WO2021090053A1

WO2021090053A1 - Self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system

Info

Publication number: WO2021090053A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059642
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ekologiczne Genetica S.a. EKOLOGICZNE GENETICA S.A.
Original assignee: Fancourt Group S.A.
Priority date: 2019-11-09
Filing date: 2019-11-09
Publication date: 2021-05-14

Abstract

The invention relates to an electro-hydrokinetic generation system comprising two (or more) self-floating hydrokinetic converters that float on their own (without the assistance of boats), which are connected by structures that form bogies that support the electric generators, revolution multipliers and other components. Each hydrokinetic converter is formed by a rotary system of self-floating tensile structures and crosshead discs, the tensioners thereof supporting multiple radial, eccentric, laminar blades transverse to the currents, which end in winglets. The system is completed with: (a) devices for removing winches from the water; (b) self-floating fluid-accelerating devices that form funnels having an opening of variable width; (c) an auxiliary catamaran that carries elevation winches; (d) impact deflectors for preventing collisions with floating objects; (e) devices for preventing mooring lines from tangling; and (f) a multi-valve blade system.

Description

AN ELECTRO-HYDROKINETIC GENERATION SYSTEM

SELF-FLOATING

1- FIELD OF APPLICATION

The system takes advantage of the kinetic energy contained in high-speed “natural” currents, such as those that exist downstream of dams, and those of certain rivers, canals, tides, and ocean currents. The currents of "artificially increased speeds" can be used by small Civil Works, or by "self-floating fluid accelerators" - The system comprises two, (or more) self-floating hydrokinetic converters, transversal to the currents, of eccentric radial blades, of curved blades finished in “winglets” type fins, supported by self-floating tensile-structures, linked by beams that make up the “bogies” that incorporate the speed multiplication systems and the electrical generation systems and their It sometimes includes an auxiliary system of winches installed on land, or in specialized vessels, as the case may be, which allow the generator set to be raised out of the water in order to regulate or completely stop its rotation speed. In certain cases, the velocities of the water currents can be accelerated by means of "self-floating fluid accelerating devices" when the natural velocities are insufficient (which in many cases allow avoiding the construction of Civil Works).

2. BACKGROUND

For thousands of years, humanity has been searching for a way to harvest the inexhaustible energy contained in the great masses of moving water: the low-speed currents of rivers, tides, and seas. The energy that results from the application of the force of gravity on the bodies of water can be used by direct means, or by indirect means. The uses by indirect means used in the last two centuries resort to the differences in the water level of the dikes to increase the speed of the fluids, in order to concentrate large amounts of energy in relatively small turbines, (at the cost of huge investments and disproportionate negative environmental impacts).

The uses by direct means, used in the last two or more millennia, which used the kinetic energy contained in the "natural" speeds of water currents, practically without generating negative environmental impacts, were surpassed by others, and disappeared between the end of the 19th century. and early twentieth century.

A new world interest is resurfacing, from the fact that it was proven mathematically and geometrically that the amount of hydraulic energy harvestable by direct means can be infinitely higher than the harvestable by indirect means (dams), provided that efficient Hydrokinetic Energy Converters can be developed. , and low cost, that can be replicated in large quantities, and that can be distributed along (and across) the water courses of rivers. The new calculation variable: The "fluid velocity", (which affects the cube in power), led to the search for technological solutions that make it possible to take advantage of the immense hydrokinetic potential contained in the natural movement of the waters of a river, (represented in fig. N ° 1 by triangle A, with respect to that used by dams, represented by triangle B). The schematic section of a river, (out of scale), in fig. N ° 1 represents its total energy potential due to the effect of gravity, compared to a dam on the same river. Triangle A, (1), (represents the total energy potential due to the effect of gravity of a river that is born in a mountain and ends in the sea) - The Triangle B, (2), (represents the energy potential of a Reservoir, due to the effect of gravity) - (3) Horizontal Plane - (4) Slope, or unevenness - (5) Areas with higher current speeds - (6 ) Vertical at the intersection between the river mouth and sea level.

The energy used by the dams is extinguished after passing through the turbine blades. On the other hand, the Kinetic Energy of the sectors of the rivers (and tides) that have certain minimum speeds can be harvested all along, and across, these water courses, by means of a Succession of Hydrokinetic Turbines designed for such end, separated by a distance from each other, which allows the recovery of the speed of the waters, decelerated by the "vortices" caused by the "dam effect" generated by the preceding turbines.

The new term: "Hydrokinetic Converter", (or "Hydrokinetic Energy Converters") more accurately reflects the characteristics of the devices to harvest the relatively slow speeds of the "natural" currents of rivers, than the term "Hydrokinetic Turbine", associated with high rotation speeds.

3- CURRENT STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

Problem: from the analysis of more than 170 world patents, the first one presented in January 1956, a series of considerations arose, which we will now list.

It can be affirmed that all the devices to capture the elusive hydrokinetic energy of rivers and tides, patented and / or published, suffer one or more than one serious failure. They are remarkably inefficient and costly relative to the power generated, and they all have numerous drawbacks and disadvantages that make them virtually unfeasible to generate power at scale. Most if not all "paddle wheels", "water wheels" or "ferris wheels" and other Hydrokinetic Converters, were built using the "finger method", rather than using rules and calculations based on scientific analysis.

In most cases, the Converters do not have a strong, reliable, and lightweight “full-scale gear system” capable of raising the converters' relatively slow rotational speeds to the 1500 rpm or more necessary to generate electricity. This fact implies that heavy Revolution Multipliers must be installed on land, or in large vessels. Furthermore, it is practically impossible to connect the shafts of the Converters located in the water with those of the Revolution Multipliers located on land. On the other hand, it is extremely cumbersome to connect the “movable” shafts (of the Converters that must occasionally be removed out of the water to stop their rotation, for their revision), with the shafts of the Revolution multipliers arranged on land, or on auxiliary vessels. .

Practically all the Hydrokinetic Devices studied do not contemplate the (fundamental) need to be able to stop them (for their revision and maintenance), and even less do they contemplate the possibility of regulating their rotation speeds.

From the structural point of view, because they work in flexion / compression, (and not pure traction and pure compression), the hydrokinetic converters of the current state of the art are extremely heavy, and their dimensions are limited to lengths no greater from 2m to 3m. The converters of the current state of the art have high structural masses, which translates into high own weights, low mechanical efficiency and high costs. Due to their great weight and structural mass, to put them in motion it was often necessary to build locks, gates, and dikes to guide the waters towards the wheels, with consequent increases in cost and complexity. In radial vane turbines a substantial amount of water flows down and sideways. The lack of "bottom plates" and "side restraints" notably decrease energy yields. With the exception of the Zuppinger type turbines that require the construction of important Civil Works to build the channels that house their various components.

Small designs, which sometimes appear to be relatively efficient, are generally not scalable, that is, they cannot be scaled up, invalidating those options for generating power on a full scale. Larger-scale designs such as “underwater mills” only manage to generate electricity at very high costs per kWh, and therefore are not very competitive. Furthermore, they can only be located where there are considerable depths and high current speeds, that is, in the sea or in very deep rivers. This fact limits the number of possible sites for these technologies.

