WO2022214156A1

WO2022214156A1 - Buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant

Info

Publication number: WO2022214156A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/000041
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pero RAVLIC
Original assignee: Ravlic Pero
Priority date: 2021-04-07
Filing date: 2021-04-07
Publication date: 2022-10-13

Abstract

The buoyant cyclic circular hydroelectric power plant consists of an underground part, an aboveground part, and a working body. There is a hydraulic lifting system in the underground part, a column structure with a platform, a path for transport and placing of the working body, and a vertical sealing opening. In the aboveground part, there is a watertight tower filled with water, internal steel structure, optionally symmetrical water tunnels with the movable membrane, crane or water tunnel with the movable membrane, the watertight door at the bottom of the tower, the watertight door on the tower wall, movable transport beams, auxiliary tower or pool at the top of the tower, a hydraulic pipe with a drain valve, a water turbine, a hydro generator, and a water pool. In the underground part, the working body, partially filled with water, is placed over the track on the platform of the column structure, lifted using a hydraulic lifting system, and pressed through a vertical sealing opening into the tower. The contact between the segments, the walls of the vertical opening, and the sealing rings create a watertight barrier between the underground and the tower. The watertight door at the bottom of the tower alternately with the hydraulic lifting system and the column structure with the platform takes over the total load from the water in the tower. The working body raises from the bottom to the top of the tower by the buoyant force. The segment's water partially discharges into the auxiliary tower or pool at the top. That water eventually returns to the main tower. The rest of the water discharges through a hydraulic pipe to a hydro generator's water turbine. After emptying, the working body lowers to the ground. It is the end of one cycle.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

Buoyant Cyclic Circular Hydropower Plant

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant, it is a closed type hydropower plant in which a limited amount of water circulates all the time in the process. It is almost independent of natural water flows or other external influences.

BACKGROUND ART

The production of pure electricity is currently the most significant challenge for humanity. The reason for this is the damage that fossil fuel energy is causing to the earth. Environmental pollution and climate change with its consequences are facts that anyone can no longer ignore. A clean energy source is required, which will ultimately replace fossil fuels over time and meet the global demand for clean electricity. Humanity's clean energy needs are enormous, and the door is wide open to any clean solution. Renewable energy sources are a logical solution in which researchers are looking for an answer. Of all renewable energy sources, hydropower plants have the largest share in electricity production globally and are a significant global source of electricity. Hydropower is the most efficient way to generate electricity. Modern hydro turbines can convert even more than 90% of available hydropower into electricity. A water turbine firmly connected to the rotor of a hydro generator are parts of a hydroelectric plant and the solution for producing electricity that is close to perfection. The best fossil fuel plants are only about 50% efficient. There are three main types of hydropower plants: impoundment, diversion, and pumped storage. Impoundment type and diversion type of hydropower plant differ in the method of flow regulation. The impoundment type of hydropower plant usually uses a large dam and is the most common type of hydropower plant. The dam is an artificially constructed barrier on the water stream built in a carefully selected location. The purpose of the dam is to store river water in a reservoir and create the maximum possible water level on the dam. The dam also serves to control and regulate the flow of water on the turbine. The difference in height between the water level at the surface of the dam water and the turbine and the volume of water flow through the water turbine for a certain period are the two most important factors determining the hydropower plant's total power. Hydropower plants with large dams have their advantages and disadvantages. In a diversion type of hydropower plant, part of the upstream river flow diverts from the main channel by a diversion channel into a water turbine. After passing through the water turbine, water returns to the downstream river flow. For both mentioned types, the fact is that the water becomes useless once it passes through the turbine. It means that electricity production is entirely dependent on the natural flow of water. It is not possible to expect an increase in water flow over time. If the solution to increasing electricity production searches in hydroelectric power plants, the concept must be changed, according to which the water after flows through the turbine becomes useless. This detail is the primary and most important feature of hydroelectric power plants as we know it from the first one built in 1882 to the present day. Today's hydropower plants have not changed much since the first one. My invention deals with this problem.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant is a new type of hydropower plant in which a limited amount of water circulates in electricity production. This hydropower plant is a closed system in which, with negligible losses, the same water circulates all the time in electricity production. It is entirely different from classic hydroelectric power plants in terms of its concept and essential parts. The only standard features are the water turbine which connects to the hydro-generator. Now I want to explain the essence of the idea of this hydroelectric power plant. From the law of conservation of energy, we know that energy can change its form. From Einstein's famous formula, we see a direct interconnection of energy and mass. Each hydropower plant uses water whose specific gravity is exactly one. The properties of water are such that today's technology can convert as much as 95% of the energy of water that flows under pressure through a water turbine into electricity. The conclusion is that water, water turbine and hydro generator in a joint combination are the perfect solutions for electricity generation. The question arises as to which link is missing, and my answer is a hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic platform. Why a hydraulic cylinder? Because as a fascinatingly small device, it plays with a large mass. From a human perspective, multiple hydraulic cylinders interconnected into a single hydraulic horizontal platform form a powerful device for lifting a heavy load vertically upwards. The ultimate goal is a hydraulic platform with many interconnected hydraulic cylinders for lifting a load vertically upwards. One such hydraulic platform can lift an extremely heavy load for a small amount of height. More of these identical hydraulic lifting platforms lying on top of each other can lift a massive load for the size of the height that satisfies me in a way that I say I'm going to build a buoyant cyclic circular hydroelectric plant. The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant bases on the realistic assumption that it is possible to construct and put into operation such a hydraulic lifting platform. The basic and only condition that must meet is that the hydraulic platform lifts vertically upwards without tilting. The rest is thinking outside the box. In this explanation, I offer a solution for lowering an empty working body that consumes a minimum amount of electricity. The usual solutions that are generally known I only mention. I view every phase in the electricity generation process as a problem. By solving each phase, issue, or part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydroelectric power plant, I want to reach the end of one cycle. One cycle of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant has three phases. In the first phase, the segment is lifted using a hydraulic lifting system and moved from the underground to the aboveground part. In the second phase, the segment ascends from the bottom to the top of the water tower with buoyancy force. The third phase is to drain the water from the segment via a hydraulic pipe through a water turbine, pull the segment out of the tower and lower it to the ground. The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant divides naturally into the underground and aboveground parts due to their different purposes. A vertical shaft or vertical opening between the underground and the aboveground part connects these two parts into a single unit. The underground part's primary purpose is to lift the segment partially filled with water using a hydraulic lifting system in specific conditions. By lifting the hydraulic system, the segment lying on it lifts the segment in the sealing opening and moves it from the underground part to the aboveground part to the bottom of the tower. The aboveground part's main purpose is to raise the segment partially filled with water from the bottom to the top of the water tower by buoyancy force. The hydraulic lifting system and the water tower connect over the vertical opening located in the underground part and the door at the bottom of the tower that cyclically closes the top of the vertical opening. The vertical opening's primary purpose is to create a watertight barrier between the water-filled tower and the underground part during the segment's penetration into the tower by contact between the segment, the sealing rings, and the vertical walls the opening. A vertical opening can also be called a vertical shaft, a sealing opening, or a sealing space. The sealing rings are possible to install on the walls of the vertical opening or the segment's vertical sides. The door at the bottom of the tower closes each time the segment passes from the underground part to the aboveground part. When the door at the bottom of the tower is closed, it carries a total load of water in the tower. Before closing, the door supports from below using movable girders. The sealing opening is constantly under the hydrostatic pressure of water in the tower. The hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the water tower is alternately, cyclically taken over by two separate systems. In the segment lifting phase in the underground part, the hydrostatic pressure transfers on the sealing opening segment, segment below it, the column structure with the platform, and the hydraulic lifting system. The segment is always in the sealing opening. After closing the door, the hydrostatic pressure transfers to the door, movable girders below the door, the frame, and the support structure. The segment and the vertical opening's walls in contact with the sealing rings create a watertight barrier between the aboveground and underground parts. Above the segment, movable girders place that supports the door from below. Below the segment, movable girders place that support the segment from below and carry the segment's load. The door at the bottom of the tower, supported by girders from below, has a dual role. The first function of the door is to take over the total load from the hydrostatic pressure that loads the door after closing the sealing opening. The second function of the door is to maintain the water-tightness between the aboveground part and underground part while the door is closed. The door performs the function of water-tightness in a much simpler way concerning the vertical opening. The door in contact with the horizontal sealing ring at the bottom of the tower pressed by water from above is a perfect watertight barrier to the passage of water into the underground part. And now, I briefly describe one whole cycle of the basic solution in abbreviated form for an easier understanding of the functioning of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant's basic parts. The description does not contain a column structure with a platform. In the underground part, a segment transports across the track and places on the hydraulic lifting system; the hydraulic lifting system locats below the vertical opening; the first hydraulic platform is lifted, and lifts the lower segment and the segment in the sealing opening; the girdres below the segment are unloaded and pull out of the space of the sealing opening; the door at the bottom of the tower opens; the hydraulic lifting system takes over the total load; the girders pull out under the door and free up the shaft space; the platforms of the hydraulic lifting system lift one after the other and the upper segment passes from the sealing opening into the tower; the lower segment occupies the space of the sealing opening; the segment in the tower ascend to the top of the tower due to the action of buoyancy force; the internal steel structure controls and directs the segment during the ascend; at the top of the tower the segment relyes on the movable cantilevers; the girders place under the door; the door at the bottom of the tower closes; the hydraulic lifting system releases; the door takes over the total load from the hydraulic lifting system; preparations for a new cycle in the underground part begin; the water in the segment at the top of the tower discharges partially into an auxiliary tower or pool at the top of the tower; the rest of the water discharges through a hydraulic pipe on the water turbine; after passing through the water turbine, the water collects in the segment filling pool; the segment fills with water before or after the placing on the hydraulic lifting system; the watertight door on the wall at the top of the tower opens; the system of movable rails inserts into the grooves at the bottom of the segment, and the segment pulls out of the tower; the segment lifts a little and connects with the hook from above to the system of water tunnel with movable membrane; the movable rails pull out, and the space for lowering is free; the watertight door on the tower wall closes; the segment lowers to the ground using a system of water tunnel with movable membrane; water returns from the auxiliary tower or pool into the main tower; the end of one cycle. Some of these actions perform simultaneously. The following is an explanation of all parts of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant.

