WO2023217777A1

WO2023217777A1 - An energy installation for harvesting energy from a fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2023217777A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/062264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Mølhede Loving
Original assignee: Millfield Technology Aps
Priority date: 2022-05-10
Filing date: 2023-05-09
Publication date: 2023-11-16

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an energy installation (1) for harvesting energy from a flow of fluid, such as water, comprising a plurality of wing profiles (9,10) configured in a wing module (8), with a number of first wing profiles (9) having a longitudinal axis oriented in relation to a number of second wing profiles (10) having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first wing profiles (9), said wing module (8) being attached to first and second support arms (5,6) connecting the wing module (8) to a console or frame (4) placed out of the water, where the console or frame (4) further is provided with balancing means, such as one or more displaceable counterweights (13).

Description

AN ENERGY INSTALLATION FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM A FLUID

Field of the invention

The invention relates to an energy installation for harvesting energy from a fluid and convert this kinetic energy into a storable energy.

Background of the invention

Several solutions to harvest energy from wind or water is known, but the prior art all discloses solutions where the harvesting equipment is acting in one plane, being rotation or partially rotation around a vertical or a horizontal axis.

From WO 2014/202082 A1 is known an energy installation comprising one or more aerofoil profiles having a longitudinal axis oriented vertically, said profile being configured on a rotatable lever arm, a support structure comprising a transmission system where said vertical profile may rotate around its longitudinal axis and in that said lever arm and said vertical profile may oscillate between a first and a second horizontal positions by means of a flow of particles acting on said vertical profile such that a horizontal movement of said vertical profile is achieved and transmitted to said transmission system via said lever arm. This system also discloses one or more horizontal aerofoil profiles in order to simultaneously take advantage of impulses from both the vertical and the horizontal components of flowing particles of water or air.

This solution can only move in a horizontal circle defined by an anchoring point and in an up- and down-going direction also defined by the anchoring point.

Summary

According to a first aspect there is provided an energy installation for harvesting energy from a flow of fluid, such as water, comprising a plurality of wing profiles configured in a wing module, with a number of first wing profiles having a longitudinal axis oriented in relation to a number of wing profiles having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first wing profiles , the wing module being attached to first and second support arms connecting the wing module to a console placed out of the water, where the console further is provided with balancing means, such as one or more displaceable counterweights.

Hereby it is possible to provide a reaction arm with a wing module which is balanced and therefore do not have to deal with a heavy inertia and is therefore capable of fast reaction on impulses.

According to some embodiments, the console is provided with an arm at least partially pivotable around a horizontal axle the arm is provided with one or more displaceable counterweights for balancing weight of the support arms and the wing module.

According to some embodiments, the displaceable counterweights are attached to the pivotable arm in a pivot joint.

According to some embodiments, the displaceable counterweights are placed at an outer end of rods, which rods are attached to the pivotable arm in a pivot joint.

Hereby is provided further possibilities for better adjusting balancing of the installation.

According to some embodiments, hydraulic cylinders are fluidly connected to an energy storage. It is clear that it is desirable to be able to store the harvested energy, but embodiments where the energy installation is connected to a grid or where the energy is converted into other types of energy, such as for example heat, can be desirable.

Hereby is achieved an expedient way to transform energy from movement of the wing module and the arms into energy to be used or stored.

According to some embodiments, the energy storage is a pressure tank combining hydraulic pressure and pneumatic pressure or gas pressure via a piston or a membrane.

Hereby is achieved convenient storing possibilities for the energy when harvested.

In some embodiments stored pressure is used to initiate movement of the support arm, for example using hydraulic cylinders connected to the support arms. Hereby it is possible to ease initiating movement when the support arms are in extreme positions i.e. when changing directions.

According to some embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders are provided with position indicators or sensors for giving signals to a controller, controlling movement and position of a pivotable arm and/or the displaceable counterweights.

Hereby it is possible to control the energy installation based on certain positions of the wing module and arms due to reading signals from the position indicators or sensors. According to some embodiments, the wing module is provided with distance sensors configured for giving signals to a controller, controlling change of pitch of the wings in the wing module.