Most devices have "Paddles" that have extremely small Reaction Areas, resulting in negligible energy efficiencies. Also, these devices generally cannot be scaled. In other words, they can hardly be built on a full scale, or commercial. Using the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) energy conversion methodology, the instantaneous power that a fluid can generate is given by the formula: Pw = ~ A x V ³ x P x (CBetz x Cef). Where Pw is expressed in Watts, A is the "swept"area; V is the velocity in m / s; P is the specific gravity of fresh water 1000 kg / m ³ ; (that of salt water 1025 kg / m ³ ); CBetz = 0.59, (limit applicable only to turbines that "sweep an Area"); and Cef is the sum of the Efficiency Coefficients (of the gears, of the generators, of the pallet drag (drag), and others) If the specific weight P = 1000 kg / m ³ is eliminated and (W) is replaced by (Kw) the result is:

Pkw = 0.5 x åA x V ³ x CBetz x å Cef - (Where åA is the sum of the cosines of the Areas (A) of the blades subjected to currents) - From the above formula it follows that: a) The Area of Converters (A) should be the largest possible - In all the examples of the current state of the art, the area (A) is practically insignificant. b) The blades of the Converters should sweep as much “cross section” of the rivers as possible, (Since in general the widths are much greater than the depths); In addition, they should be able to sweep the largest “longitudinal” section of the rivers that is possible (a fact that does not happen in any of the cases in the current state of the art) c) In order to maximize the catchment areas of kinetic energy, the design of the turbines must consider the possibility that these can be located one after the other along the watercourses, (having certain minimum economic speeds), that is, the turbines must be designed to minimize interference with the turbines located downstream. This does not happen in any of the patent records studied. d) In certain cases the speed of the fluids can be increased by means of small Civil Works interventions, or by other means, as long as these do not generate negative environmental impacts e) In the case of turbines that have “multiple full core blades”, For power calculations, the sum of the projections of each blade immersed in the water currents should be considered, that is:

A = å (eos A1 + cosA2 + cosA3). (In all the antecedents studied, no mathematical calculations or empirical checks were carried out on the subject)

The Betz limit = 0.59, which is not contemplated in the examples of the current state of the art, reflects the maximum extractable power by the turbine blades that "sweep an Area" before the fluid passes through the blades without generating energy, (due to the braking effect imposed by the Power Generator system). This Limit is only applicable to “propeller” type, Darrieux type, Orlov type or similar turbines. It does not apply to “full-core blade” turbines. In the present innovation “full web paddles” are used so performance is not affected by the Betz limit. In “full-core blade” turbines, a certain amount of “energy in addition to kinetic energy” could come from “the inertia of moving bodies of water” pushing behind those that pass through the blades. In this type of turbine, the applied energy is partially exerted in a kinetic form, but also in the form of “pressure”.

Energy in the form of "pressure" would have the same effect as a further increase in the mass of water. "It would be analogous to the pressure of a crowd trying to get out through a closed door." The forces exerted on that door can be much greater than those exerted only by people in physical contact with that door (represented by the formulas E = MV ² or by E = AV ³ ); or by Ekw = AV ³ To determine the "Amount of Harvested Power, measured over time", that is, the Real Potential delivered by a turbine, over a year, for example, the power expressed in the above formulas must be multiplied by a "Capacity Factor ”(FC), which reflects the time that the turbine effectively generates energy. As an example in wind power the Capacity Factor (CF) rarely exceeds 30% (0.30), even in the best locations. Although in general hydraulic energy is more predictable, and in rivers it is exerted in only one direction, it can present speed variations that require “some kind of device” capable of regulating the rotation speed, in order to that the Capacity Factor tends to be 1. We can affirm that no hydrokinetic converter in the current state of the art has this type of device. Additionally, all the systems to fix the Hydrokinetic converters to the riverbed and those that depend on large vessels to keep them afloat, are extremely expensive in relation to the generated powers and can hardly be replicated in large numbers to take advantage of the extraordinary hydrokinetic potential contained. across, but especially along rivers.

In the current state of the art, there are no full-scale turbines that are totally "self-floating", that is, capable of dispensing with boats to keep them afloat, and even less turbines that, in addition to being self-floating, are capable of maintaining float heavy rev multipliers and electric generators, which complete any power generation scheme. 4- DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(fig. N ° 1) - Schematic section of a river, out of scale, which represents its energy potential due to the effect of gravity compared to a dam in the same river.

(fig. N ° 2) - Maximum diameters of “propeller type” turbines; with reference to the depths of rivers. (fig. N ° 3) - Succession of multiple “propeller-type turbines”, to take advantage of the hydrokinetic energy contained in the cross section of a river.

(fig. N ° 4) - View (schematic) of an “ideal” Palette that takes advantage of all the hydrokinetic energy contained in the width of a river.

(fig. N ° 5) - Cross-sectional plane of a river (schematic section) - Schematic view of an ideal Palette that follows the contour of the Cross-sectional plane of a river. (fig. N ° 6) - System to assure to the hydrokinetic converters capacities to float by themselves - Flooded self-floating skeletons.

(fig. No. 7); (fig. N ° 8) - Variants of Self-floating Tensile-structures with spreader discs of equal diameter.

(fig. N ° 9); (fig. N ° 10) - Variants of Self-floating Tensile-structures with spreader discs of unequal diameters.

(fig. N ° 11) - Flat tensioners - Fins, type “winglets” at the ends of the Blades. (fig. N ° 12) - Tensioners.

(fig. N ° 13) - Component diagrams of the floating cross discs. (fig. N ° 14) - Auxiliary pneumatic system, optional.

(fig. N ° 15 - Schematics of the Laminar Pallets.

(fig. N ° 16) - Systems to stiffen the thin blades of the pallets.

(fig. N ° 17) - Comparative diagrams of the areas swept by the 4,6, and 8 radial vane converters.

(fig. N ° 18) - Minimum distances that successive Converters must keep from each other, taking into consideration that the turbulences generated by the self-floating converters are parallel to the direction of the fluids, that is, they are not divergent (as is the case propeller turbines and others) - See hydrodynamics of fluids). (fig. N ° 19) - Comparative diagrams between hydrokinetic converters that include devices to avoid “fluid spillage”, (towards the “sides”, at the ends of the converters, and “down”, on the vanes radial), and those that do not include them. (fig. N ° 20) - The reaction area of each paddle is equal to the cosine of the angle it makes with the surface plane of the water. As a result, the total area of a converter is equal to the sum of the useful areas of the submerged blades. (fig. N ° 21) - Schemes of the “Bogie beams” - The same concepts that led to the development of the “bogies” of the trains allowed us to transform the "self-floating hydrokinetic converters" into "self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators", through the use of a system of specialized beams, of negligible weight, that link two (or more) converters. (fig. N ° 22) - Diagram - Side view of a “bogie beam”.

(fig. N ° 23) - Use of the rising waves from the stern at the output of the 1-converter, to increase the diameter and consequently the reaction areas of the 2-converter.

(fig. N ° 24) - Diagram of the first stage, (mechanical), of the revolution multiplier.

(fig. N ° 25) - System variants to partially or totally lift self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators out of the water.

(fig. N ° 26) - Auxiliary catamarans, low draft, and minimum resistance to currents, specially designed to lift the “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators” out of the water, and to be able to be coupled to “fluid accelerator devices. floating tubes with variable mouth widths ”, (when it is economically convenient).

(fig. N ° 27) - Devices to keep the set of converters and “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators” in position within the free spaces between the hulls of the catamarans, in order to prevent them from being able to hitting the Helmets; by effect of the wind, or of the waves.

(fig. N ° 28) - Diagrams of the devices "self-floating fluid accelerators of variable mouth widths", composed of "skirts" of thin sheets, (which can be made of different materials, stiffened or not, by means of from secondary structures, and articulated, or non-articulated), supported by two (or more) floating tubes, (filled with closed cell plastic foams), which can be elastically linked with the bows of specialized catamarans, (at one end), and with the transfer systems of the lashings, (or with the impact deflectors), at the other end.

One or both ends of the accelerating devices that make up the "funnels" can be moved at will, (by means of cables, ropes and pulleys, automated or not), which allow the width of the mouths of the "funnels" to be adjusted. ). The system allows the construction of "self-floating generator trains driven by accelerated fluids inside their own structures"

(fig. N ° 29) - Diagrams and characteristics of various types of "skirts" of self-floating fluid accelerators. (fig. N ° 30) - Diagrams of: "self-floating impact deflectors".

(fig. N ° 31) - Devices to Transfer the traction forces exerted by the four (4) moorings that hold the “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators”, to a single anchor line.