The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant consists of 1) underground part

2) aboveground part

3) segment

1) Underground part

The basic parts of the underground part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant are: a) hydraulic lifting system, column structure with platform and track for transport and placement of the segment on the hydraulic system b) vertical sealing opening

Explanation of individual parts of the underground part a) Hydraulic lifting system, column structure with platform and track for transport and placement of the segment on the hydraulic system

The hydraulic lifting system consists of a stand on which hydraulic platforms lie on top of each other. The hydraulic lifting system has its fixed position below the sealing opening. The purpose of hydraulic platforms is to lift the segments through the sealing opening evenly. The hydraulic lifting system lifts the segments in condition extreme hydrostatic pressure. All hydraulic lifting platforms are identical because they have the same task. A hydraulic platform that always lifts first and through which the hydraulic system takes the total load may have a different lifting height than all other hydraulic lifting platforms. The hydraulic platform must perform the tasks during the planned service life without deformation. In the horizontal section, the hydraulic platform, the column structure platform, the segment, the sealing opening, and the internal structures have a square shape. Hydraulic cylinders arrange on each hydraulic platform according to the same arrangement. For orientation, we can take a hydraulic cylinder with 100 tons, a stroke length of 200 millimeters, and each cylinder covering an area of 1 square meter. I also want to mention an extreme solution with the hydraulic cylinders of a thousand tons and longer stroke length. The most important and only condition that lifting must meet is that each hydraulic platform lifts without tilting to the side. The hydraulic platform can only lift without tilting if all hydraulic cylinders are connected so that the hydraulic pump transmits the same pressure to all hydraulic cylinders. By pumping the hydraulic system of one hydraulic platform, the pressure transfers evenly to all hydraulic cylinders. When at one moment the total pressure exerted by the hydraulic system on the segment overcomes the total hydrostatic water pressure in the tower, the frictional force in the sealing space, and the weight of the segments, the whole hydraulic platform lifts evenly. Hydraulic platforms pump and lift one after the other. When all hydraulic platforms lift, one cycle of the segment lifting complete. One lifting cycle is that the segment has moved from the sealing opening into the tower. By lifting the hydraulic platforms, the segment penetrates the tower, raising the water level in the tower. It is the simplest possible hydraulic lifting system. For this simplest hydraulic system, the maximum number of hydraulic lifting platforms use. Another possibility is that a column structure with a platform integrates into the hydraulic lifting system. For this solution, the hydraulic platform and the hydraulic lifting system's stand must have a lattice shape (grating). The columns of the column structure pass through openings on the hydraulic platforms and rely on the foundation plate on which the base of the hydraulic lifting system rests. The base of each column, both the column structure and the hydraulic lifting system, is a steel frame that prevents even minimal horizontal movement of the column. In this way, the columns stabilize from below. The column structure platform rests on the top platform of the hydraulic lifting system and, together with the columns, forms one stable structure. In this way, the column structure with the platform is stabilized from above and below. The first task of a column structure with a platform is to secure the entire hydraulic lifting system. The second task is to independently take over the total load from the hydraulic lifting system. In this way, it is possible to lift the entire hydraulic lifting system several times within one cycle. The columns of the column structure are telescopic, and they extend after the lifting of each hydraulic platform and lock. In the locked state, the column structure with the platform can carry the total load independently. When all the hydraulic platforms lift, the whole system is in the most unstable condition. To secure the entire hydraulic system after all the hydraulic platforms lift certainly makes sense. The column structure with a platform integrated into the hydraulic lifting system enables other solutions besides the simplest solution. The main features of the more complex solution are the telescopic columns of the column structure with a platform and the telescopic columns of the hydraulic lifting system. After lifting all hydraulic platforms, the columns of the column structure can extend, firmly rely on, and lock. By releasing the hydraulic lifting system, the column structure with the platform takes over the total load. It enables the release of the entire hydraulic system and its lifting using telescopic columns for the height of the segment, i.e., for the total lifting height of all hydraulic platforms. It follows by a reboot lifting of all hydraulic platforms of the hydraulic lifting system. The whole procedure can be repeated several times, for example, two, three, or more times. Alternately taking over the total load between the hydraulic lifting system and the column structure allows the more times higher segment than the standard segment to penetrate and passes into a tower. The number of hydraulic system lifts within one cycle should be reasonably limited. There is no need for many times lifts of the hydraulic system because, after one cycle, a new cycle follows. The first reason for limiting the number of lifting within one cycle is that this, among other things, increases the depth of the underground part. Another reason is the increased instability of the hydraulic lifting system and the column structure with the platform. The columns of the column structure and the hydraulic lifting system columns can be horizontally stabilized by a steel frame after each lifting cycle, except the first one. If there are three liftings in the cycle, there are two frames for the hydraulic lifting system and two frames for the column structure. The frames lie alternately on top of each other before starting to lift. The top-down frame arrangement is the frame for the hydraulic system, the frame for the column structure. The columns of the column structure and the hydraulic lifting system fit each into its frame. Each column relies on a steel frame which prevents minimal columns' moving in the horizontal direction. The procedure with frames looks like this: the platforms of the hydraulic lifting system lift, the column structure is lifted, the columns of the column structure extend, they rely firmly on supports and lock, during the first lift, there is no frame lifting because the hydraulic system platforms prevent it; the hydraulic system releases, the columns of the hydraulic lifting system lift; they lift the hydraulic system, column structure, and the frame, the columns of the column structure extend, rely on, and lock; the hydraulic platforms of the hydraulic lifting system release, the columns of the hydraulic lifting system lift and lift the frame; and so on. The whole process can work without a frame. In the third solution, the columns of the hydraulic system must be mounted, and this solution is much more complicated. In the basic solution, the hydraulic system lifts two segments. One segment mounts on the hydraulic lifting system, and the other is a segment in the sealing opening. The solution with telescopic columns must have at least three segments. One segment is in the sealing space, the other is the segment below it, and the third is the segment that remains in the sealing space after the complete lifting cycle. The segment to be mounted on the hydraulic lifting system consists of two segments. The height of the upper depends on the number of lifts of the hydraulic system within one cycle. The height of the segment in the sealing opening subtracts from the total lifting height and the height of the middle segment obtain. The issue of the interconnection of segments remains unresolved. The first question is whether the upper and middle segments will join before the lifting or not. If they do not connect, the middle segment will lift the upper segment into the tower, and it will continue to rise in the tower with all the other details that such a solution brings with it. Another solution is to join the upper and middle segments and then lift them together. The middle and lower segments will not firmly connect, but it is possible to temporarily connect them to preserve the ideal position during transport, placing, and lifting. In any case, the lower and middle segments must separate at a certain favorable moment. Another option is that they do not connect at all, but their shape and additional construction details ensure an ideal mutual position. It is a much better solution because the ultimate goal is to keep the process running without wasting time on actions that can omit. One of the most important criteria in choosing the final solution for any stage of the process is that time is money. It is not the only criterion. The track for placing the segment on a hydraulic lifting system or a column structure platform has only that purpose. There are several ways in which a segment over the track can place on a hydraulic lifting system. One solution might look like this. The transport track consists of two or more parallel steel rails along which the trolley moves. The segment places on the trolley and transports to the hydraulic lifting system via a track's fixed part. The movable track part places from the other side on the column structure platform and lengthens the track's fixed part. The segment places over the movable part of the track on the final position and lifts little using hydraulic cylinders, which can be built into the platform of the column structure. The trolley pulls to one side over the track's fixed part and the track's moving part to the other side. The hydraulic cylinders release, and the segment lowers to the starting position. Hydraulic cylinders use to lift the segment for low height in all three phases of the cycle. There must be a small gap between the segment on the hydraulic lifting system and the segment in the sealing space for transporting and placing the segment on the hydraulic lifting system. The grooves at the bottom of the segment can use for transport and placing the segment on the column structure platform. b) Vertical sealing opening

