DE202009018564U1 - Water engine - Google Patents

Abstract

Hydroelectric machine (1), with at least one undershot water wheel (2, 3), which converts the dynamic energy of a flowing water (4) into kinetic energy, and with at least one generator (6) operatively connected to the at least one water wheel (2, 3) for conversion said kinetic energy of the at least one water wheel (2, 3) into electrical energy, the at least one water wheel (2, 3) and the at least one generator (6) on an at least one flow channel (7, 8) for the at least one water wheel (2 , 3) having a floating platform (9), and wherein the at least one flow channel (7, 8) seen upstream has a flow funnel (13, 14) bounded to the sides and up and down and with an upstream flow cross section or the As seen upstream of the flow channel (7, 8), such a flow funnel (13, 14) is arranged upstream of the floating platform (9).

Description

The invention relates to a water engine according to the combination of features of claim 1 of the invention.

Hydropower engines have long been known in a variety of embodiments. A very revealing treatise on this is the article "The water wheels as hydraulic power machines", publishing house Ernst & son, publishing house for architecture and technical sciences GmbH & CO. KG, Berlin, building technology 80 (2003), number 3 refer to.

After that, waterwheels are essentially divided into so-called superficial and undershot waterwheels. Concerning. said undershot waterwheels are interpreted as meaning that existing knowledge does not allow them to set performance or operational criteria for them and, in combination with the demand for better value for money, there is still considerable need for research and development.

In view of this, and in particular in view of the already existing international and in the future still aggravating strained energy situation in combination with increased environmental impact requirements are also recently undersized water wheels developments recorded, the hopes for an economic and environmentally friendly use of the streams inherent dynamic energy by means of submerged water wheels.

So is out of the DE 102 10 597 A1 a hydroelectric power plant with a water wheel, a generator for generating electricity and coupling means for transmitting the rotational movement of the water wheel to the generator known, the water wheel, the generator and the coupling means are mounted on a swimming platform, which in turn is anchored in a watercourse. The swim platform has at least two hulls connected by trusses. The water wheel is held between the two hulls in such a way that it lies with a part below the waterline of the floating platform. Further, as the rotational speed of the waterwheel is known to be determined particularly by the flow velocity between the two hulls, it is further generally proposed to provide the upstream ends of the hulls of the floating platform with slidable plates by which the run-in area can be increased or decreased. Measures on how the influence of the flow rate can be implemented in detail by means of said sliding plates are not disclosed in this document.

From the DE 20 2008 015 093 U1 Furthermore, a water engine with a submerged positioned in a flowing water water wheel is known, which is arranged in a submerged in a flowing water flow channel. An immersible flow channel is essentially understood to mean that the flow channel is floatable and its depth of immersion is variable by providing floating tanks, which in turn are trimmable by flooding or channeling them according to the desired depth of immersion of the flow channel. By this measure, the immersion depth of the flow channel to be adapted to the particular conditions of the water.

The object of the invention is to provide a further improved in terms of the prior art water engine, with at least one undershot waterwheel, which has an improved price-performance ratio and a higher efficiency than conventional. Furthermore, the hydropower machine should be simple and inexpensive to produce and operate, and have as far as possible no adverse effects on the ecosystem of the particular running water landscape.

The object is therefore initially achieved by a hydraulic motor, with at least one undershot water wheel, which converts the dynamic energy of a running water into kinetic energy, and with at least one operatively connected to the at least one waterwheel generator for converting said kinetic energy of the at least one waterwheel into electrical energy, wherein the at least one waterwheel and the at least one generator are arranged on at least one flow channel for the at least one waterwheel having floating platform, and wherein the at least one flow channel seen upstream has a flow funnel with upstream seen a widening flow cross-section or upstream seen the flow channel frontally the Floating platform upstream of such a flow funnel.