(fig. N ° 32) - Systems to prevent the sinking of the "bow" of the "impact deflectors" and of the "mooring transfer systems", for cases in which, (due to the effect of extraordinary floods), the "angles of shot" of the anchor lines can be modified.

(fig. N ° 33) - (Optional) - “Tensioned hoods”, (in one, or two, directions), to protect the Converters from the extraordinary winds that are expected to have the same direction as the currents.

(fig. N ° 34) - Diagram of sectors of “multivalvular blade vanes” (fig. N ° 35) - Diagrams of self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators with vertical (or horizontal) axes, of totally submerged converters. 5- PROVIDED SOLUTION

The present innovation allows solving most of the problems previously exposed, in which the inventor provides an energy generation system that includes devices that allow generating both “distributed” renewable energy, and “concentrated” renewable energy, (in the form of Linear Power Plants composed of multiple and successive self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators arranged one behind the other).

The development of electro-hydrokinetic technology promises to be of fundamental importance, given that water currents have an energy density almost 1000 times higher than those of air, and therefore, at the same generated power, hydrokinetic converters could have dimensions, and costs, much lower than their equivalents in the air.

The purpose of this innovation is to provide a "self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system" replicable "along rivers". It has a series of characteristics and solutions that distinguishes it from all the antecedents of hydrokinetic turbines of the current state of the art.

Self-floating hydrokinetic converters take advantage of the “natural speeds” of water courses of a certain speed, such as those that exist downstream of dams and others. In certain cases, the speeds of the currents can be increased through small civil works interventions, such as reductions in the width or depths of the channels and by other means. The present innovation contemplates the possibility of using "self-floating fluid accelerators" described in later pages. In general, the only possible resource to increase the power of the hydrokinetic converters consists in increasing the areas (surfaces), which react to fluids, as much as possible, since it is not possible to increase the “natural speeds” of rivers without resorting to expensive civil works.

To achieve these ends, the lengths of the turbines must tend to adapt to the widths and depths of river beds.

These conditions determine that it is not convenient to use turbines with shafts parallel to the currents, such as the propeller type, nor the turbines with vertical or horizontal axes, such as Orlov, Darrieux, and the like, because it would be necessary to install multiple turbines to cover the width of the rivers - (See the graphs in fig. N ° 2 and N ° 3 attached) To take advantage of the greatest possible amount of the hydrokinetic energy contained in the transverse plane of a river, the present innovation contemplates the use of "Turbines Transversal to currents" , with large spans, which use tensioned structural systems that allow to keep the own weights contained and can be scaled, in other words, they can have large dimensions without losing their characteristics and qualities to generate electro-hydrokinetic energy.

Note: Along a river there are “multiple transversal planes” that can be used (and not just one).

(fig. N ° 2). Maximum diameters that “propeller type” turbines can have; with reference to the depths of rivers); (7) Turbines with shafts parallel to currents cannot have diameters greater than the depth of rivers, measured at the extraordinary maximum downpipe; (8) Minimum level of a river corresponding to the maximum downspout - (fig. N ° 3) - Succession of multiple “propeller-type turbines”, to take advantage of the hydrokinetic energy contained in the cross section of a river.

Fixing multiple turbines (7) to the river bed would be a task, extremely cumbersome and economically unfeasible solution, if it is desired to extract as much as possible of the hydrokinetic energy contained in the transverse plane of a river.

The submerged blades "transverse to currents" of the present innovation (9), can be dimensioned, in length, depth, and shape, to capture the greatest possible amount of the hydrokinetic energy contained in the transverse plane of a river; (10) Sectors “out of the water” of the self-floating converter blades (11) leading edges parallel to the axes, (blade variant); (12) Shafts of self-floating converters.

(fig. N ° 5) - Schematic view of an ideal paddle that follows the contour of the transverse plane of a river); (12) axes of the converters (13) sectors of the leading edges of the blades, not parallel to the axes.

In some cases, converters whose blades have leading edge sectors, not parallel to the axes, can better adapt to the profiles of certain channels, (in order to capture the greatest possible amount of hydrokinetic energy)

The execution of large hydrokinetic turbines capable of harvesting appreciable amounts of energy was practically impossible (in the current state of technology), due to the very heavy metal structures that were capable of resisting the thrust of currents, and the forces generated During assembly, they imposed insurmountable limits on the dimensions of the Norias Blades, and of the turbines, (which in general are not they were more than 0.25m ² in size and rarely exceeded one square meter

Fixing a turbine, or a Ferris wheel, to the mainland, or to the riverbeds, turned out to be an extremely difficult, and onerous task. The fixation of multiple turbines, (to be able to increase the reaction surfaces), was not feasible.

Another major drawback: Hydrokinetic converters must be independent of "river level fluctuations" and the devastating effects of extraordinary floods.

This fact, added to the aforementioned problems and the prohibitive costs of the alternatives that contemplated installing them on boats, determined the disappearance of hydrokinetic technology on a large scale.

The solutions provided by this innovation to the very serious problems mentioned include: (1) Ensuring the Hydrokinetic Converters Self-buoyant conditions, (that is, they should not resort to auxiliary vessels to keep them afloat). To achieve this, their own structures include the means so that they can float on their own -

(fig. N ° 6 - System to ensure the ability of hydrokinetic converters to float by themselves). Flooded self-floating skeletons;

(8) “Waterline coinciding with a predetermined level (due to the design of the blades, the speeds of the currents, and other considerations); (14) floating crosshead discs, (filled with closed-cell plastic foams), whose diameter responds to the depths of the rivers, the profile of the channels and the speeds of the currents, and whose width, (thickness), results from the displacement calculations, which are based on the premise that: the vertical thrusts equivalent to the weight of the volumes of water displaced by the submerged sectors of the spreader discs, are equal to the sum of the weights of all the components of the self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators including the generator motors and others;

(12) Hollow shafts filled with closed cell plastic foams;

The system makes it possible to increase the areas as much as possible, (the surfaces that react to fluids), through the use of "extended tensile structures", transverse to the currents, capable of overcoming large spans, (similar to the masts of sailboats arranged in a horizontal position) (fig. N ° 4), and use pallets that can be adapted in length, depth, and shape, to the cross-section of rivers. (fig. N ° 5)

The system makes it possible to reduce the weight of each of the components to a maximum, in order to reduce the thickness and drag of the spreader discs.

In addition, it allows the use of pallets that work with pure traction, such as the sails of ships, in order to reduce their own weight and use tensioned structures that work with pure traction, linked to shafts that work with pure compression, with the in order to avoid the use of heavy structures that work in flexion-compression.

To avoid “auto-rotation” it uses the same concepts that led to the development of the “bogies” of trains, (and trucks), which allow the transmission of the mechanical energy generated by the axles of two (2,) (or more), hydrokinetic converters, “revolution multipliers” and permanent magnet axial flow “electric generators”, described in later pages. From the structural point of view, the solution provided by this innovation to the problems posed by traditional structures, (weights own excessive and minimum dimensions), consists of the use of tension-extended structures, that is, tensioned structures similar to the masts of sailboats, arranged in a horizontal position, where the compression forces are absorbed in the central axis; those of traction in tensioners arranged around the axes, spaced by specialized disc-shaped spacers, and the bending forces, (which are generated mainly during the lifting of the structures during their launching), are taken by diagonal tensioners, ( that form triangles with the axes). All the tensioners are distanced from the axes by means of "spacers" (like those of the masts of sailboats). The set of radially arranged "spreaders" make up circular devices called "spreader discs" (which also fulfill a variety of other functions). (fig. N ° 7; fig. N ° 8) - Variants of self-floating tensile-structures whose cross discs have the same diameter) (fig. N ° 9; fig. N ° 10 - variants of self-floating tensile-structures whose spreader discs have unequal diameters); (14) Floating cross discs, filled with closed cell plastic foams; (12) Hollow shafts filled with closed-cell plastic foams, dimensioned to resist torsional forces, (in each particular case), with the only condition that they are light and self-floating; (15) external structural tensioners, strapping, (or cables in some cases), where the leading edges of the laminar vanes and the stiffening ribs are fixed. They include the devices to tension them; (16) Shaft tips whose purpose is to reduce the diameter of the shafts and that of the bearings; (17) Diagonal tensioners that contribute to the stiffening of the tensile structures. In some cases they can be arranged in such a way as to allow taking torsional forces; (18) tubular profiles that help to "fix" the crosshead discs at both ends; (19) Devices for tensioning cables or straps - The external tensioners parallel to the axes, made up of flat straps, support the “leading edge of the converter blades”, (like the cables that support the headsails of sailboats). The flattened shape of these tensioners allows them to withstand small bending forces imposed by the blades (in the direction of the greater abscissa). (fig. N ° 11 - Flat tensioners - Fins, from the ends of the blades), (Winglets type); (15) External "flat strip" structural tensioners; (11 or 13) Leading edges of the laminar vanes; (20) Area of the lamellar blades that form "winglets" type fins; (21) Rivets, nuts, or devices to fix the leading edge of the blades to the tensioned straps; (30) Laminate pallets -

