, 1 showing a first example of a multiple stage turbine according to the invention. Fig.2 Showing a second example of a multiple stage turbine according to the invention.

Fig.3 Showing a third example of a multiple stage turbine according to the invention.

Fig.4 Showing a fourth example of a multiple stage turbine according to the invention.

Fig.5 Showing a first example how two modules are arranged in a series arrangement.

Fig.6 Showing a second example how two modules are arranged in a series arrangement.

Fig.7 Showing a third example how two modules are arranged in a series arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig.l shows a multi stage turbine 101 comprising one first paddlewheel 102, one second paddlewheel 105 and a third paddlewheel 107. Fig.l shows the invention according to that the first and second paddlewheel 102, 105 have a smaller diameter than the third paddlewheel 107. The fluid flow is thereby allowed to pass the first and the second paddlewheel 102, 105 via a passage 110. The first paddlewheel 102 is in direct connection with the third paddlewheel 107 via a first axle 103 and a third axle 108, these will rotate in the same direction. The first axle 103 and a third 108 axle can be connected and form a common axle. The first and the third axle 103, 108 can also be a unit that will form a common and through going axle through the gear system. The second paddlewheel 105 is connected with the gear system 104 via the second axle 106 that is concentric assembled to the first axle 103 and is rotating in the opposite direction. The gear system 104 drives, through an axle arrangement, the generator 120, which is thus producing electrical energy.

The passage 110 is depicting at least the difference between the outer diameter of the third paddlewheel 107 and the outer diameter at the first and/or the second paddlewheel 102, 105. If the first paddlewheel 102 have another outer diameter than the second paddlewheel 105, the passage 110 is at least meaning the difference between the outer diameter of the third paddlewheel 107 and the greater outer diameter of the first or the second paddlewheel 102, 105. The first paddlewheel 102 and/or the second paddlewheel 105 and/or the third paddlewheel 107 can be surrounded by a casing 109. In the example in fig.l the first, second and the third paddlewheel 102,105 and 107, is surrounded by the casing 109. The passage 110 is then meaning the distance between the casing 109 and the first or second paddlewheel 102, 105.

Fig.2 is showing a multi stage turbine 101 comprising a first paddlewheel 102, a second paddlewheel 105 and a third paddlewheel 107, surrounded by a casing 109 that is comprising an inlet cone 115. The casing is surrounding the first, the second and the third paddlewheel 102, 105, 107, the first, the second and the third axle 103, 106, 108 and the gear system 104. The inlet cone 115 is arranged upstream the casing 109 and have a diameter larger upstream, than downstream against the casing 109, which means that the inlet cone 115 can guide the fluid flow in towards the multi stage turbine and its paddlewheel 101. Fig. 3 shows a multi stage turbine 201 comprising a first paddlewheel 202, a second paddlewheel 205, a third paddlewheel 207 and a fourth paddlewheel 211. Fig.3 shows the invention according to that the first and the second paddlewheel 202, 205 have a smaller diameter, than the third and the fourth paddlewheel 207, 211. The fluid flow is thus allowed to pass the first and the second paddlewheel 202, 205 via a passage 210. The first paddlewheel 202 is connected with the third paddlewheel 207 via a first axle 203 and a third axle 208. The first, second, third and the fourth paddlewheel 202, 205, 207, 211 is rotating in the same direction as the first, second, third and the fourth axle 203, 206, 208, 212 that the respective paddlewheels are connected to. The first axle 203 and the third axle 208 can be connected and forming a common axle. The first and the third axle 203, 208 can also be a common through going axle, that is going through the gear system 204. In such a case as the first and the third axle 203, 208 is a unit, so will the first and the third axle 203, 208 rotate in the same direction. In such a case as the first and the third axle is connected, they can rotate in the same direction or in the opposite directions. In such a case as the first and the third axle is rotating in opposite directions, the connection is made in a known way since earlier. The second and the fourth paddlewheel 205. 211 can rotate in the same direction or in opposite directions, depending on how the first and the third paddlewheel is rotating. The first paddlewheel 202 will always rotate in the opposite direction as the second paddlewheel 202 is rotating, the third paddlewheel 207 will always rotate in opposite direction as the fourth paddlewheel 211 is rotating in. The second axle 206 is assembled concentric to the first axle 203.The fourth axle 212 is assembled concentric to the third axle 208. The first and the second paddlewheel 202, 205 is connected to the gear system 204 via the first axle and the second axle 203, 206 and the third and the fourth paddlewheel us connected to the gear system 204 via the third and the fourth axle 208, 212. The gear system is driving, through an axle arrangement, the generator 120, which thus is producing electrical energy.