By this measure, with regard to the prior art, the efficiency of a hydraulic machine of the generic type with at least one undershot water wheel further increased, so that there is an improved price-performance ratio of the same. In particular, it is allowed by means of simple and cost-effective measures to include the water depth advantageous in the closer use consideration.

The subclaims describe preferred developments or refinements of the invention.

Thereafter, the at least one flow funnel can be formed by four baffles arranged on the floating platform, namely two side baffles and an upper baffle and a lower baffle, which can be accomplished simply and inexpensively.

It can further be provided that one or more of the baffles, the flow cross-section of the flow funnel changing, are pivotally formed, which can be advantageously influenced on the flow velocity in the flow channel influence.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower baffle in a vertical plane about a transverse to the flow direction and largely horizontally disposed first pivot axis be formed pivotally, whereby, as already indicated above, advantageously taking advantage of the depth of the usable water cross section of the formed flow funnel within wide limits is adjustable.

The said first pivot axis can advantageously be arranged within or below the horizontal plane of the greatest downward vertical extension of the at least one water wheel in order to make maximum use of the inflow surfaces of the water wheel and to avoid disadvantageous turbulence in the flow channel.

Advantageously, the lower baffle may be pivotable in such a manner depending on a sensed flow velocity of the flowing water and / or a sensed flow velocity in the flow channel and / or a sensed rotational speed of the at least one waterwheel and / or the delivered power of the at least one generator that by changing the Input cross section of the formed by the baffles flow funnel and accordingly the flow velocity in the flow channel, the rotational speed of the at least one water wheel and thus the output power of the at least one generator is constant.

Thereby, the conditions are created to meet the requirements of a public power grid, namely as possible to be able to feed a constant current in said power grid.

As the invention further provides, the upper baffle may preferably be located at or slightly above the normal plane of the water surface, thereby adversely affecting the unavoidable wave impact due to general weather conditions and / or ship movements on the floating platform carrying the hydroplane and / or transmission The dynamic energy of the watercourse on the at least one waterwheel can be largely avoided by wave smoothing.

In that regard, viewed from upstream of the floating platform and the normal plane of the water surface, the upper baffle can be arranged to be pivoted upward in a particularly advantageous manner by a certain angle "α", as a result of which a very effective smoothing of the shaft is noted.

In view of this, according to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the angle "α" may be fixed as a function of a previously determined average wave height.

However, it is also conceivable for the angle "α" to be actively adjustable as a function of a currently detected wave height by pivoting the upper guide plate about a second pivot axis arranged transversely to the flow direction and largely horizontally.

By this measure, the outer, possibly detrimental to the hydropower acting conditions, such as wave in particular, be countered even better.

As the invention still provides, a downstream channel outlet of the at least one flow channel may be formed as the flow rate reducing diffuser, whereby adverse flow effects are largely avoided for the river landscape.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, two or more transversely to the flow direction of the watercourse coaxial or offset arranged side by side and preferably working in synchronism water wheels may be provided, which is associated with a common flow channel or a separate flow channel. It may also be advantageous to provide two or more in a common flow channel arranged one behind the other and preferably working in synchronism water wheels.

By such measures, in particular cost savings with respect to the Structure of the hydroelectric power plant. Furthermore, individual water wheels can be easily activated or deactivated depending on the current demand for electrical energy, ie, by means of known couplings integrated into an existing powertrain or powertrain or be removed from the same.

As a particularly useful for the above application as a generator known per se 4-pole asynchronous generator is recommended, which in turn is associated with a known frequency rectifier.

As far as the swimming platform is concerned, the same can advantageously be fixed by means of elongated stranded strands predominantly to anchoring means arranged within the flowing waterway, whereby disadvantageous forces acting on the floating platform, in particular moments, as can be observed in landmounts, are avoided as far as possible.

Advantageously, one or more of the stranding can be formed by a cable core with a same fluid-tight sheathing reinforcement, wherein the cable core then has at least electrical energy transmitting lines. Separate cable strands for transmitting the generated electrical energy from the swimming platform to a land-based power supply are avoided by this measure, resulting in particular cost savings.