The variants with straps tensioned not parallel to the axes and their corresponding leading edges (of the blades), are distanced from the axes by means of "crosshead disks of unequal diameters" (fig. N ° 9; fig. N ° 10) .

In addition to the perimeter and diagonal tensioners, the Crosshead discs allow the tensioners to be arranged in multiple other positions. In cases where it is convenient, odd numbers of tensioners (not opposite) may be arranged, with their corresponding odd numbers of pallets.

(fig. N ° 12), Tensioners; (22) Optional auxiliary tensioners; (31) Odd tensors (not opposites)

The diagonal tensioners, (whose function is to counteract the bending forces of the shafts), should be made of cable, to reduce the resistance to fluids.

The spreader discs are not only used to position and distance the tensioners, which hold the leading edges of the laminar vanes, but to transmit the forces (torque) generated by the latter to the shafts, and fundamentally to provide "buoyancy reserves" to the assembly. of the System generation of self-floating electro-hydrokinetic energy (by filling all its components with closed-cell plastic foams)

(fig. N ° 13 Component diagrams of the floating spider discs); (15) Cable or strap variants of external tensioners. The perimeter structural ring (23), which forms the leading edge of the floating cross-head discs, allows fixing and positioning the tensioners and transmitting the forces generated by the blades to the spokes (24), and to the “torsion and closing plates of both faces (26). The rays, relieved, transmit to the bushings (25) and these to the shafts (12), a part of the rotational forces imposed by the blades. The "torsion plates" and closure (26) transmit to the bushings (25) and these to the shafts (12) the rest of the rotational forces. (27) Filling the interior of components and gaps with closed-cell plastic foams -

The width, that is, the thickness of the floating cross discs, is the calculation variable so that the float level of the self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system agrees with the design levels.

In order that the whole self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system can float in agreement with a waterline predetermined by the design and by the calculations, the weight of the volume of water displaced by the sum of the submerged sectors of the discs crosshead, (determined by this waterline), must coincide with the sum of the own weights of all the components, including those of the electric generators, those of the “Bogie beams”, those of the Hydrokinetic converters themselves and the of the other components.

The Floating Cross Discs together with the floating Shafts constitute the “floating skeleton” of the self-floating Electro Hydrokinetic Converters, characterized in that the structure floats by its own means, without the need for of resorting to auxiliary boats to support the weight of its components (fig. N ° 6).

In certain cases an auxiliary pneumatic system allows to regulate the float levels.

(fig. N ° 14 - Auxiliary pneumatic system, optional); (14) spider discs; (28) pneumatic chambers; (29) Air injection / extraction; (16) Shaft ends. The “laminar paddles” (of thin sheets) of the self-floating Hydrokinetic Converters supported in their relative position by the external tensioners of the tensile structures, (detail fig. N ° 11), are built with curved sheets of small thickness and contained weight, that work to the pure traction, like the sails of the ships. Due to these unusual characteristics, the resistance to rotation due to the effect of friction on the bearings, (and the inertial forces to overcome), are insignificant, with the consequent increases in efficiency. On the other hand, contrary to the tiny reaction surfaces and excessive weights of the blades of the traditional Norias and those of the Orlov, Darrieux, Thawt and other similar converters, of variable section blades that, in addition to being extremely heavy, are small and expensive, they can only be set in motion in locations with high fluid velocities, the laminar vanes of self-floating converters can have large horizontally extended surfaces (fig. N ° 4 and 5) that allow better use of width / depth relationships of most rivers and the various speeds that may occur.

The spreader discs of unequal diameters, (figs. N ° 5/6/9/10), and their corresponding tensioners not parallel to the axes, determine that the resulting blades are slightly helical and that the “leading edges” of this type of blades (13) enter the water "progressively" during fluid phase changes, that is, when they pass from air to water, due to the effect of rotation, reducing the typical impacts and vibrations of converters whose blades have leading edges parallel to the axes and to the water surface (11). (fig. N ° 15 - Diagrams of the laminar vanes); (8) Float level predetermined by calculations and design; (15) External structural tensioners, (of tensioned strips), which hold in their relative positions the leading edge of the laminar blades (30), spaced from the axes by means of "spacer bushings" (32), which allow varying the angles of inclination of the blades with respect to those of the theoretical concentric rays, separating them from the axes; (20) Area of the vanes with the shape of fins, type “winglets”, whose function is to avoid the “spillage” of the fluids downwards; (14) Floating spreader discs - The external areas of the laminar vanes held in their relative position by the external tensioned straps of the tensile structures (15) present some wings type "winglets" (20) whose folding contributes to stiffen the edge of longitudinal attack of the pallets -

The laminar pallets, (of thin sheets) including the fins at their ends, ("winglets"), are stiffened, (in one sense), by means of "curved stiffening profiles", (where possible flat and lightened with multiple holes), which fulfill the function that the sheets of the ultra-light pallets preserve the curvatures that arise from calculations and designs. In the other sense, rigidity is achieved by shape.

(fig. N ° 16 - Systems to stiffen the thin sheets of the pallets) - A certain number of lightened “Stiffening Profiles” (33) welded to the laminar pallets (30) allow them to maintain the design curvatures. In the interior area of the converters, a series of "spacer bushings" (32) linked to the "stiffening profiles (33) make it possible to form a central" paddle-free "area around the axes (12), which is intended to increase the efficiency of converters; (34) devices for fastening the "stiffening profiles" to the "spacer bushings" of the shafts (32).

To make the most of the Reaction Areas, the number of radial blades must be such that there is always at least one perpendicular to the current, at 90 °, (Cos 90 ° = 1); from which it follows that the minimum number of pallets must be at least eight (8), which may be more but not less. (fig. N ° 17 - Comparative diagrams of the areas swept by the 4,6, and 8 radial vane converters) -

The converters (which transform the hydrokinetic energy into mechanical energy) of the self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators can be arranged one behind the other, all along the rivers, or sectors of them, (provided that these maintain the minimum speeds, determined by the economic equation). This is possible due to the particular arrangement of the converter blades, radial, eccentric, and transverse to the currents, which do not generate distortions in the direction of the fluids at their outlet, as happens in turbines: propeller type, Orlov type, Darrieux type, and others similar, which, like wind mills, cannot be arranged one after the other because the turbulences generated by those that precede them, would destroy them. From the above it is deduced that the total powers that can be generated in a given sector of a river are directly proportional to the sum of the reaction areas of the multiple self-floating converters that can be installed, and inversely proportional to the minimum distances that can be installed. The converters must be kept together so that they are not affected by the turbulence generated by the dam effect of the converters that precede them. (fig. N ° 18 - Minimum distances that successive converters must keep from each other, taking into consideration that the turbulences generated by the self-floating converters are parallel to the direction of the fluids, that is, they are not divergent - fluid hydrodynamics) ; (35) Bow wave (generated by compression against the converter); (36) First Downward Stern Wave (suction), followed by a second Upward Stern Wave; (37) Trail of non-divergent vortices and turbulences that occur until the (initial) velocities of the fluids are recovered; (38) Theoretical minimum distance between converters so that the initial velocities of the fluids can be recovered, (or that of the disappearance of the vortices) - (This distance depends on the velocity of the fluids, on the shape and dimensions of the blades, of the existing depth under the blades, and other considerations. The power resulting from the sum of the individual powers generated by these "trains of self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators" can be extraordinary, and taking into special consideration that they practically do not generate impacts. negative environmental impacts, in many cases the construction of hydroelectric dams that generate enormous negative environmental impacts could be avoided.