The vertical sealing opening between the aboveground and underground part of the buoyancy cyclic circular hydropower plant connects these two parts into one whole. The sealing opening has three basic functions. The first is to allow the passage of the segment from the underground to the aboveground part. The second is that the contact between the segment, the sealing surface, and the vertical walls of the opening creates a continuous watertight barrier between the tower and the underground part. The third function of the sealing opening is to direct the segment in the direction vertically upwards. The horizontal cross-section of the opening is minimally larger than the horizontal cross-section of the segment. The horizontal cross-section of the opening is a regular geometric shape or polygon. It can be a circle, a square, a rectangle, or a regular polygon (pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, etc.). For functional reasons, it is possible to modify both the sealing opening and the segment in any way, and a combined geometric shape is also possible. The sealing surface over which the water tightness achieve can be continuous or in the form of several sealing rings. I continue the explanation with sealing rings. There are two possible solutions for installing sealing rings. The first solution is to install sealing rings on the vertical walls of the opening. The second solution is to install sealing rings on the vertical sides of the segment. Each solution has its advantages and disadvantages. The second solution seems much more practical to me, so I continue explaining the sealing rings mounted on the segment. The installation of sealing rings on the segment enables continuous control, repair, or complete replacement of the sealing rings. Sealing rings are parts that wear due to friction, and their occasional replacement is inevitable. It is possible to disassemble worn sealing rings and install new ones on the segment quickly and easily. The opening walls are smooth so that lifting the segment creates minimal friction between the sealing rings and the walls of the opening, and the wear of the sealing rings is minimal. The segment keeps the vertically upward course with the hydraulic lifting system, vertical walls at the opening, and the internal structure. The segment's vertical moving direction can further improve with the guides (grooves) on the sealing opening on at least two opposite sides. The second solution is with guides on all four sides. There may be one or more guides on each side. For example, vertical steel rails can install on the sides of the segment. The guide and the steel rail are in contact with each other via a seal, and they create the watertight barrier to water in the tower. It would be better to install the sealing compound in the vertical grooves on the opening. So the steel rails on the segment would ensure a constant movement direction of the segment to the top of the tower. With watertight guides on the opening, appropriate guides built into the internal structure, and steel rails on the segment, the forced ascend of the segment from the installation on the hydraulic lifting system to the final position at the top of the tower is additionally ensured. With this solution, there may no longer be a need to connect the segment to the stabilizer. The sealing grooves can replace as required after closing the watertight door at the bottom of the tower. During lifting, the hydraulic lifting system acts on the segments from below; the segments are loaded from above by the water's hydrostatic pressure in the tower. On the side, the walls of the opening and the segment press the sealing rings. The opening is at the bottom, at the very entrance of the segment into the opening, slightly wider, and narrows properly to the standard size of the opening. The narrowing height between the wider part and standard profile of the opening is, for example, 100 to 200 millimeters. The widening aims to enable the segment's sealing rings to enter the opening without getting stuck and damaged.

By segment's lifting, the sealing rings press over the wall's slope and enter the opening over wider to standard profile. The sealing ring pressed in this way between the segment and the opening walls creates a mechanical barrier to water pass, and the sealing ring can slide along the walls of the opening. The entry of the sealing rings into the sealing opening can solve in another way. A solution is also possible where the steel structure is lowered vertically on three sides from the bottom of the sealing opening to the column structure platform. This steel structure on three sides forcibly directs the working body in the only possible direction vertically upwards. It supports actions in the first phase in several ways, for example directing the working body and defining the final position on the hydraulic lifting system. For this solution, watertight guides are possible on the vertical walls of the opening only on two opposite sides. The steel construction does not have a watertight function, so there is enough space to join or disassemble the segments. On the other hand, this steel structure limits the space on three sides, which may be necessary for other important tasks related to the hydraulic lifting system and the column structure. For this reason, it is easily possible that it does not exist at all in the final solution. The sealing opening height determines the height of the segment in the sealing space or vice versa. Below the sealing opening is a working space that serves to perform all operations related to the underground part. Below the sealing opening is at least one segment lying on the hydraulic lifting system, and this is the situation for the basic solution. The segment on the hydraulic system always remains in the sealing space after the lifting cycle ends. The hydrostatic pressure acting in the sealing space is several bars, depending on the water level in the tower. At each hydroelectric power plant, there is a constant desire for the highest possible water level. In the buoyant cyclic circular hydroelectric power plant, the pressure on the sealing rings increases as the water level in the tower increases. The height of the water in the tower and the amount of water obtained at the top of the tower are two variables that say everything about the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant's energy value. The openings in the vertical walls above the segment, which allow movable supports to pass through the sealing opening below the door, are critical. After lowering the door, water remains between the door and the segment in the sealing space. This water drains after the door closes or permanently remains in that space. If water discharges, it uses to fill the segment.

2) Aboveground part

The basic parts of the aboveground part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant are: c) Tower d) Watertight door at the bottom of the tower e) Internal steel construction f) Auxiliary tower or pool at the top of the tower g) Hydraulic pipe and control valve h) Water turbine and hydro-generator i) Pool under the water turbine with water filling system j) Crane, water tunnel with the movable membrane, the platform, or some other solution for lowering empty segments k) Watertight door on the tower wall and movable girders Explanation of individual parts of the aboveground part c) Tower

The tower is essentially a large water tank. With the help of the tower, the conditions for the action of the buoyant force artificially create. The water-filled tower allows performing the second phase of the cycle in the electricity generation process. The second phase is lifting to the top of the tower, a segment partially filled with water using buoyancy force. In the underground part, energy is consumed to move the segment from the underground position to the aboveground part to the bottom of the tower. Water from the segment at the top of the tower is discharged through a hydraulic pipe and the water turbine, resulting in electricity generation.