Hereby it is possible to keep the wing module within a limited area in which it is safe to operate and to avoid collision with objects and thereby to avoid damage of the installation.

According to some embodiments, the second support arms are connected to brackets hinged around a vertical axle for lateral displacement of the wing module relative to the console.

Hereby it is possible to displace the support arms and the wing module in relation to the stationary part of the installation.

According to some embodiments, the console is pivotable around a vertical axle and that rotation of the console around the axle can be braked by a frictional brake or a lock.

Hereby it is possible to swing the installation, for example in relation to a bank or a shore of a water stream, canal, river or the like, and hold the console of the installation in a certain position before activating the support arms and the wing module. Hereby it is also possible to rotate the wing module so that the horizontal wings are angled slightly away from the incoming flow direction, due to the speed that will be to the side, and which together with the incoming flow gives a different angle of incidence which is then accommodated.

According to some embodiments, the energy installation is placed on a floating vessel. Hereby is achieved that the installation can be placed away from the bank of a water stream, river, canal or the like.

In case the vessel is moored or anchored in distance from shore at sea, it is also possible to use the installation for harvesting energy from waves and/or tides.

According to some embodiments, the wing module is provided with a yaw bearing to which bearing the second arms are connected in brackets.

Hereby is achieved that the wing module can be angled in relation to the support arms of the installation in order to be able to optimise the position of the wing module in relation to the water stream.

The objective of the invention is to provide an installation to convert energy from a fluid stream, such as water into another kind of energy, which installation is able to move a number of vertical and horizontal wing profiles in all directions.

Another kind of energy can be hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to be stored in a pressure tank or container or the energy from the fluid can be converted into electrical energy.

The wing module should be understood as a unit comprising a plurality of wings placed in a frame having plate like limitations around a perimeter, forming a kind of duct.

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an example of the installation where the wing module is in inoperative position (placed on land);

Figure 2 shows the installation of figure 1 , seen from above;

Figure 3 shows an example of the installation where the first support arms are in vertical or almost vertical position, which is a good service position;

Figure 4 shows the installation of figure 3, seen from above;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the installation shown in figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 shows the installation when ready to be lowered into a water stream;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the installation shown in figure 6, and with the wing module pithed to the left against the bank of a stream, where also the wings are pitched;

Figure 8 shows the installation when lowered into a water stream, and with the wing module pitched to the right;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the installation shown in figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a view from above, where the support arms with the wing module is in a position away from the console moving towards an extremity point of reach, and with the wing module and the wings pitched to the right;

Figure 11 shows the installation, where the support arms with the wing module is in a position away from the console and towards the bank, close to an extremity point of reach, and with the wing module and the wings pitched to the left; Figure 12 shows the installation, where the support arms with the wing module is in a position towards the console after changing direction at an extremity point of reach;

Figure 13 shows a cut open frame of the wing module, showing control rods for shifting pitch on horizontal wing profiles;

Figure 14 shows the wing module seen from above;

Figure 15 shows the wing module in a perspective view with surrounding plates removed for better showing the wing profiles;

Figure 16 shows a model of the installation, where the wing module is lowered into a water stream and the counterweight is balancing or almost balancing the weight of the arms holding the wing module;

Figure 17 shows a model of a configuration of the elbow of the support arm;

Figure 18 shows schematically a hydraulic configuration of for example valves and cylinders with the installation in service and safety position;

Figure 19 shows schematically a hydraulic configuration of for example valves and cylinders with the installation in a position where the displaceable counterweight changes position.

Figure 20 shows schematically a hydraulic configuration of for example valves and cylinders with the installation in position for starting movement;

Figure 21 shows schematically a hydraulic configuration of for example valves and cylinders with the installation in a working position, the wing module moving away from shore; Figure 22 shows schematically a hydraulic configuration of for example valves and cylinders with the installation in a working position, the wing module moving back to shore;

Figure 23 shows schematically a hydraulic configuration of for example valves and cylinders with the installation returning to a service and safety position;

Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation;

Figure 25 shows a side view of the installation shown in figure 24; and

Figure 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the wing module provided with a yaw bearing.

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.

It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments.

They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown.