Fig.3 shows further a multi stage turbine comprising four paddlewheels, 202, 205, 207, 211 where the two first 202, 205 have a smaller diameter than the other two 207, 211 and thus allowing fluid flow to pass in the passage 210 directly to the third and thereafter the fourth paddlewheel 207, 211.

The passage 210 is meaning at least the difference between the outer diameter at the third and/or the fourth paddlewheel 207, 211 and the outer diameter at the first and/or the second paddlewheel 202, 205. If the first and the second paddlewheel 202, 205 have different outer diameters, then the passage 210 is meaning at least the difference between the outer diameter of these paddlewheels that have the largest outer diameter and the third and the fourth paddlewheel 207, 211 have different outer diameters. The first paddlewheel 202 and/or the second paddlewheel 205 and/or the third paddlewheel 207 and/or paddlewheel 211 can be surrounded by a casing 209. In the example in fig.3 the first, second, third and the fourth paddlewheel 202, 205, 207, 211 Is surrounded by the casing 209. The passage 210 is then meaning the distance between the casing and the first and second paddlewheels 202, 205.

Fig. 4 shows a multi stage turbine 201 comprising a first paddlewheel 202, a second paddlewheel 205, a third paddlewheel 207 and a fourth paddlewheel 211, surrounded by a casing 209 that includes a conical inlet 215. The casing is surrounding the first, second, third and fourth paddlewheel 202, 205, 207, 211, the first, second, third and the fourth axle 203, 206, 208, 212 and also the gear system 204. The inlet cone 215 is arranged upstream of the casing 209, and has a larger diameter upstream than downstream against the casing 209, which means that the inlet cone 215 can guide the fluid flow in towards the multi stage turbine 201 with a first paddlewheel 202, a second paddlewheel 205, a third paddlewheel 207 and a fourth paddlewheel 211.

Fig.5 shows two modules 321, 322, a first module 321 with a multi stage turbine comprising four paddlewheels 202, 205, 207, 211 and a second module 322 with a multi stage turbine 101 comprising three paddlewheels 102, 105, 107. The first module is arranged upstream of 321 and is equipped with overflow in the passage 210. Between the outer wall of the casing 209 on the first module arranged upstream 321 and the inner wall of the casing 109 on the second module arranged downstream 322, there is an outer passage 319 thus formed. The fluid flow to the second module 322 is partly coming from the first module 321, but also via the outer passage 319. Even the second module 322, that is arranged downstream is equipped with overflow In its two first paddlewheels 102, 105, so that a part of the fluid flow to the second module 322 can reach the second modules 322 third paddlewheels 107 directly via the passage 110. The second module arranged downstream 322 have been designed with a larger diameter on its respective paddlewheels 102, 105, 107 than the first modules 321 paddlewheels 202, 205, 207, 211.

The outgoing axles of both the modules are connected via an axle arrangement to a generator 120 that converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy.

Further comprises both the first upstream arranged module 321 and the second downstream arranged module 322 an inner casing 214; 114. For the first upstream arranged module, an inner casing 214 is surrounding the first, second, third and fourth axle 203, 206, 208 21 and the gear system 204. For the second downstream arranged module, an inner casing 114 is surrounding the first, second and third axle (not in figure) and also the gear system (not in figure). The inner casings 214, 114 have a downstream increasing outer diameter, which together with the casings 209, 109 gives a downstream decreasing flowing area around the both inner casings 214; 114, which causes an increased flow velocity.

One alternative arrangement to this, is that the second module I equipped with four paddlewheels, similar to the first module and/or that the first module is equipped with three paddlewheels. Both of the modules can also be equipped with the same number of paddlewheels.

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement where two modules 321, 322 is arranged in series, and where the casing 209 for the first upstream arranged module 321 is surrounded by an outer casing 318, thus forming an outer passage 319 between the upstream arranged module 321 casing 209 and the outer casing 318. In fig. 6 is the outer casing 318 arranged against the downstream arranged second module 322 casing 109, but the outer casing 318 can also be arranged in another way.

Fig.7 shows two modules 323 arranged in a parallel arrangement. Even her, the modules can be alternatively equipped with three or four paddlewheels in design according to figures 1 and 2. Both modules 323 outgoing axles are connected via an axle arrangement to the generator 120 that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

The above described examples of the invention shall not be reviewed as limiting, but only as examples of different designs of the invention. Further is the different design variations possible to combine in any free way.