The segment fills with water so that its specific gravity is slightly less than the specific gravity of the water. To achieve the desired specific gravity of a segment filled with water, we must know the specific gravity of the empty segment and its volume. The segment must be filled with the exact amount of water to have the desired specific weight. Deviation from the planned specific weight means the faster or slower lifting of the segment in the tower. If a segment is filled with water so that its specific gravity is greater than the water's specific gravity, the segment remains at the bottom of the tower. It is another option available to control and lift the segment to the top of the tower. The segment can be filled with water so that it is minimally heavier than water. In this way, it is possible to lift the segment with minimal electricity consumption. I mention this as a possible solution, and like any other, this solution has its advantages and disadvantages. The empty segment's net weight is the water's net loss on the tower's top. The length and width of the outer walls of the tower are as short as possible. There are several reasons for this, and some of them are saving of water needed to fill the tower, evaporation, saving in material, etc. One particular reason is that the segment's penetration through the sealing opening in the tower causes the water level to rise. For a solution with multiple lifting of the hydraulic system, raising the water level in the tower is significant. d) Watertight door at the bottom of the tower The watertight door at the bottom of the tower has a dual function. The closed door's first function is to take over the water's total hydrostatic pressure in the tower. The closed door's second function is to maintain the water tightness between the aboveground and underground parts. For the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant's operation, it is necessary that the door at the bottom of the tower fully fulfills these two functions. Taking over the total hydrostatic pressure by which water presses on the door when it is closed demands a steel plate withstands that pressure. Meeting this condition involves a massive and heavy door. The door in the closed position supports by movable girders on which they lie, which is very significant and useful. For practical reasons, the door divides into two equal parts. The door can be opened or closed in several ways, and I will list two ways. One way is to lift them from the middle upwards on both sides and fit them into the internal structure. Another way is to lift the door's ends upwards and pull the door's middle over the frame until the door fully lifts and fits into the internal structure. For both modes, the door closed lies in a frame and relies on the frame. The door is on all four sides larger than the vertical opening, for example, 250 millimeters. On the frame, there is a horizontal sealing ring. The horizontal sealing ring is in contact with the closed and lowered door. The closed door and the tower's water presses the frame's sealing ring from above. This way creates a watertight barrier for the water passage from the tower into the underground part. The interior construction adapts to the door in this critical, demanding part. The door, when opened on two sides, directs the segment in a vertical direction upwards. The other two sides are partly problematic in determining the direction of movement of the segments. One solution to this problem is a partial modification of the segment on those two sides in the upper part that first enters the space of the internal structure. In this part, the segment would not perform a sealing function, but this is not crucial because that part of the height is, for example, 100 millimeters. Another solution is to lower the inserts for forced mechanical guidance of the segment on these two sides after opening the door. If segment modification and inserts are not required, then they are completely omitted. Lifting and lowering the door or opening and closing the door can be done with a winch on two opposite sides at the top of the internal structure. The door can reinforce from above, and the internal construction must allow these reinforcements to fit into it when the door is open. Doors that lift from the middle upwards can reinforce so that the reinforcements pass from one side of the door to the other in both directions. That way, the pressure transmits from the middle toward the end of the door, and that's very good. Besides, in this way, the door is aligned in a horizontal plane. e) Internal Steel Structure

The internal steel structure controls the segment and its movement from when it begins to enter the tower to its end position at the top of the tower. It serves as a guide to the segment and forces it to move in the only possible direction vertically upwards due to the action of the buoyant force. Due to its large mass, the segment must ascend to the top of the tower without undesirable incidents and complications using buoyant force. The movement of water in the tower during segment ascending needs to be laminar. There should be no water turbulence as it causes uncontrolled movement of the segment. Since the length and width of the segment are significantly greater than the height, it is necessary to prevent the rotation of the segment. The internal steel structure on four sides limits the space through which the segment ascends from the bottom to the top of the tower. The length and width of the inner steel structure are so much larger than the segment that only allows it to pass through the structure. The vertical grooves-guides on the walls of the vertical opening, the vertical guides in the internal structure, and the corresponding steel rails on the sides of the segment additionally guide the segment during ascending. The segment can be further stabilized from above or below by a stabilizer integrated into the steel structure on all four sides. The stabilizer moves along the guides that determine the movement of the stabilizer within the structure. In this way, the stabilizer determines the movement of the segment. After the segment ascends to the highest point, the stabilizer little lifts, and after the segment's pulling to the side from the inner steel structure space and the tower, the stabilizer lowers to the bottom due to its weight. After the segment passes from the underground to the aboveground part, it must first be stopped and connected to the stabilizer. The segment can stop the stabilizer itself or mechanical obstacles such as movable cantilevers. The stabilizer can be connected to the winches at the top of the internal steel structure on two or four sides using pulleys (rotating wheels on the shaft) located near the bottom of the tower. The pulleys change the winch's wire cable direction by 180 degrees, which connects to the stabilizer using a coupling. In this way, the winches on two or four sides hold the stabilizer firmly, and with simultaneously releasing the winches, the stabilizer and the segment lift together. In this way, it is possible to control the segment's stopping after it fully enters the tower and the segment's lifting start. In the event of a segment stuck in the internal steel structure during climbing, the segment can be pulled down via the winches and stabilizer and returned to its normal position. The stabilizer can also connect to the segment from below. The segment stops at the set height, and the stabilizer attaches to it. The stabilizer from below is a more practical solution for several reasons. First of all, the entire space above the internal structure is accessible for installing winches, auxiliary cranes, and everything else that can be useful and necessary in any way. After the segment's endpoint at the tower's top, it needs to be supported, emptied, and lowered to the ground. The supporting of the segment at the top of the tower is solved using an internal steel structure, primarily by movable cantilevers below the segment, and, if necessary, by additional solutions. At the tower's top, the segment is surrounded on three sides by a platform that allows access to a man from top to bottom. In this way, it is possible to manually perform all the necessary actions related to the segment at the top of the tower. The segment ascends to the highest point and relies on the movable cantilevers. After the water discharge, the segment pulls out on the fourth free side of the internal steel structure. Freeing the space on the fourth side and returning the mounted columns that have the function of a guide at the very top is an integral part of each cycle. If it is possible to control the lifting of the segment in that part at the very top of the tower using stabilizers and guides, then there are no mounting columns - guides at the top of the tower. The internal steel structure is the main solution to control the lifting of the segment in the tower. Grooves - guides on the opening and in the internal structure with vertical rails on the segment and a stabilizer are additional auxiliary solutions for controlling and directing the segment in the tower. The system of symmetrical water tunnels with horizontally movable membranes is another possible solution to manage the segment in the tower. This system is identical to the water tunnel system with a horizontally movable membrane for lowering the segment, explained in detail. The force with which the segment pulls the membrane is much smaller than in the segment's lowering. f) Auxiliary tower or pool at the top of the main tower

Water from the segment at the top of the tower can discharges through the water turbine in different ways.