An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

The installation 1 comprises a fixed part and a moveable part, the fixed part being in shape of a base plate 2 or frame for a stable placement of the installation 1 for example on a shore, a bank of a river, a stream or a canal, on a pontoon or a barge. The base plate 2 can also be placed on a pole, pillar or other kind of foundation placed in a water stream. When placing the installation 1 in a water stream, an important issue is the possibility of connecting the installation 1 to equipment for storing or distributing energy harvested by the installation 1 without obstructing passage of vessels or objects carried floating on or in the water.

The moveable part is a console 4 which is arranged rotatable in relation to a substantially vertical axle 3 placed on the base plate 2.

The console 4 is in one end provided with adjustable support arms 5, 6 carrying a wing module 8 and is in an opposite end provided with a moveable arm 11 carrying one or more displaceable counterweights 13. The console can be moved or have its movement damped by a cylinder 15 placed between the base plate 2 and the console 4.

The adjustable support arm 5, 6 is provided by a number, preferably four first arms 5 arranged as a parallel guide, each arm 5 in one end at least partially rotatable around horizontal axis for movement in a vertical plane parallel to the axle 3 of the base plate 2. The first arms 5 are attached in pairs to first swivel plates 19a, which first swivel plates 19a are at least partially rotatable around a vertical axis in relation to the console 4. In an opposite end of the first arms 5, the first arms 5 are attached in pairs, at least partially rotatable in relation to second swivel plates 19b, which second swivel plates are at least partially rotatable around vertical axes in relation to an elbow 7. The elbow 7 is in a simple shape formed by two parallel triangular plates, for example in same manner as in an architect lamp, but the elbow 7 can have any possible shape. What is important is the relation between the connection points of the support arms 5, 6 to the elbow 7.

The elbow 7 can also be formed as an open cage with two parallel triangular sides.

The support arms 5,6 can be supported or stabilized by a stabilizing rod 27.

The second swivel plates 19b are hinged to a side of the triangle commonly known as the opposite side of the triangle and second arms 6 are hinged at least partially rotatable in a vertical plane in relation to the elbow 7 at a side of the triangle commonly known as the adjacent side of the triangle.

In an embodiment, conversion of energy can be from the fluid stream into pressure and thereafter the pressure is converted into electrical energy as explained in the following.

The first aspect of this disclosure shows an energy installation 1 for harvesting energy from a flow of fluid, such as water, comprising a plurality of wing profiles 9,10 configured in a wing module 8, with a number wing profiles 9 having a longitudinal axis oriented in relation to a number of wing profiles 10 having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first wing profiles 9, the wing module 8 being attached to first and second support arms 5,6 connecting the wing module 8 to a console 4 placed out of the water, where the console 4 further is provided with balancing means, such as one or more displaceable counterweights 13.

In an embodiment, the console 4 is provided with an arm 11 at least partially pivotable around a horizontal axle the arm 11 is provided with one or more displaceable counterweights 13 for balancing weight of the support arms 5,6 and the wing module 8. Also load caused by water displacement, can be balanced by the one or more displaceable counterweights 13.

In an embodiment, the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 are attached to the pivotable arm 11 in a pivot joint 12.

In an embodiment, the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 are placed at an outer end of rods 14, which rods 14 are attached to the pivotable arm 11 in a pivot joint 12.

In an embodiment, hydraulic cylinders 15,16,17,20,22a are fluidly connected to an energy storage.

In an embodiment, the energy storage is a pressure tank combining hydraulic pressure and pneumatic pressure or gas pressure via a piston or a membrane.

In an alternative embodiment, the energy storage can comprise a plurality of tanks.

In an embodiment, the hydraulic cylinders 15,16,17,20,22a are provided with position indicators or sensors for giving signals to a controller, controlling movement and position of a pivotable arm 11 and/or the one or more displaceable counterweights 13.

In an embodiment, the wing module 8 is provided with distance sensors configured for giving signals to a controller, controlling change of pitch of the wings 9,10 in the wing module 8.

In a simple embodiment, the swivel plates 19a, 19b are brackets. In an embodiment, the second support arms 5 are connected to brackets 19a, 19b hinged around a vertical axle for lateral displacement of the wing module 8 relative to the console 4.