In addition, the construction of these generator trains can be carried out in stages, since they begin to generate from the moment they are located, unlike the dams that need to be completely finished to start generating energy.

In order to avoid the significant power losses that result from the “spillage” of the water currents downwards, and towards the sides of the converters of the current state of the art, due to the effect of the braking imposed by the generators, the present innovation foresees the use of the crosshead discs at both ends, to prevent the “spillage” of the fluids towards the sides, and the arrangement of “winglets” type fins at the ends of the pallets, to avoid “spillage” downwards.

(fig. N ° 19) - Comparative diagrams between hydrokinetic converters that include devices to prevent “fluid spillage”, “out”, at the ends of the converters, and “down”, in the radial blades, comparing with converters that do not include them) a) Examples of converters that do not have devices to prevent "fluid spills" - (b) Examples of Converters that have devices to prevent "fluid spills".

From the point of view of the application of the “Betz limit”, (x0.59), which decreases by 41%, (or more), the powers generated by the types of converters that “Sweep an Area”, (be these wind or hydrokinetic), as is the case of the Helix, Orlov, Darrieux, and similar turbines.

The Solution provided by this innovation in order not to be reached by the power deductions imposed by this limit, consists in using converters made up of several large “full core vanes”, which are not reached by this limit, due to “not having open areas "through which fluids can pass, (such as those that exist between the blades of the" propeller type "converters), when they are braked by the generators.

On the other hand, the "reaction area of this type of converters" is considerably greater than that which only considers the area of a single vane at 90 ^o - A = Cos for the calculation. 90 ° = 1.

For the purposes of power calculations, the following should be taken into consideration: the sum of the areas of all the submerged blades, subjected to the thrusts of the currents, represented by the formula P = å (cosA1 + cosA2 + cosA3). In itself, it must be verified empirically and (if it is theoretically possible), the aforementioned with reference to the existence of a certain “additional energy to the kinetic energy” coming from the inertial force of the masses of water in motion -

(Fig. N ° 20 - The reaction area of each paddle is equal to the cosine of the angle it forms with the surface plane of the water. As a result, the “total calculation area of a converter” is equal to the sum of the areas tools of submerged pallets) - In the calculation variant (a) A = cosine 90 ° = 1, that is A = 1 = to the lateral plane of a pallet - In the calculation variant (b)

A = å (cosine 45 ° + cosine 90 ° + cosine 135 °) = å (0.707 + 1 + 0.707) = 2.14, that is, in the calculation variant (b) A is 2.414 times greater than if it is adopted for the calculation of Area the lateral plane of a pallet at 90 ° -

In the current state of hydrokinetic technology, to avoid the “autorotation” effect that is generated when applying the torque generated by the revolution multipliers and electric generators on the converters, it is essential to be able to fix them, in some way, to the bed of rivers, or to the mainland.

This can be achieved at the cost of large investments and extremely difficult implementation and maintenance tasks. Another option contemplated the possibility of installing all the components including the generators and the revolution multipliers on specialized boats, (which were extremely expensive in relation to the powers generated).

The option to use “converters that are self-floating” was limited to a few examples that used “rigid extensions of the lashings” to slow down the “Autorotation” and the consequent “winding of the lashings”. The few existing examples of the category of "Self-floating Hydrokinetic Converters" are small floating drums with radial blades of very small dimensions, (and very low performance), which are not scalable, (that is, they cannot be built on a real scale) -

The solution to the problem of "autorotation" of Converters provided by this innovation is conceptually similar to that solved by "train bogies" (and trucks), which use beams, or specialized structures, to link two , or more, axes, in order to establish fixed points in solidarity with each other, which allow the incorporation of brake systems, motors, reduction gears and other components.

The solution provided in this innovation both to avoid "autorotation" and to incorporate the supports of the rev multiplier systems, the supports of the electric generators, the ends of the mooring ropes to the moorings and the ends of the mooring lines to the subsequent converters, consists of linking the ends of the shafts, (the shaft ends), of two, (or more), self-floating hydrokinetic converters, by means of two specially designed “bogie beams”, of weight content, parallel to each other and squared by tensioners that "make up San Andrés crosses".

(fig. N ° 21 - Schemes of the “bogie beams” - The same concepts that led to the development of the “bogies”, allowed converting the “self-floating hydrokinetic converters” into “self-floating hydrokinetic electric generators”, by means of the incorporation of specialized structures that link two (or more) converters: the “bogie beams”); (39) bogie beams; (40) Tensioners of the crosses of San Andrés; (41) devices for fixing the bow and stern lashings; (42) devices to incorporate the 1- revolution multipliers stage; (43) Devices for fixing the other multiplication stages and the electric generators.

The beams (and the devices that link them with the shafts of two or more self-floating converters) make up the “Self-floating Bogies” that support the various stages of the revolution multipliers, the axial flow magnetic generators. permanent moorings, moorings and moorings to subsequent self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators. In addition, they hold the anchors for the winch cables (to lift the system out of the water).

The "bogie beams" have extensions to the bow and stern, at the end of which the moorings are attached. At the ends towards the bow, the mooring lines coming from the anti-impact deflectors are affirmed; or those of the devices that transfer the traction forces of four (or more), ties to only one, (depending on the case). At the aft ends, the moorings that lead to the subsequent self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators (located downstream) are affirmed. (fig. N ° 22 - Schematic - Side view of a “bogie beam”); (44) fore and aft extensions of the "bogie beams".

The distances that the axes of the two (three, or four) self-floating converters must keep from each other, (linked by the beams that make up the “bogies”), are conditioned by: the diameter of the self-floating converters, added to the minimum distance that the second converter must keep, (the one downstream of the first) in order not to be affected by the “turbulence trails” generated by the converter that precedes it. In some cases (when the fluid velocities are high), and in order to increase the Reaction Areas, the height of the ascending sectors of the stern waves can be used, (which are produced at the output of the ^1st converter ), to increase the diameter of the 2 converter, without changing its draft. In other words, keeping the same draft for the two Converters, the Reaction Areas can be increased by raising the shaft and increasing the diameter of the second converter -

(fig. N ° 23), Use of the rising stern waves at the output of the 1-converter, to increase the diameter and consequently the reaction areas of the 2-converter); (42) ^1st converter (upstream); (43) 2 converter (downstream); (36) Upward stern wave of ^1st converter. This innovation was based on the premise that it is essential to lighten as much as possible the weight of the components of the speed multiplier system and of the electric generator so that they can be kept afloat by the flotation reserves of the self-floating hydrokinetic converters themselves. To achieve this task, it is convenient to use speed multipliers built with duralumin casings and lightened gears, rather than the very heavy traditional multipliers. Another alternative way is to use multipolar generators with low self-weight - Both variants preceded by a “pinion and crown” multiplication stage that takes advantage of the shape of the cross-head discs to place the crown gear of the same. Furthermore, it is essential to avoid “traditional” electric generators because they have such high weights that they are incompatible with the purpose of being kept afloat by the buoyancy reserves of the self-floating converters themselves. In the present innovation, the distinctive features of the drive end spreader discs of the converters are used to cope with to the additional weight imposed by the gears, generator, and other components. This is achieved by increasing the thickness of these spider discs. On the other hand, increasing the thickness of these crosshead discs contributes to transmitting the torque from the perimeter of these discs to the shafts. To avoid the very heavy traditional revolution multipliers, in this innovation a flexible, lightweight Revolution Multiplier System was developed, capable of adapting to the various rpm (revolutions per minute) that may be required by electric generators. The System comprises a first multiplication stage, which is materialized by attaching a large diameter “toothed ring” and a small diameter “pinion” to the driving cross discs.