Claims

A multi stage turbine (101; 201) for the generation of current comprising a first paddlewheel (102; 202) rotating in a first direction and mounted on a first axle (103; 203) that is connected to a gear system (104; 204) on a first side of the gear system (104; 204), whereas the multi stage turbine (101; 201) comprises a second paddlewheel (105; 205) rotating in a second direction, counter directional to the first direction and connected to a second axle (106; 206) that is connected to the gear system (104; 204) on the first side of the gear system (104; 204), whereby the second axle (106; 206) is concentric with and surrounding the first axle (103; 203), characterized in

that the multi stage turbine (101) comprises a third paddlewheel (107) arranged on a third axle (108) and coupled to a second side, opposite the first side, of the gear system (104), whereby the third paddlewheel (107) is arranged to rotate in the first direction or the second direction, whereby the third paddlewheel (107) have a diameter that is larger than the first and the second paddlewheel (102, 105) and

the multi stage turbine (101) comprises a casing (109) that is surrounding the paddlewheels (102, 105, 107) and is forming a passage (110) for the control of the fluid flow with a flow direction from the first paddlewheel (102) against the second paddlewheel (105), whereby the casing (109) is arranged at a predetermined distance from the first and second paddlewheel (102, 105) for overflow of a part of the fluid flow past the first and second paddlewheel (102, 105) to the following paddlewheel (107).

A multi stage turbine (201) according to claim 1, comprising a fourth paddlewheel (211) coupled to a fourth axle (212) that is connected to the gear system (204) on the second side of the gear system (204), whereby the fourth axle (212) is concentric to and surrounding the third axle (208), whereby the fourth paddlewheel (211) is arranged to rotate in an opposite direction to the third paddlewheel (207).

A multi stage turbine (101; 201) according to claims 1 or 2, whereas the multi stage turbine (101; 201) is comprising a casing (109; 209) that is surrounding the paddlewheels (102; 202, 105; 205, 107; 207, 211) and is forming a passage (110; 210) for the guiding of a fluid flow with a flow direction from the first paddlewheel (102; 202) against the second paddlewheel (105; 205), whereas the casing (109; 209) is arranged at a predetermined distance of approximately 25-45% from the first and the second paddlewheels ( 102; 202, 105; 205) in relation to the diameter of the first and second paddlewheels ( 102; 202, 105; 205) for overflow of a part of the fluid flow past the first and second paddlewheel (102; 202, 105; 205) to the next in line paddlewheels (107; 207, 211).

A multi stage turbine (101; 201) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby one inner casing (114; 214) surrounding the first, second and third axle (103; 203, 106; 206, 108; 208) and the gear system (104; 204) and have an increasing outer diameter in the direction of the fluid flow.

A multi stage turbine (101) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the third paddlewheel (107) has an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the first and second paddlewheel (102, 105) with 20 - 40%.

6. A multi stage turbine (201) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the third and fourth paddlewheel (207, 211) have an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the first and second paddlewheel (202, 205) with 20-40%.

7. A multi stage turbine (101; 201) according to any of the preceding claims, whereas the casing (109; 209) has a, in the downstream direction, decreasing inner diameter.

8. A multi stage turbine according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the distance between the casing (109; 209) and the third and fourth paddlewheel (107; 207, 211) is 90-80% smaller in comparison with the distance between the casing (109; 209) and the first and second paddlewheel (102; 202, 105; 205).

9. A multi stage turbine (101; 201) according to any of the preceding claims, whereas the casing

(109; 209) has a, in the downstream direction, increasing inner diameter.

10. A multi stage turbine (101; 109) according to any of the preceding claims, whereby the multi stage turbine (101; 109) comprises an inlet cone (115; 215) for the control of the fluid flow in towards the passage (110; 210) and the paddlewheels (102; 202, 105; 205, 107; 207, 211).

11. A multi stage turbine according to any of the claims 3-10, whereas the multi stage turbine (101; 201) comprises a guiding arrangement (not in figure) for the guiding of the fluid flow inside of the casing (109; 209).

12. A multi stage turbine (101; 201; 321; 322) according any of the preceding claims, whereby the multi stage turbine (101; 201; 321; 322) via the gear system (104; 204) is connected to a generator (120) for generation of electrical power.

13. A multi stage turbine (101; 201; 321; 322) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first axle (103; 203) and the third axle (108) are interconnected and form a common axle or are an unit forming an axle passing through the gear system.