In an embodiment, the console 4 is pivotable around a vertical axle 3 and that rotation of the console 8 around the axle 3 can be braked by a frictional brake or a lock.

In an embodiment, the energy installation 1 is placed on a floating vessel.

In an embodiment, the wing module 8 is provided with sensors (not shown) for determining how much the wing module 8 is immersed in the water stream.

Such a sensor can be configured having a number of conducting wires provided spaced apart in vertical direction, for example in a plastic tube.

When the water hits the wires, contact is created between them. This activates power to one or more hydraulic valves that is now closing flow of oil flow to the hydraulic cylinder 16 of the counter-weight-swing arms.

When the wing module 8 is lifted out of the water, the wires are no more connected due to the connectivity of the water and the power supply to the one or more valves are thereby disconnected.

Hence, the valve (with its spring) will open for the flow of oil pressure.

The cylinder 16 can in an embodiment activate elevation of the pivotable arm 11 as well as displacement of the counterweights 13 in relation to the pivotable arm 11. Here the counterweights 13 are placed at ends of pivotable rods 14, which rods 14 are pivotably connected to a housing 12 at the end of the pivotable arm 11. When activating the cylinder 16, the arm 11 is pivoted and at the same time a cylinder 22a activates one or more links or joints 22b connecting the cylinder 22a with the arms 14 to the counterweights 13 hereby displacing the counterweights 13 in such a way that the more the arm 11 is raised towards a vertical position, the more the counterweights 13 are pivoted against and thereby closer to the console 4.

The cylinders 16 and 22a can also act in such a way the arm 11 and the counterweights 13 are moved independently of each other.

The closer the counterweight arrangement 11 , 13 are to the console 4 or to the center of the installation 1 represented by the vertical axle 3, the less influence the weight of the counterweights 13 will have on the installation 1 and vice versa.

In an alternative embodiment, displacement of the counterweights 13 relative to the pivotable arm 11 is actuated by a separate cylinder (not shown).

Figures 1 - 5 illustrates situations where the installation 1 is prepared for entering the water stream.

Saved energy from an accumulator tank or supplied with a hand pump pushes the displaceable counterweight arrangement 11 , 13 towards the console 4.

A spring-loaded hydraulic valve sends overpressure from an accumulator tank to the variable counterweight cylinder 16. A switch is activated manually or by time-controlled I flow-speed programming: For example, after a 60-second break for letting boats, floating tree trunks and the like pass. (Time depends on flow rate in the fluid (water stream)).

Hereby it is possible to deactivate the support arm 5, 6 in such a way that it returns to a shore position either on the bank of the fluid (water stream) or remain in the fluid/water, but close to the bank, leaving sufficient space in the fluid/water stream to let objects pass.

This function can also be activated by pressing a manual valve connecting the one or more hydraulic cylinder(s) of the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 to the control arm 11 hydraulic cylinders 16 by pushing the counterweights 13 towards the console 4 by hand, whereby the support arms 5, 6 with wing module 8 will lower towards the water surface.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrates situations where the wing module 8 is ready to be lowered into the water stream.

The one or more displaceable counterweights 13 has now been moved and there is an overweight on the support arms 5, 6 and wing module 8, which lowers towards the water surface. The switch (not shown) switches the valve to the accumulator tank on I off when a sensor-controlled distance meter (not shown) on the hydraulic cylinders 17, 18, 20 of the support arms 5, 6 detects that there is movement.

Figures 8 to 12 illustrates situations where the wing module 8 is lowered into and operates in the water stream.

Here the support arm 5, 6 together with the wing module 8 will have a slight overweight compared to the counterweight arrangement 11 , 13 with the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 in a folded down position. This allows the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 to compensate for buoyancy from the foam filled wings 9, 10 of the wing module 8. Buoyancy can also be supplied to the frame of the wing module and/or to the arms.

The one or more displaceable counterweights 13 compensates for buoyancy. When the height of the water surface is reached, the wings 9, 10 of the wing module 8 will be influenced by the flow of water and move the support arms 5, 6.