The two most important conditions must meet for any solution. The first condition is that the water coming to the water turbine has a continuous flow and that the water pressure is the maximum possible. The second condition is that after draining the water from the segment and pulling it out of the tower, the water level in the tower returns to its initial state. The pool at the top of the tower is a simple and relatively cheap solution for emptying the segment. The water that surrounds the segment in the tower must return to the tower before starting each cycle. The amount of water surrounding the segment is known, and the height of the pool filling corresponds to that amount of water. First, the segment's water and its surrounding water discharges into the pool until predetermined height. After that, all openings on the segment open so that the segment and the surrounding water form one common water reservoir. All remaining water up to the lower level of the segment discharges through the hydraulic pipe into the turbine. After pulling the segment out of the tower, the water from the pool returns to the tower. In this way, the third phase of the buoyancy cyclic circular hydropower plant process simplifies. The auxiliary tower is a solution that allows the entire segment emptying and the water level restoring at the top of the main tower before each new cycle start. His second role is to empty the entire main tower in case of repairs, problems in the process, and the like. The auxiliary tower divides into horizontal chambers in which the segment empties, and it can be wholly divided into chambers if it also uses to empty the entire main tower. The auxiliary tower divides into chambers by height; for example, each chamber one meter high. Pipes descend from the main tower to each chamber, and pipes descend to the main tower from each chamber. Water overflows from the main tower and fills the chambers of the auxiliary tower from the top chamber to the bottom chamber. The returning water restores the water level in the main tower on the initial. An auxiliary tower can make sense for a solution with multiple lifting of the hydraulic system within one cycle. For the basic solution, the auxiliary tower does not make much sense. An auxiliary tower is an expensive object, and the investor will likely omit it even when it is a logical solution. g) Hydraulic pipe with control valve

The hydraulic pipe allows the discharge of water from the segment in a continuous flow of water. It serves to maintain the hydrostatic pressure of the water passing through the water turbine. The water discharges from the segment through the hydraulic pipe and flows continuously through the water turbine. The pressure decreases evenly with the drop of the water level in the segment. The hydraulic pipe upper part connects at the height of the bottom of the segment with the tower. The outflow of water from the segment and tower is continuous, and there is no need for additional accumulation. In the hydraulic pipe and tower's connection area, the flow and the pressure in the hydraulic pipe decrease. This portion of water can accumulate in the tank below the segment and discharge in a continuous water flow. The continuous flow of water from the tower prevents a sudden pressure drop in the hydraulic pipe, which is the main goal. The control valve controls the discharge of water into the water turbine and closes the water flow. h) Water turbine and hydro generator A water turbine firmly connected to the generator's rotor is a reliable, irreplaceable, and state-of-the-art solution for converting water energy into electricity. There are several important factors when choosing a water turbine. In the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant, it is of special importance to enable the maximum number of cycles by properly selecting a water turbine and a hydro generator. i) Pool under the water turbine with water filling system

In the pool under the water turbine, the water collects that passes through the turbine. In this way, the pool maintains the water level necessary to fill the segment with water. The segment fills with water either before or after mounting on the hydraulic lifting system. The filling system must ensure precise filling of the segment to achieve the segment's desired specific weight. To fill the segment with the desired amount of water can serve a pool that fills with the water to a certain level. The amount of required water can determine by trial cycles. j) Crane, water tunnel with the horizontally movable membrane, the platform, or some other solution for lowering empty segment

The segment can be removed from the tower and lowered to the ground in different ways. A crane at the top of the tower, an external crane that is not structurally attached to a tower, or a lowering platform, are the conventional solutions for lowering a segment to the ground. Each of these solutions consumes a significant amount of electricity. Throughout the year, the amount of energy consumed is certainly not small. Lowering the segment is an integral part of every electricity generation cycle. For this reason, I want to include in this disclosure a solution with an explanation, which is my first choice. The procedure consists of two stages. The first phase is to pull the segment out of the tower, and the second phase is to lower it. The first phase: the segment pulls out of the tower from the fourth free side; on that side of the tower, there is a watertight door, the opened door allows the pass-through and pulling out the segment off the tower space; the segment relies on the cantilevers, it lifts a little using hydraulic cylinders built into the body of the movable cantilevers; the transport track consists of two or more parallel steel rails along which the trolley moves; movable transport track (rails) pulls in through the door and place below the segment; the movable track relies on the internal structure in the tower and on the supporting structure outside the tower; over the track, the trolley places under the segment; the hydraulic cylinders on the consoles releases and the segment rely on the trolley; with the help of the trolley and track, the segment pulls out of the tower to the position for lowering.