This gear configuration has a highly contained self-weight and has minimal resistance to rotation during the initial start-up stages. This stage is followed by a secondary stage of multiplication and (eventually) another tertiary, of the "flexible" type, and of contained weight.

With regard to electric generators, it is estimated to use "permanent magnet axial flow generators" whose weight is negligible when compared to "traditional ones.

(fig. N ° 24 - Diagram of the first stage, of the revolution multiplier). The non-deformable link structure (42) links the tip of the converter shaft (16), with the pinion (46), and with the bogie beam (39), (which links the converters of the hydrokinetic electric generation system). The ring gear (45), attached to the drive cross disk, drives the pinion (46) and this drives the largest pulley of the 2nd multiplication stage or the revolution multiplier. In general terms, full-scale Electro Hydrokinetic generation systems should inevitably have some type of device that allows to regulate the rotation speeds, (in the case of excessive increases in the speed of the water currents, due to the effect of extraordinary rains, thaws, and floods) and that in turn allow them to be stopped completely, in order to carry out the tasks of preventive and corrective maintenance of its components. In the current state of the art, no converter includes devices for regulating the rotational speeds to cope with excessive increases in the speed of the currents and even less devices for extracting large converters out of the water to stop them and be able to repair them.

This innovation contemplates the possibility that the set of the "self-floating electro-hydrokinetic energy generation system" can be raised, partially, or totally out of the water, to regulate the rotation speeds, or to stop them completely, using for this purpose , (depending on the different situations and types of rivers): a) Winches installed on land, b) Davits arranged on specialized catamarans, c) Pneumatic structures, d) Winches on beams that cross rivers, e) Hanging systems f) Other systems

(fig. N ° 25 - System variants to partially or totally lift the self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators out of the water).

(A) Variant with winches arranged on dry land. In a natural (or artificial) narrowing of a channel that includes an anti-impact barrier with a small bay to collect waste; (B) Variant with horizontal winches on dry land; (C) Variant with counterbalanced winches; (D) Variant under bridges, or on piles; (E) Variant for large span converters; (F) Variant of winches on asymmetric floats with flaps, fluid accelerators (G) Variant on asymmetric floats with weighted sheet fluid accelerating skirts; (H) Variant that uses stretched beams on the channels. In some variants the beams can slide along them; (I) Winches on helmets; (J) Winches arranged on horizontal pneumatic tubes and (K) Variants on vertical pneumatic floats.

In cases where the winches to extract the "self-floating hydrokinetic generators" from the water must be placed on boats (because they cannot be installed on land), the present innovation foresees the possibility of using a sort of low-cost auxiliary catamarans with very low depths that, in addition to supporting said winches, have as a distinctive characteristic, among others, that they can be coupled to "self-floating fluid accelerator devices".

(fig. N ° 26 - Auxiliary catamarans, with low draft and minimal resistance to currents, specially designed to lift the “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators” out of the water, and to be able to be coupled to “floating fluid accelerator devices” of variable mouth widths ”, when it is economically convenient); (47) Metal tube hulls filled with closed cell plastic foams; (48) internal spaces between the metal tubes filled with closed cell plastic foams lined with plastic-cementitious compounds reinforced with fiberglass meshes with anti-alkali treatment, or with other coatings; (49) transverse structures that link the hulls of catamarans, or trimarans; (50) Crosses of San Andrés stretched; (51) Davits or winches, including devices so that the "positioning springs" can slide vertically; (53) Motorization and automation; (52) Optional devices to link the hulls of metal tubes of catamarans with the (eventual) ends of the metal tubes of "floating fluid accelerators of variable mouth widths".

The present innovation foresees that the “davits” themselves, (winches located on the catamarans), to lift the auto converters floating out of the water, have devices that allow the converters to be positioned (with a certain margin of elasticity), within the free space between the hulls of the catamarans, using for this purpose opposing elastics, mounted on devices that can slide vertically ( when converters need to be lifted out of the water).

(fig. N ° 27, “Opposing spring” devices to keep the “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generator” in position within the free spaces between the hulls of the catamaran, in order to prevent them from impacting against the helmets; by effect of the wind, or the waves).

(39) "bogie beams"; (51) Davits or winches that include devices so that the opposing positioning springs can move vertically during lifting. (53) Opposite springs to position the bogie beams between the hulls of the catamaran.

Taking into special consideration that the velocity of the fluids affects “cubed” in the powers that can be generated, and that water, unlike air, is incompressible, the present innovation includes the possibility of installing “self-accelerating fluid devices”. floating ”, with adjustable (or non-adjustable) mouth widths, which allow the power generated to be locally increased. Any reduction in the width of the mouth of a nozzle translates into an increase in the speed of the fluids, (while in air it would translate into an increase in pressure).

In the case of rivers whose speed is insufficient to generate energy economically, the present innovation contemplates the possibility of accelerating the water currents by means of a kind of "self-floating funnels with adjustable mouth widths" or "self-floating nozzles of variable pitch that accelerates the speed of the fluids ”, which allows to avoid impacts negative environmental impacts (and costs) of systems based on the narrowing of channels through civil works.

The possibility of regulating "the width of the mouth of the funnels", allows to regulate the speed of the currents that affect the Converters, (unlike the small funnels with fixed mouth widths, of the current state of technology), and In this way, avoid the excessive speed increases that can occur in fixed-mouth systems, when there are extraordinary floods and rains. In addition, the ability of the system to regulate the width of the "mouth of the funnels", reduces the problems that are generated during the dumping stages of fixed mouth systems, (due to the effect of the angles of incidence between the "skirts" and the direction of the fluids. In some cases, the "skirts" can be "articulated", in order to be able to raise them during the transport and dumping stages, and to regulate the speed of the water flows that affect the Converters. , (through automated or manual systems). They also allow to face extraordinary floods and downspouts and respond to the requirements of electric power generators. The fluid accelerator system is composed of one or two floating devices of metal tubes filled with foams closed-cell plastic, which support stiffened sheet “skirts”, which are elastically linked to the ends of the bow of the hulls of the auxiliary catamarans.

At either end, a series of lines, or cables, operated manually or automatically, allow the width of the mouth of the “funnels” to be adjusted - The tubes of the hulls of the auxiliary catamarans and the tubes of the fluid accelerating devices count with “skirts” that make up the “channels” and the self-floating “funnels” of the fluid accelerator system. (fig. N ° 28 - Diagrams of the devices "self-floating fluid accelerators of variable mouth widths", composed of "skirts" of thin sheets, (which can be of different materials, stiffened, or not, by means of secondary structures, and articulated, or non-articulated), supported by two (or more) floating tubes, (filled with closed cell plastic foam), which can be elastically linked with the bows of specialized catamarans, (at one end), and with the mooring transfer systems, (or with the impact deflectors), at the other end. One of the two ends of the accelerator devices that make up the "funnels" can be moved at will, (by means of cables, ropes and pulleys automated or not) that allow to regulate the width of the mouths of the “funnels”).

Zone (a) Shock deflector - Zone (b) fluid accelerator - Zone (c) Auxiliary catamarans; (54) Mooring cables (or ropes) to the mooring; (55) Mooring cables (or ropes) between the ends of the “bogie girders”; (41) and (optionally) between the bow of the auxiliary catamarans (a) to the impact deflectors or to the mooring transfer systems (c); (56) Floating tubes (filled with closed cell plastic foams); (57) Light transverse beams arranged above the water level, supported on the floating tubes and optionally on auxiliary floats (58) auxiliary floats (59), Floating tubes with built-in "skirts" (from the "fluid accelerator" device); (60) Floating tubes to counterbalance the fluid accelerator device ”- (without skirts) (61) rigging, (of automated or non-automated cables or ropes), to position the“ self-floating accelerator devices ”.