Sensors (not shown) detect distance to river banks, rocks, boats, floating objects and animals. When a minimum distance is reached - the wing pitch is activated to move the wing module 8 to the opposite side/opposite direction. This overrules the programmed turnaround temporarily.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an energy installation 1 for harvesting energy from a flow of fluid, such as water, comprising a plurality of wing profiles 9,10 configured in a wing module 8, with a number wing profiles 9 having a longitudinal axis oriented in relation to a number of wing profiles 10 having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first wing profiles 9, the wing module 8 being attached to first and second support arms 5, 6 connecting the wing module 8 to a console or frame 4 placed out of the water, where the console or frame 4 further is provided with balancing means, such as one or more displaceable counterweights 13.

In an embodiment, the console or frame 4 is provided with an arm 11 at least partially pivotable around a horizontal axle and the arm 11 is provided with one or more displaceable counterweights 13 for balancing weight of the support arms 5, 6 and the wing module 8. Also load caused by water displacement, can be balanced by the one or more displaceable counterweights 13.

The one or more displaceable counterweights 13 are here placed pivotable around a horizontal axle or pivot points 13a at an end of the rods 14 connecting the one or more counterweights 13 to the pivot joint 12. In an embodiment, the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 are placed at an outer end of rods 14, which rods 14 are attached to the pivotable arm 11 in a pivot joint 12.

One or more hydraulic cylinders 16 are connected to the rod 14 in order to displace the one or more counterweights 13 and thereby outbalance the load of the support arms 5, 6 and the wing module 8 as mentioned above.

In an embodiment it is possible to adjust weight of the one or more counterweights 13, by at least a part of the counterweights having a volume to be filled with a fluid or emptied to adjust the weight of the counterweights. The fluid can simply be water.

The console or frame 4 of the embodiment shown in figures 24 and 25 is configured to be positioned on a platform (not shown) which platform can be placed on shore, at a bank of a water stream, river or a canal. The platform can also be placed in or partly in the water anchored in the bottom or the platform can be placed on a pontoon or a barge.

Figure 13 illustrates the wing module 8 and shows control rods 24 within a frame profile 25 of the wing module 8, where for example toothed racks are displaceable within the frame profiles 25 and in engagement with for example toothed wheels or gears in order to change angle of the second wing profiles 10 in relation to the frame 25 and the water stream, to create movement of the wing module 8 within the water.

Figure 14 illustrates the wing module 8, where control rods 26 are shown between the first wing profiles 9, which rods are coupled to act together in order to adjust the angle of each first wing profile 9 within the wing module 8 at the same time. Changing the angle influence on speed of the wing module 8 through the fluid and direction of the wing module 8 through the fluid.

Figure 15 illustrates the wing module 8 with surrounding plates removed. The plates create a kind of ducting for the water stream through/across the wing module 8 giving a greater effect since a more even flow of water is directed over the profile of the first wing profiles 9 with a minimum of edge vortices.

The frame 25 of the wing module 8 is attached to the support arm in connection brackets 23.

Figure 26 shows an alternative embodiment of the wing module, where the wing module 8 is provided with a yaw bearing 28 to which bearing 28 the second arms 6 are connected in brackets 23. A hydraulic cylinder or another kind of linear actuator 29 is provided between the frame 25 of the wing module 8 and the yaw bearing 28 in order to adjust an angle between the support arms 5, 6 and the frame 25 of the wing module 8 whereby the position of the second wing profiles can be aligned an optimised position in relation to the direction of the water stream.

Figure 16 illustrates a model of the invention where the wing module 8 is lowered into a fluid (water stream) and the counterweight 13 is balancing or almost balancing the weight of the support arms 5,6 holding the wing module 8.

Since the wing profiles 9,10 are filled with foam, the wings 9, 10 are to some extent buoyant, and the balancing from the counterweight 13 depends on the position of the arms 5,6 and whether or not the wing module 8 is immersed in the fluid (water stream). When the weight of the arm 5,6 including the wing module 8 is almost balanced by the one or more displaceable counterweights 13 , the weight of the arm 5,6 and the wing module 8 do not have the same negative influence on harvesting energy from the fluid (water stream) as if the fluid (water stream) should provide lift also to “bear” the wing module 8, why the wing module 8 is capable of reacting faster on directional changes due to reaching end points of its determined path or detection of obstructions.