Horizontally movable membrane for deceleration and lowering of the segment

Water tunnel, horizontally movable steel membrane, wire rope, pulleys to support movement and change of direction of a wire rope and transfer of power between the shaft and wire rope, a fixed pulley, hook, and appropriate support structure are the basic parts of my solution for lowering empty segments. The system works on the principle of resistance by which water resists the movement of the membrane in the tunnel. The movement ratio of the membrane and the segment is linear - the movement length of the membrane is equal to the descent height of the segment. The principle is clean, simple, and reliable, and electric power consumption is minimal, incomparably less than any other solution known to me. The tunnel must place in such a way that the space for lowering is free. One or more tunnels can use to lower the segment. The dimensions of the water tunnel, horizontally movable steel membrane, wire rope, pulleys, a fixed pulley, hook, and appropriate support structure are dependent on the weight of the empty segment. The movement of the membrane in the tunnel constrains the track within which the membrane moves. There are fixed steel frames at the beginning and end of the track. The membrane's moving path between the frames defines from above, from below, and from the sides with rails. In the initial frame, the segment hangs on a hook. In the auxiliary frame, within a space of, for example, 100 to 200 millimeters from the first frame, a wire rope's hook connects to the segment. The entire track with the frames and the membrane is immersed in water, and the water level is, for example, one meter above the path and the membrane. The tunnel can also describe as a long pool. The shape of a tunnel or indoor pool is better because it protects the water from evaporation and the like. The lowering of the segment ends in a pool of water. The starting, auxiliary and end frames have a constructional meaning because it gives the whole track rigidity and compactness. In addition to these three frames, the entire track has been further structurally reinforced in several places as needed. The main parts of the lowering system are the winch watertight separated from the lowering system, the wire rope of the winch connected to the stabilizer at the rear of the membrane, the wire rope connected to the stabilizer at the front of the membrane, the starting frame, auxiliary frame, end frame, pulleys, supporting structure, a fixed pulley and a hook by which the segment is connected to the movable membrane by a wire rope. The wire rope connects the membrane and the segment. Going from the membrane through the initial frame, the auxiliary frame, and the final frame, over pulley changes direction from horizontal to vertical. At the top of the support structure, over pulley again changes the vertical direction to the horizontal direction. Finally, over fixed pulley located above the middle of the segment connects to the segment with a hook. The membrane consists of a frame in which the door hangs on the upper side of the frame. The door incorporates in the frame. The door frame is movable and moves along with the door. On the frame on the front and back is a stabilizer that has a dual function. The main function of the stabilizer is to prevent the membrane's deflection as it moves along the path. The wire rope of the winch connects to the rear stabilizer, and the wire rope of the segment connects to the front stabilizer. The membrane's door on the front can be both opened and blocked. The front stabilizer construction allows the unobstructed opening of the door on the membrane when the winch pulls it back in the starting frame. Depending on the frame in which it locates, it is possible to block the membrane on one or the other side. During the lowers of the segment, the membrane closes on its own due to water resistance. The door frame itself is designed to create a mechanical barrier that prevents the door from opening backward. During the membrane's return to the initial frame, the winch pulls the membrane, and the door opens on its own due to the resistance of water. The membrane's opening has a door shape to minimize water resistance while the winch pulls and returns the membrane to the initial position. The segment must be lowered to the end position simply and without harmful affecting the system. My main solution is a pool filled with water in which ends the segment's lowering. The water in the pool ensures that the membrane stops without hitting the supporting structure, pulleys, membrane, and steel rope. The water height in the pool determines where the final level will be at which the segment will stop. It has enough time between the two cycles for the segment's lowering. Now I will explain the procedure of the segment's lowering and the functioning of the water tunnel with the horizontally movable membrane. The first phase of pulling the segment out from the tower is complete. Second phase: the movable membrane is blocked from the front in the initial frame; the door frame is a mechanical barrier that prevents the door from opening backward; from the back side, the wire rope of the winch holds the stabilizer; on the front side the wire rope and hook connects the front stabilizer with the segment, which hangs on a hook; the mechanical obstacles that prevent membrane's movement remove from the front side of the membrane, the wire rope of the winch releases, the segment lowers, and pulls the membrane; when the segment pulls the membrane, water presses the door against the frame; in the segment lowering phase, the membrane is watertight and provides maximum resistance to the segment; the membrane slows the segment due to the resistance with which water opposes the movement of the membrane; the segment lowers slowly; finally, the segment lowers to the lowest point in the water pool, and the membrane stops in the track; the segment lifts using hydraulic cylinders out of the pool to the height of the movable track; the hook at the top of the segment detaches, the winch pulls the membrane backward with minimal resistance of the membrane, the membrane door opens by itself due to the water's resistance, the mechanical obstacles block the auxiliary frame and the membrane stops in the auxiliary frame. When the next segment places for lowering, it lifts by hydraulic cylinders and connects with the hook from above. The auxiliary frame unblocks from the back, and the winch pulls back the membrane into the initial frame. The membrane blocks from the front side in the initial frame. The hydraulic cylinders releases, and the segment hangs in the air. The movable track under the segment pulls out and frees the lowering space. The membrane unblocks from the front. The winch from the back of the membrane releases and the segment lowers. Some important details remain that I must mention. The movable membrane and segment can connect with more than one wire rope depending on the weight of the segment and the size of the membrane. The symmetry of wire ropes is mandatory. The weight of the empty segment and the resistance that water provides to the closed membrane's horizontal movement are known sizes. The dimensions of the membrane are determining according to these known sizes. There are several options for the final selection of the membrane. First, it can be one membrane with several symmetrically arranged wire ropes. Each wire rope connects over its system of pulleys with the segment. The membrane can be divided into, for example, two identical membranes moving side by side in the same tunnel. Each membrane has its track that determines its movement, and both tracks are identical. And so on. Also, multiple winches can connect to the back of the membrane. And they must also be symmetrically connected to the membrane. At the very end of the lowering, the segment enters the water a little deeper and rises back to a height at which the gravitational force and the buoyant force equalize. The pool's water absorbs this height difference between the lowest level to which the segment descends and the segment's final stop height in the pool. The height of the water in the pool determines the final height at which the segment stops. For the coordinated operation of more than one tunnel, the winches holding the segment must be released simultaneously at the very beginning of the descent. The water tunnel can also be constructed as an object so that a man can visually control the movement of the membrane and, if necessary, manually perform all important tasks related to the descent of the segment. A man who walks slowly beside the membrane in the segment lowering phase is the speed at which the segment can eventually descend into the pool satisfactorily. The second solution is more technically demanding, but it also has significant advantages over the first solution. In the second solution, the first solution's track is in a completely filled water tunnel. At the top, a vertical hydraulic pipe filled with water connects to the tunnel. Depending on the water column height in the pipe, a hydrostatic pressure of several bars transmits to the water in the whole tunnel. Elevated hydrostatic pressure significantly slows down the movement of the membrane in the tunnel. It ultimately reduces the surface area of the membrane and the cross-section of the tunnel. The membrane size and the hydraulic pipe water height calculate according to the empty segment's known weight. A valve may or may not installs on the membrane door. Opening or closing the valve reduces or increases the membrane resistance. When the valve and the door on the membrane are closed, the membrane pulled by the empty segment can move slowly in the tunnel. During lowering, it is possible to stop the membrane and segment by blocking the frame through which the diaphragm passes. The entire frame in which the membrane stops can be moved in the direction of movement of the membrane, for example, half a meter. In this space, the force with which the segment pulls the membrane can be amortized somehow, without harmful consequences. There may be one or more frames along the path by which it is possible to stop the segment during its lowering. It allows additional segment control during the descent. In the initial, auxiliary, and final frames and additional frames, the door frame, door, or valve can be blocked, unblocked, opened, or closed. The membrane is operated while in one of the frames, mechanically or electrically, from the outside. Before returning the membrane, the hydraulic pipe at the bottom must be closed using a valve, and the pressure in the tunnel must be released using a pressure relief valve. In this way, the pressure in the tunnel equalizes with the atmospheric pressure. It greatly facilitates membrane return. Also, the door opens on its own at the return of the membrane.

3) Working Body or Segment

The name that most accurately defines a segment is the working body. In the working body is the essence of the idea of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant. The segment has two basic functions. The first function of the segment is to enable transport, filling, and emptying of water. The second function of the segment is the continuous creation of a watertight barrier between the aboveground and underground part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant. Water-tightness creates by the mutual contact between the segment, vertical walls of the opening, and the sealing rings. In addition to these two basic functions, the segment, with its shape and details, enables the performance of other operations, which are an integral part of each cycle of the electricity production process of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant. The segment in this explanation is a cuboid or rectangular prism of equal length and width but considerably shorter in height. The segment's geometric shape is a matter of choice. Some of the possible shapes are a rectangular prism, a regular pentagonal prism, a regular hexagonal prism, etcetera, a cylinder, or a combined shape. For any selected segment shape, the rule is that the upper and lower bases are identical and that they enclose a right angle with the axis (height). Each of these geometric shapes has its advantages and disadvantages in comparison with each other. The shape of the segment deviates from the ideal geometric body due to the functional details that are on it. These operational details are, for example, vertical steel rails on segment sides, segment filling openings at the top of the segment, water discharge openings at the bottom of the segment, lowering hook at the top of the segment, sealing rings, grooves at the bottom of the segment, optional grooves at the top of the segment, etc. The segment is structurally reinforced by an internal support structure so that it is possible to perform all tasks in electricity production without deformation of the segment. Besides, the main goal is that the empty segment's total weight is as low as possible. Segment weight means the water loss at the top of the tower for each cycle. Any solution that reduces the water's amount at the top of the tower per cycle should be replaced with a better solution, if possible. For example, vertical rails on a segment are maybe a better solution than a stabilizer because the stabilizer is much heavier. Small steel rail segments mount on the sides of the working body, not rails in one piece. The reason for this is to reduce the total weight of the empty segment. The height of the segment in the sealing space is equal to the sum of the lift heights of all hydraulic platforms in the hydraulic lifting system. The top and bottom of the segment have a large share in the empty segment's total weight and ultimately mean a large water loss for each cycle. For this reason, a solution with more lifting of the hydraulic system within one cycle is a much better solution than the basic solution with a standard segment height. The filling and discharging time of the segment should be as short as possible and to solve in the simplest possible way. All segments of the same series are the same because they fit, join, and completely weld over the same fitting structure. The segment is essentially a welded structure. It is the only way to make such a complicated construction with all the details.