Positioning rigs can be arranged (optionally) at the forward end of the fluid accelerators; (62) Position of the fluid accelerating devices parallel to the currents for the case of floods and extraordinary currents); (64) Central tubes of the hulls of auxiliary catamarans with “skirts” parallel to the currents; (63a) Floating tubes with skirts parallel to the currents of the "asymmetric funnels" self-floating fluid accelerating devices; (63b) Idem above, without skirts

The "self-floating skirted funnels" form constrictions that tend to accelerate the velocity of fluids "locally". Furthermore, in order to prevent the currents from "spilling" downwards, out of the skirts, these have longitudinal fins in the shape of (L); or of (Z), (longitudinal “winglets”) that prevent, or limit, such spills. The

"Skirts" can be (according to the various cases): (a) Articulated, (to be able to raise them during the transport and launching stages) - (b) Articulated and counterbalanced, (to be able to adapt to downspouts, or extraordinary downspouts) - (c) Non-articulated, (fixed) - (d) Of stiffened sheets - (e) Of counterbalanced canvas - (f) Hybrid, (partially of stiffened sheets and partially of counterbalanced sheets) - (g) Fixed, integrated to the hulls (from closed cell plastic foams, lined with GRP or PCRFV) -

The speed increases (of the fluids) that can be achieved is proportional to the quotient between the maximum and minimum clearances between the skirts. That is, the Speed “Increased” by the Device is equal to = (the “natural” speed of the river x, ¾Bg, (-) (less a loss of speed

"Due to friction" and "turbulence"). Another particularity of these devices is that they allow to form "Self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generator trains driven by accelerated fluids inside their own structures."

(fig. N ° 29 - Diagrams and characteristics of various types of "skirts" of self-floating fluid accelerators); (65) Transverse structure, of crossbars that link the floating tubes (59) and (60) of the fluid accelerators; (65) Joints of the "skirts"; (66) Mechanical devices, electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic to raise the skirts; (67) "Laminar skirt" in operative position; (68a) "Laminar skirt" in fully retracted position; (68b) "Laminar skirt" in intermediate position, (to face extraordinary downspouts); (69) Secondary structure to stiffen the "laminar skirts".

In certain cases where there is a risk that "large floating objects" carried by the currents could impact the converters, this innovation includes a "self-floating impact deflector" made up of a triangular shaped device that transfers to a single moorings the traction forces exerted by the moorings coming from the bow of the two hulls of the catamarans and those coming from the ends of the two beams / bogie. The resulting mooring (from the transfer of the four moorings to a single anchor) can be anchored to the river bed by means of "dead", or "stone-filled gabions", or anchors, depending on the case, or they can be anchored to points Fixed on dry land - Debris, small branches, and other small objects that can seep through the baffles are not a problem in self-floating converters.

(fig. N ° 30 - Diagrams of "self-floating impact deflectors") - (a) Zone corresponding to the self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generator - (b) Zone of the 4 moorings (c) Zone of the self-floating impact deflector floating; (39) "Bogie beam"; (44) Prow extensions of the "Bogie beams"; (55) Mooring ropes (or cables) that link the Self-Floating Impact Deflector with the forward extensions of the Bogie Beams (44) and / or with the bows of the central tubes (64) of the auxiliary catamarans; (56) Floating tubes filled with closed cell plastic foams; (57) Light transverse beams arranged above the water level, supported on the floating tubes, and optionally on auxiliary floats (58). Floating tubes (56) support a structural system of submerged pipes filled with closed cell foams (70) specially designed so that floating objects of a certain size can slide along them, out of the areas that may impact with electro generators. self-floating hydrokinetics. To achieve this task, the tubular anti-impact profiles (70) are only supported at their two ends - At the bow end they are linked to a tubular anti-impact device and at the stern to the internal area of the rear end of the tube, where it joins the transverse beam (57) Under normal conditions, where extraordinary floods are not expected that could significantly modify the “shooting angles” of the mooring lines, it is not necessary to implement additional floats in the bow (71) -

In cases where there is no possibility that floating objects could impact the converters, (such as in the “pre-filtered” sectors downstream of the dams, in certain irrigation canals, and others), this innovation provides for a self-regulating device. triangular float that transfers the traction forces of the (4) four moorings indicated above, to a single anchor line, anchored to the river bed, or to fixed points on land, as the case may be. The particular arrangement of the mooring system allows the traditional "tangles" that occur when multiple mooring lines are deployed to multiple anchors to be avoided.

(fig. N ° 31 - Devices to transfer the traction forces exerted by the four moorings that hold the “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators”, to a single anchor line).

Depending on the depth of the rivers, and the height of the possible extraordinary floods, they can be incorporated (to the Impact Deflectors, or to the Transfer Systems of four moorings to a single one), “additional floats” that allow to increase the buoyancy at the fore vertex of triangular structures. (fig. N ° 32 - Systems to prevent the sinking of the "bow" of the "Impact deflectors" and of the "mooring transfer systems", for cases in which, (due to the effect of extraordinary floods), they may the "angles of fire" of the anchoring lines should be modified; (71) additional float filled with closed-cell plastic foams, whose sloping bottom hydrodynamically collaborates to counteract the forces that tend to sink the bow of the impact deflectors and the mooring transfer systems to a single anchor line.

In the case of sites in extremely windy areas, or in areas that may suffer extraordinary winds and are not protected by steep coasts, and in cases where the prevailing direction of the winds makes foresee, by their direction, that they will not collaborate In power generation, this innovation provides for the possibility of deploying a kind of tensioned, perforated, or non-perforated “hoods”, with a single curvature, or with two curvatures, (hyperbolic paraboloid type) supported on the bogie beams themselves ( to avoid that these must be retracted when the Converters must be raised).

(fig. N ° 33- (Optional depending on the case) - Scheme of "Hoods tensioned" in one or two directions to protect the converters from extraordinary winds that have the same direction as the water currents; (72) Parallel tensioners of the "Canopies" with a single curvature or warped tensioners in the case of "canopies with double curvature"; (73) canopy; (74) Extraordinary winds that have the same direction as the water currents -

The “fixed geometry” blades generate considerable drag forces, which tend to slow down the rotation, in addition they tend to trap air between the blades, reducing the ability to convert kinetic energy into mechanical energy. To solve these problems, numerous Authors have suggested mechanisms to change the geometry of the rigid blades during rotation, in order to improve the efficiency of the “paddle wheels”. For example, Brewer JJ (1976) in "waterwhel driven electric generator" (US Patent No. 3984698) - Other authors have proposed the use of flexible vanes supported on radial metal structures in their extraction phase of hydrokinetic energy, which can bend when entering the water and exiting - University of Southampton (Patent GB 2479912 A)

The solution provided in the present innovation to the problem of rigid blades of waterwheels and other bladed machines that convert hydrokinetic energy into mechanical energy, consists in using blades of "perforated sheets covered with multiple flexible valves that allow or prevent the weight of the fluids through the perforations as a function of the angle of incidence of the pressures exerted by the currents on their faces ”. The system allows the vane valves of the "self-floating hydrokinetic converters" to open when they receive the impacts of the initial phases of the air-water transition, reducing negative pressures and allowing air accumulated in the cells between the pallets can come out. In the immediately subsequent phases of rotation, the valves remain open while negative pressures persist, until they close when the kinetic energy extraction positions are reached (around 20 ° in 8-vane converters), and from around 160 ° the valves open again in correspondence with the water-air outlet phases, reducing the drag effect.