With the wing module 8 immersed, almost static balance is achieved and a valve for the counterweight-swing-arm hydraulic cylinder 16,22a closes so that the well-known lever arm principle (force x arm) takes over the balancing.

Hydraulic cylinders 16,17,18,22a on the support arms 5,6 and the counterweight arm (pivotable arm) 11 are connected through valves that create flow between them. As the volume from the lifting cylinders 16,22a of the counterweight arm 11 is twice as large as the hydraulic cylinders 17,18 of the support arms 5,6, it will create a leverage of e.g. 1 : 2 which means that the counterweight arm 11 only moves for example 50% compared to the travel of the support arm 5,6.

When the first wings 9 of the wing module 8 force the wing module 8 into a horizontal direction, the hydraulic oil is pushed forward to a unidirectional hydraulic system based on check valves. From there, the oil is passed on to an accumulator tank that smooths pulsating movement of the system, and from the accumulator tank on to a hydraulic motor that drives generators or pumps.

Figure 17 illustrates an upper cylinder 20a is mounted on the elbow 7 in a shaft. Vertically below this is a bracket 21 with three holes and the bracket is mounted in the middle hole to an axle connecting lower arms of the support arms 5,6. The upper cylinder 20a is mounted in one of the outer holes in the bracket 21 and in the opposite hole in the bracket 21 , the lower cylinder 20b is mounted. This cylinder 20b is, at the other end, mounted on the second support arms 6 at the same distance between the holes corresponding to the distance between the holes between the mounting of the upper cylinder 20a and the bracket 21 in the middle. Therefore, a movement of, for example, 180° is divided with this gearing, so that the bracket only tilts 45° up and 45° down. Thereby, the two cylinders 20a, 20b should only produce their travel in <90° of the movement (for example in a circle) to be handled. This means that the oil flow through the cylinders will be more even throughout the entire movement of the support arm 5,6 from one extreme point to another. This will have the effect, that the movement of the support arms 5,6 and thereby the wing module 8 from one extreme point to another, can be carried out at a far more equalized speed compared to a system without the above bracket 21 and cylinder 20a, 20b solution.

Figure 18 illustrates Position 1 of the system which is a Service & Safety position comprising steps of:

Change of variable counterweight

1 : Pump the accumulator Tank with the Hand Pump or with an external Hydraulic pump.

2: Pressure on the Accumulator Tank and the system.

3: The oil pressure pushes to the lever arms and they - and the wing module will gain weight. This means that the wing module is now lowered into the water.

The movement of the Lever Arms - is serial connected to the Counterweight Arm.

The volume of the hydraulic cylinder on the Counterweight arm is twice the amount of oil it receives from the lifting cylinders on the Lever Arms. This means that the travel of the Counterweight Arms becomes half the speed/movement of the Lever Arms. Figure 19 illustrates Position 2 of the system comprising steps of: Change of flexible counterweight

1 : The Wing Module is changing Pitch compared to the flow direction.

2: The Wings goes to outgoing pitch position (minus the Pitch of the Wing Module)

Figure 20 illustrates Position 2 of the system comprising steps of:

Start movement

The Wings have entered the water flow and they draw the lever arms and the wing module to working positions

1 : All the lever arms are moving and their oil pressure passes a unidirectional valve system.

2: The generator is limited to a maximum pressure to regulate the speed and the outcome.

3. The rest of the energy goes either to generator 2 and/or the water pump.

If no resistance is encountered, the oil pressure simply flows through the hydraulic motors.

The height of the fountain (water column) with an open upward-facing pipe from pump can be measured as power in relation to pipe thickness.

Figure 21 illustrates Position 2 of the system comprising steps of:

Working position 1

Away from shore

1 : The support arms 5,6 are moving and the oil pressure can be harvested.

Figure 22 illustrates Position 2 of the system comprising steps of: Working position 1

Back to shore

1 : The support arms 5,6 are moving and the oil pressure, build up due to the water flow moving the wing module 8 and the support arms 5,6, can be harvested.