Explanation of one complete cycle by phases

Now I will explain one complete cycle of a buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant for a solution with telescopic columns. The hydraulic platforms of the hydraulic lifting system rely on their telescopic columns. The column structure with platform relies on its telescopic columns. The column structure's telescopic columns fit into the hydraulic lifting system, and the platform lies on the upper hydraulic platform. It has three liftings of a hydraulic lifting system with two stabilization frames for the hydraulic lifting system and two for the column structure. It means that the upper segment is twice the height, and the lower one that remains in the sealing space is the standard segment. The first phase begins and ends in the underground part. The segment places on the trolley and transports to the hydraulic lifting system via a fixed part of the track. The movable part of the track, on the other side, places on the platform of the column structure and lengthens the fixed part of the track— the segment places over the movable part of the track on the final position. The segment lifts using hydraulic cylinders, which can be built into the platform of the column structure; the trolley and movable track releases. The trolley pulls out over the fixed part of the track to one side and the moving track to the other side. The hydraulic cylinders release, and the segment lowers to the starting position. The segment places on a column structure platform that lies on a hydraulic lifting system. The pump pumps the first hydraulic platform and lifts the segments; the segment in the sealing space firmly connects to the segment below it; the movable girders below the segment release from the load and pull out of the sealing space; the door at the bottom of the tower opens, and the hydrostatic pressure transfers via the segments to the hydraulic lifting system and the column structure; the girders under the door pull out of the sealing space, and the lifting can begin; the pumps pump and lift the hydraulic platforms one after the other; the column structure lifts together with the hydraulic lifting system; the segment on the hydraulic lifting system lifts as well as the segment above it and the segment in the sealing space; after lifting all the platforms of the hydraulic lifting system, the uppermost segment passes from the sealing opening into the tower; the upper half of the double-height segment takes over the space of the sealing opening; the telescopic columns of the column structure rely on the supports and locks; the hydraulic lifting system releases; the column structure with the platform takes over the total load; after the release of all hydraulic platforms, the telescopic columns extend and lift the first stabilization frame, as well as the entire hydraulic lifting system; the second series of the lifting of the hydraulic platforms begins; the pumps pump and lift the hydraulic platforms one after the other; the column structure lifts; the first stabilization frame lifts; the segment on the hydraulic lifting system lifts; the segment above it lifts; the double-height segment with its lower half takes over the space of the sealing opening; after lifting of all the platforms of the hydraulic lifting system, the telescopic columns of the column structure rely on the supports and locks; the hydraulic lifting system releases, and the column structure with the platform takes over the total load; after the release of all hydraulic platforms, the second row of the telescopic columns extends and lift the second stabilization frame, as well as the hydraulic lifting system; the third series of the lifting of the hydraulic platforms begins; the pumps pump and lift the hydraulic platforms one after the other; the column structure, the second stabilization frame, the segment on the hydraulic system, and the segment above it lifts; after all the platforms of the hydraulic lifting system have been lifted, the telescopic columns of the column structure rely on the supports and locks; this is the end of the lifting; the segment from the sealing space and the segment of double-height have passed into the tower, and the lowest segment is in the sealing space; below the segment, the girders are retracted in the grooves on the bottom of segments and placed on the supports; under the door above the segment, the girders are retracted and placed on the supports, and the door closes; the door together with the girders take over the load from the hydrostatic pressure; in the underground, the second part of the first phase follows. The column structure and the hydraulic lifting system releases. After they lower and place in the starting position, the first phase ends. The second phase continues in the tower. It isn't easy to separate the first from the second phase. The second phase is to lift the segment from the bottom to the top of the tower. In addition to the internal steel structure, there are four additional ways to act on the segment in the tower, namely: movable cantilevers for stopping the segment, stabilizer for stopping, controlling and directing the segment during ascending ( the symmetrically placed winches located on top of the inner steel structure are connected on the stabilizer via pulleys at the bottom of the tower in the one system that allows complete control of the stabilizer), a system of symmetrical water tunnels with horizontally movable membranes to control and guide the working body during ascending in the tower, and vertical rails on the sides of the working body with appropriate guides on the inner steel structure. All these systems or constructive details reduce the amount of electricity produced per cycle. Therefore, the rule is that the simpler the system, the better. For this reason, the first solution for raising the working body in the tower is using an internal steel structure, vertical steel rails on the sides of the working body, and appropriate guides in the internal structure. The working body with vertical rails passes from the sealing opening with vertical grooves into the space of the internal structure, and with the rails enter in the vertical guides on the internal structure. The working body does not stop until the top of the tower. This solution does not require a stabilizer, movable cantilevers, and water tunnels with horizontally movable membranes. The internal structure and guides direct the working body to the very top of the tower. Another solution for ascending the segment in a tower involves more caution in the process. After the working body (standard segment connected to the double-height segment) enters the tower, it stops using movable cantilevers placed above it, stabilizer, or symmetrical water tunnels with horizontally movable membranes. Symmetrical winches at the internal structure top can connect to the stabilizer or the working body via pulleys at the bottom of the tower. This system can control the lifting of the working body in the tower. Symmetrically placed horizontal water tunnels with horizontally movable membranes can be connected to the working body at the bottom of the tower and have complete control over it until it rises to the top of the tower. These water tunnels operate on the same principle as the segment lowering system, but the force with which the working body pulls the horizontally moving membranes is much smaller. Both the winches on top of the inner steel structure and the winches used to return the membranes can pull the working body down a little. This pulling and lowering of the working body enable the extraction of movable cantilevers from the internal steel structure space. By simultaneously releasing the winches of one, the other, or both systems, the working body immediately moves upwards, lifts the stabilizer with it, and pulls the horizontal membranes. Whether the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant's final solution will include one system, both systems, or no system is a matter of decision. In any case, these two solutions enable continuous control of the working body in the tower, its moving direction during lifting, and the removal of movable cantilevers from the space of the internal steel structure. When the working body passes the door, the door closes water-tightly. When the working body ascends to the tower's top, the movable cantilevers place below it. The working body relies on the cantilevers, and the stabilizer lifts a little above the working body. Other actions belonging to the second phase perform when the conditions for that creates. The hooks (couplings) of the movable membranes release either immediately if possible or after draining the water. The winches pull the membranes backward, and the hooks (couplings) return to the starting position. After removing the working body from the internal structure, the stabilizer lowers, and it is the end of the second phase. A segment so filled with water that its specific gravity is minimally greater than the specific gravity of the water is a special solution. Features of this solution are a crane at the top of the tower, minimal electricity consumption, simply lifting the segment without stopping, no movable cantilevers at the bottom of the tower, no stabilizers, and water tunnels. The crane and the segment can connect either mechanically by the coupling or using electricity. The third phase begins with the discharge of water from the working body. First, part of the water from the tower and segment discharges into the pool or auxiliary tower. This water returns to the tower and restores the tower's water level before starting each new cycle. The rest of the water to the segment's bottom level releases through a hydraulic pipe through the water turbine. After passing through the water turbine, the water collects in the segment filling pool. The second possibility is to pour the water into an auxiliary tower or pool and subsequently release it through a hydraulic pipe on the water turbine; after emptying the working body, the guides are rotated ninety degrees on the fourth side of the internal structure using small auxiliary cranes; the space for pulling out the working body is free; the watertight door opens on the wall at the top of the tower; the working body lifts using the hydraulic cylinders in the cantilevers on which it relies; the hydraulic cylinders are built in the body of the movable cantilevers; the transport track consists of two or more parallel steel rails along which the trolley moves; movable transport track (rails) pulls in through the door and place below the segment; the movable track relies on the internal structure in the tower and on the supporting structure outside the tower; over the track, the trolley places under the segment; the hydraulic cylinders on the consoles releases and the segment rely on the trolley; with the help of the trolley, the segment pulls out of the tower to the position for lowering; the hydraulic cylinders built into the trolley lift the working body 100 millimeters, for example; the hook of the system for lowering connects to the working body; the membrane pulls back using a winch; the hydraulic cylinders releases; the working body hangs in the air; the movable rails and trolley pulls out. The space for lowering is free. The winch releases; the segment lowers and pulls a horizontally movable membrane and stops in a water pool. The watertight door closes at the top of the tower. The water returns to the tower from the auxiliary tower or water pool. The water level in the tower rises and returns to the initial working level. The segment fills with water before or after placing it on the hydraulic lifting system. It is the end of the third phase. These are the three phases that make up one cycle of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The explanation of the complete cycle in three phases with telescopic columns of column structure and telescopic columns of the hydraulic lifting system is also the best solution of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant. The solution with four such independent buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plants with a shared water tower enables producing a large amount of electricity. Four hydraulic lifting systems, four column structures with the platform, four vertical sealing openings, one common tower, one common internal steel structure divided into four equal parts, four doors at the bottom of the tower, four hydraulic pipes with drain valves and pools, four water turbines and four water generators are the essential and indispensable parts of such a buoyancy cyclic hydroelectric power plant. These four hydroelectric power plants occupy a square properly divided into four smaller equal squares with two vertical mutually perpendicular planes. The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant solved in this way is a significant source of electricity and can be considered the best solution. The best solution does not define the lifting number of the hydraulic system within one cycle, the number and height of lifting of the hydraulic platforms of the hydraulic lifting system, the size of the working body, and the height of the water in the tower.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant can use for industrial needs and in the residential, commercial, and transport sectors. This hydropower plant has more advantages compared to other types of hydropower plants. Some advantages of buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant are: it is independent of natural water flows, it is a reliable source of electricity, a relatively small amount of water uses in the electricity production process, it is safe for the environment and people, it is possible to locate almost anywhere. There is no need to transmit the produced electricity over long distances; it can meet the local needs of isolated areas. The production process is 24/7. It is possible to predict in advance with great precision the amount of electricity production and so on. The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant can use to produce hydrogen. A few buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plants can meet the needs of the small city. The need for clean electricity is huge, and the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant can significantly change the scene in clean electricity production.