The perforations in the blades of the pallets can be circular, square or rectangular. The flexible valves that cover them are strips of polyethylene membranes, synthetic polymers, natural or synthetic range and other flexible and thin plastic materials with or without the inclusion of fibers, filaments or reinforcing meshes that are fixed to the non-perforated areas of the Perforated sheets by means of glues or metal strips fixed with rivets or screws, or it is regrind, leaving free the sector opposite the adhesive sector. In certain circumstances where pressures higher than those that the membranes can withstand are considered, to bridge the internal distances of perforations, the thickness of the membranes in the sections that cover the perforations may be increased. These increases in thickness can be achieved by adhesive or regrind successive sheets of the same material, or of other materials such as aluminum and others.

The multivalvular laminar vanes of the present innovation, permeable to fluids in one sense, and waterproof in the other, not only allow to increase the performance of the “self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators”, but also “due to the pressure difference between a vane and the opposite ”, allow to take advantage of the hydrokinetic energy contained in the tides, and in the ocean currents, through the use of underwater converters with characteristics similar to those previously exposed, or through totally submerged“ similar Savonius ”type turbines, or through turbines of roll-up textile pallets, or by other similar ones, that allow or regulate the rotation speed, or stop it completely.

Multi-valve blade vanes open a new field of "Research & Development" for the hydroelectric use of ocean currents.

(fig. N ° 34 - Diagrams of sectors of the pallets of “multivalvular blades”) (a) Of blades with circular perforations - (b) Of blades with square perforations - (c) Of blades with rectangular perforations - (75) Blades multi-perforated, aluminum, metallic, textile, GRP, carbon fiber, etc. - (76) Valves made of flexible films, of plastics, textiles, or other materials - (77) Areas of the flexible film tapes to adhere to the multi-perforated sheets - (78) Gaps of the multi-perforated sheets. (fig. N ° 35 - Diagrams of self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators, with vertical (or horizontal) axes, whose “Converters are totally submerged” and the other components such as electric generators, revolution multipliers and other components are have out of the water) - (82) Float Level fig. N ° 35 (a) Section / schematic view of submerged converters fig. N ° 35 (b) Schematic plant of fully submerged converters. (fig N ° 36 - Schemes of self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators with vertical axes whose multivalvular textile blades allow them to be wound)

(79) - “Rolled” position of the multivalvular textile sheet - (stopped position)

(80) - "Working" position of the textile sheet (rotating) - (81) Tensioners - It is undoubted that since the present invention is put into practice, modifications may be made regarding certain details of construction and shape. refers, without this implying departing from the fundamental principles that are added in the claim clauses that are attached to this.

Claims

1. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, characterized in that it comprises two, or more, self-floating hydrokinetic converters of eccentric radial blades supported by self-floating tensile structures, where the axes of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters are linked by beams that make up bogies.

2. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 1, characterized in that each one of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprises a self-floating structural skeleton made up of a hollow shaft filled with closed-cell plastic foams and several self-spreading discs. -floating floats of equal diameters filled with closed-cell plastic foams, the rays of which are alleviated with perforations.

3. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 2, characterized in that said self-floating spreader discs have different diameters.

4. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprise extended tensile structures held in position by the spreader discs.

5. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said external tensioners are flat strips or cables as the case may be.

6. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said tensile structures comprise tensioners arranged diagonally between said axis of said self-floating skeleton and the outer edges of said self-floating crosshead discs.

7. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 6, characterized in that said tensioners are cables.

8. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprise profiles that allow the cross-head disks at both ends to be kept in position.

9. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprises an auxiliary pneumatic system to regulate the levels of flotation.

10. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprises horizontally extended eccentric laminar vanes of small thickness and supported in their relative positions by said external tensioners of said tensile structures.

11. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 10, characterized in that said laminar vanes are spaced from the axes by means of spacer bushings.

12. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 10, characterized in that said eccentric laminar vanes comprise winglets type fins on the outer edge supported by said external tensioners of said tensile structures.

13. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 10, characterized in that the blades of each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprise flat, curved section stiffening profiles welded to said laminar blades, and relieved with multiple perforations.

14. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprises at least 8 longitudinal laminar vanes.

15. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said axes of the self-floating skeleton of each hydrokinetic converter are linked together by means of two beams and other specialized auxiliary structures.

16. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 15, characterized in that the revolution multiplication systems and the electric generators and their supports are supported on said beams.

17. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 15, characterized in that said two beams are They are kept square by means of tensioners that make up a cross of Saint Andrew.

18. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 15, characterized in that said two beams have extensions towards the bow where the moorings arriving from other upstream self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generators are fixed, or from anti-impact deflectors, or of devices that transfer the traction forces of several moorings to a single mooring and with extensions towards the stern where the moorings that lead to other electro-hydrokinetic self-floating generators downstream are fixed.

19. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the second self-floating hydrokinetic converter is greater than the diameter of the first self-floating hydrokinetic converter, the drafts of both converters being the same.

20. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprises one or two toothed rings corresponding to the first stages of the revolution multipliers attached to the spreader discs located in the ends thereof.

21. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each of said self-floating hydrokinetic converters comprises linking structures that allow linking the ends of said shaft with said beams and with the complementary pinions to said toothed rings .

22. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the self-floating hydrokinetic converters and their accessories can be partially or totally lifted out of the water using winches installed on land.

23. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrokinetic converters and their accessories can be partially or totally lifted out of the water using davits arranged on specialized catamarans.

24. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrokinetic converters and their accessories can be partially or totally lifted out of the water using pneumatic structures.

25. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrokinetic converters and their accessories can be partially or totally lifted out of the water using winches on beams that cross rivers.

26. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydrokinetic converters and their accessories can be partially or totally lifted out of the water using hanging systems.

27. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 23, characterized in that the hulls of said Catamarans are partially made up of metal tubes filled with closed-cell plastic foams and partially filled with coated plastic foam floats, said hulls being linked by transverse structures and tensioned San Andres crosses.

28. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 27, characterized in that said catamarans have opposing elastic devices to maintain their relative position to the hydrokinetic converters within the free spaces of said catamarans, and devices that can slide vertically in the occasion when the converters are pulled out of the water.

29. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that self-floating fluid accelerating devices with adjustable mouth widths are elastically linked to the fore ends of the hulls of said catamarans.

30. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 29, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise thin sheet skirts supported by two or more floating tubes filled with closed-cell plastic foams.

31. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that its skirts comprise L or Z-shaped longitudinal anti-spill fins, winglets type.

32. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 29, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise counterbalanced canvas skirts.

33. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 29 to 32, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise articulated skirts.

34. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 29 to 33, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise articulated and counterbalanced skirts.

35. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 29 to 31, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise fixed skirts.

36. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claims 29 to 31, in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise stiffened sheet skirts.

37. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise hybrid skirts, partially made of stiffened sheets and partially of counterbalanced canvases.

38. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said self-floating fluid accelerating devices comprise fixed skirts integrated to the hulls of a catamaran with eccentric hulls.

39. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the bow end of one of said self-floating fluid accelerating devices is connected to the mainland, while the aft end forms the center of rotation of said self-floating fluid accelerator device.

40. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a triangular device that transfers the traction forces exerted by the moorings from said catamarans to a single mooring anchored to the river bed or to fixed points on land. and those at the ends of said bogie beams.

41. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 40, characterized in that a self-floating impact deflector that includes the triangular mooring transfer device is linked to the fore ends of the two hulls of said catamaran and with the beams that connect the converters together and comprise floating tubes filled with closed-cell plastic foams, light transverse beams supported on said floating tubes. In turn, said floating tubes support a structural system of submerged pipes filled with closed-cell foams, which finish forming said deflector.

42. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it has additional floats in the bow of said triangular device and in those of said self-floating impact deflector.

43. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a tensioned hood with one or two curvatures supported on said bogie beams.

44. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 43, characterized in that the cover of said hood has multiple perforations.

45. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the blades are made of multivalvular sheets, permeable to fluids in one direction, and waterproof in the other.

46. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to claim 45, characterized in that the converters are in a vertical position and totally submerged.

47. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the converters are in a horizontal position and totally submerged.

48. A self-floating electro-hydrokinetic generation system, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the blades of the submerged converters of textile sheets, or similar materials are rollable.