Figure 23 illustrates Position 1 of the system comprising steps of:

Service & Safety position -

Change of variable counterweight

1 : The support arms 5,6 provide energy to pull the counterweight swing arms 14 out. This means the counterweight arm 11 will be heavier than the support arms 5,6 together with the wing module 8 and it will move to the shore.

The wing module 8 is as mentioned earlier, provided with a kind of rangefinder (not shown) for giving signals to a controller controlling change of pitch of the wings of the wing module 8 when the wing module 8 reaches a point being close to an obstacle or being close to a predetermined distance being programmed into the controller.

Also, between cylinder and piston rod head on the hydraulic cylinders a sensor I distance meter / actuator / laser distance meter is mounted, which constantly transmits distance data representing the position of the piston rod in relation to for example a mounting point of the cylinder end opposite to the piston rod end, for programming of switches for opening valves, pitch and wing and wing module turning.

The wing module is programmed, for example, for the horizontal wings to turn when there is a distance of 180 mm to the bottom of the water stream or an obstacle at the bottom of the stream and again the opposite way when there is a distance of for example 30 mm to the water surface. Distances and positions where the wing module is to change direction depends on the site on which the equipment is installed.

In an embodiment, the base plate on which the console is pivotably and lockable connected becomes part of a floating bridge or pontoon having chambers that can be filled with compressed air. Thereby the chambers can form part of an energy saving reservoir of excess energy and at the same time equalize pulsating pump pressure for water pumping or hydraulics. This also means that the construction follows the water level and will be able to float as an anchored barge i.e. guided by pipes, poles or piles on the sides.

The wing module 8 can be scaled to fit to harvesting energy from an air stream, providing larger wing profiles 9,10 and a larger frame 25. Also, more wing modules 8 can be coupled together.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, different medias can be used in the hydraulic system, such as for example water, vegetable oil or similar fluid having less polluting effect than hydraulic oil in case of a leakage.

Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1 . An energy installation (1 ) for harvesting energy from a flow of fluid, such as water, comprising a plurality of wing profiles (9, 10) configured in a wing module (8), with a number of first wing profiles (9) having a longitudinal axis oriented in relation to a number of second wing profiles (10) having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first wing profiles, said wing module (8) being attached to first and second support arms (5, 6) connecting the wing module (8) to a console or frame (4) placed out of the water, characterized in that the console or frame (4) further is provided with balancing means, such as one or more displaceable counterweights (13).

2. The energy installation according to claim 1 , where the console or frame (4) is provided with an arm (11 ) at least partially pivotable around a horizontal axle said arm (11 ) is provided with one or more displaceable counterweights (13) for balancing weight of the support arms (5, 6) and the wing module (8).

3. The energy installation according to claim 2, where the one or more displaceable counterweights (13) are attached to the pivotable arm (11 ) in a pivot joint (12).

4. The energy installation according to claim 3, where the one or more displaceable counterweights (13) are placed at an outer end of rods (14), which rods (14) are attached to the pivotable arm (11 ) in a pivot joint (12).

5. The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 4, where hydraulic cylinders (15, 16, 17, 20, 22a) are fluidly connected to an energy storage.

6. The energy installation according to claim 5, where the energy storage is a pressure tank combining hydraulic pressure and pneumatic pressure or gas pressure via a piston or a membrane.

7. The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 6, where hydraulic cylinders (15, 16, 17, 20, 22a) are provided with position indicators or sensors for giving signals to a controller, controlling movement and position of a pivotable arm (11 ) and/or the one or more displaceable counterweights (13).

8. The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 7, where the wing module (8) is provided with distance sensors configured for giving signals to a controller, controlling change of pitch of the wings (9, 10) in the wing module (8).

9. The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 8, where the second support arms (5) are connected to brackets (19a, 19b) hinged around a vertical axle for lateral displacement of the wing module (8) relative to the console (4).

10. The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 9, where the console (4) is pivotable around a vertical axle (3) and that rotation of the console (8) around the axle (3) can be braked by a frictional brake or a lock.

11 . The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 10, where the energy installation (1 ) is placed on a floating vessel.

12. The energy installation according to any one or more of the claims 1 to 11 , where the wing module (8) is provided with a yaw bearing (28) to which bearing (28) the second arms (6) are connected in brackets (23).