Claims

THE CLAIMS Claim 1

The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant uses a limited amount of water that circulates in electricity production. The actions in the process cyclically repeat. The working body or segment is the basic means for transporting and manipulating water. The segment partially filled with water circulates from the underground to the aboveground part and returns to the beginning, in the underground part. The buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant divides functionally and naturally into an underground part and an aboveground part. The basic parts (and purpose) of the underground part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant are the hydraulic lifting system with or without telescopic poles, and consists of dozen or more hydraulic platforms placed on top of each other (serves for vertical lifting of a segment partially filled with water, loaded from above by hydrostatic pressure of several bars), the column structure with a platform with or without telescopic columns, which is integrated into the hydraulic lifting system (serves to secure the hydraulic lifting system; serves to independently alternately take over of the total load from the hydraulic lifting system , thus enabling multiple lifting of the complete hydraulic lifting system within one cycle), the track for transport and placement of the segment on the hydraulic lifting system (serves only for that purpose), the vertical opening at the top of the underground part wich connects the underground and the aboveground part (enables the transition of the segment from the underground into the aboveground part; enables the creation of a continuous watertight barrier between the aboveground and underground part by mutual contact of the vertical walls of the opening, the sealing surface, and the vertical sides of the segment; the sealing surface may be a continuous sealing ring or may consist of several sealing rings; sealing rings or a continuous sealing ring may be installed either on the walls of the opening or the vertical sides of the segment; directs the segment during lifting using vertical walls with or without vertical watertight grooves on the walls of the opening). The basic parts (and purpose) of the above-ground part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydroelectric power plant are the watertight water tower filled with water (serves to artificially create the necessary conditions to lift the segment partially filled with water by the buoyant force, from the bottom to the top of the tower), the door at the bottom of the tower supported from below with movable girders or without movable girders (used to independently alternately take over the total load from the hydrostatic pressure in the tower, with a segment in the sealing opening that supports either a hydraulic lifting system or a column structure with the platform; the closed door serves to maintain watertight between the underground part and aboveground part of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant; water tightness is achieved by mutual contact of the door with the sealing ring on the frame on which the closed-door relies; the water in the tower presses the door from above), the internal steel structure (continuously forces the segment to move in the only possible direction vertically upwards; the buoyant force acts on the segment for the entire time of lifting from the bottom to the top of the tower), the auxiliary tower or the pool at the top of the tower (auxiliary tower allows the quick and easy discharge of water from the segment, continuous discharge of water through the hydraulic pipe, the return of water level in the tower after each discharge cycle, and the emptying of the complete tower; the pool at the top of the tower has the same function as well as the auxiliary tower except that it does not enable emptying of the entire tower), the hydraulic pipe with or without minimal accumulation of water below the segment at the top of the tower and the control valve (hydraulic pipe has the function of a dam in the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant and serves to continuously maintain hydrostatic pressure during the release of water through the water turbine; a continuous hydraulic column exists between the upper water level in the segment and the level of the water turbine itself; the control valve serves to control the discharge of water into the water turbine and to prevent flow), water turbine and hydro-generator (used for electricity generation), pool under the water turbine with water filling system (pool serve for collecting water that passes through the water turbine, to maintain the water level which is necessary to fill the segment with water, and for controlled filling of the segment with water; filling system serve for the controlled filling of the segment with water), the watertight door on the wall at the top of the tower (shortens the path and frees up space to pull the segment out of the tower), movable track (used to pull out the empty segment from the tower), a crane, one or more water tunnels with horizontally movable membranes or the platform (used to lowering the empty segment to the ground). Hydraulic lifting system with and without column structure with the platform, vertical sealing opening, the door at the bottom of the tower, tower filled with water, internal steel structure, hydraulic pipe with or without minimal accumulation at the top of the pipe, control valve and pool, water turbine and water generator, and the working body or segment are indispensable parts of the buoyant cyclic circular hydropower plant.

Claim 2

The working body or segment represents the essence of an entirely new concept of hydropower production. A relatively small amount of water that constantly circulates in electricity production with the help of a working body is sufficient to produce a large amount of electricity over a long period. The working body or segment allows the establishment of a new concept of electricity generation that is almost completely independent of natural water flows and allows continuous production 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The segment's geometric shape is a matter of choice. Some of the possible shapes are a rectangular prism, a regular prism (a regular pentagonal prism, a regular hexagonal prism, etc.), a cylinder, or a combined shape. For any selected segment shape, the rule is that the upper and lower bases are identical and that they enclose a right angle with the axis (height).

Claim 3

The basic parts (and purpose) of the empty segment lowering system are a horizontal water tunnel partially or filled with water, depending on the solution (there is a membrane track in the tunnel; the water level in the tunnel is either above the path or the tunnel is filled with water), the vertical water-filled hydraulic pipe connected to a filled water tunnel from above(transmits a hydrostatic pressure of several bars to the water in the tunnel and significantly decelerate the movement of the membrane in the tunnel; before returning the membrane, the hydraulic pipe valve must be closed at the pipe bottom; the pressure relief valve in the tunnel must open; the pressure in the tunnel equalizes with the atmospheric pressure; in this way, it is maximally facilitated to return the membrane to the initial frame), the track within which the membrane moves (the track consists of an initial, auxiliary and final frame; the frames are connected from below, from above, and from the side with steel rails; the membrane within the frame can be blocked or released mechanically or using electrical commands from the front or rear side), the membrane (consists of a steel frame and the door; the door hangs on the upper frame side; the door has the function of a membrane; on the frame on the front and rear side, there is a stabilizer; on the front side, the stabilizer is connected via a steel rope for an empty segment; on the rear side stabilizer is connected with the winch; the design of the front stabilizer allows the door to open forward; the construction of the door frame prevents the door from opening backward; when the segment pulls the membrane, the water presses the door against the frame, and it closes itself watertight; when the winch pulls the diaphragm back the door opens itself on the front frame side), the wire rope, pulleys to support the movement and change of direction of the wire rope and power transmission between the shaft and the wire rope, fixed pulley, hook and appropriate support structure (system through which the water tunnel and the membrane with an empty segment are connected); pool on the ground below the empty segment (in the pool ends the descent of the segment). Both solutions, a tunnel partially or filled with water, can lower the empty working body. The first solution is simpler, but the dimensions of the tunnel and the membrane are significantly larger. There may be some space in the tunnel on the sides and above the track along which the membrane moves in the second solution. The height of the water in the hydraulic pipe determines the magnitude of the water-resistance to the movement of the diaphragm. The lowering of the working body is an integral part of each cycle in the buoyancy cyclic circular hydropower plant. A whole system bases on the natural resistance of water by which water resists the movement of a membrane in a tunnel. Pure natural energy uses to lower a heavy empty working body from a great height to the ground. The minimal amount of electricity consumes to return the open membrane to its initial position. This way of lowering the empty working body saves a significant amount of electricity, a big plus in the fight for every kilowatt of clean electricity.