The floating platform is suitably carried by floats, the floats may have fluid tanks, which in turn so independently flooding and lenzbar that swimming movements and / or floating conditions of the floating platform, for example, with regard to changing water levels, emergency situations or any other boundary conditions or situations influenced are. In particular, it may be provided that the fluid tanks are flooded and inflatable independently of one another such that disadvantageous floating movements and / or floating conditions of the floating platform as a result of wind load, wave motion, flow change, flotsam and / or the like., Such as adverse roll movements, ramming movements, yaw movements and / or other movements are largely avoidable or compensable.

Moreover, the fluid tanks of the float advantageously at least one separate respectively floating floating body to be associated with at least one Umfluttank, which in turn forms a closed fluid circulation system via a per se known pipe, valve and Lenzpumpensystem with the fluid tanks.

This measure makes it possible to add an antifreeze to the fluid, especially water, whereby the operation of the water engine is permitted, at least within limits even during periods of frost.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment schematically illustrated in the drawings. Show it:

1 very schematically an inventively designed water engine in a plan view, and

2 the section II after 1 ,

According to the 1 and 2 has said hydroelectric machine 1 exemplifying two coaxial side by side and spaced from each other known unterschlächtige water wheels 2 . 3 showing the dynamic energy of a watercourse 4 convert into kinetic energy respectively in a rotational movement of the same.

According to the present embodiment, these are preferably water wheels operating in synchronism 2 . 3 , in turn, known per se and therefore not described in more detail transmission and clutch devices 5 with each other and with a generator 6 for the implementation of said kinetic energy of the water wheels 2 . 3 in electrical energy, preferably a 4-pole asynchronous generator 6 , are actively connected.

Every waterwheel 2 . 3 is present a separate flow channel 7 . 8th assigned. In contrast, it may also be appropriate, the water wheels 2 . 3 in a common flow channel 7 respectively. 8th to arrange (not shown).

Both the water wheels 2 . 3 as well as the generator 6 and the transmission and clutch devices 5 are on a common swimming platform 9 arranged, the present of two transverse to the flow direction 10 of the river 4 arranged opposite and mainly in the flow direction 10 extending floats 11 . 12 worn.

Like that 1 and 2 can be further seen, each flow channel 7 . 8th Seen upstream, four at the swim platform 9 arranged and each a flow funnel 13 . 14 seen upstream with a widening flow cross-section forming baffles 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 on.

By two side baffles each 15 . 16 and an upper baffle 17 and a lower baffle 18 is in each case a flow funnel 13 . 14 formed, whose cross section is based on a box profile square or rectangular. However, the invention is not limited to a box section with straight side walls or baffles 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 but also detects baffles 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 , which have a curved surface structure to the flow behavior within the flow channel 7 . 8th to improve or to influence advantageous, for example, to avoid adverse turbulence (not shown in detail).

According to this embodiment, said flow funnels 13 . 14 into the flow channels 7 . 8th directly integrated. However, it is also expedient for the person skilled in the art to be aware of such flow funnels 13 . 14 the flow channels 7 . 8th at the front of the swimming platform 9 vorzuordnen, which proves to be particularly advantageous if existing conventional hydroelectric engines of the generic type according to the invention to be rebuilt (not shown in detail).

As stated above, it is considered convenient and advantageous if one or more of said baffles 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 are formed pivotable about the flow cross-section of the respective flow funnel 13 . 14 to be able to change.

So here is the lower baffle 18 in a vertical plane about a direction transverse to the flow or flow direction 10 and largely horizontally arranged first pivot axis 19 pivotable trained ( 2 ).

Said first pivot axis 19 is preferably within or below the horizontal plane of the largest downward vertical extension of the waterwheel 2 . 3 arranged.

Due to the pivotability of the lower baffle 18 is on the one hand advantageous the currently available water depth of the watercourse 4 usable within wide limits.

On the other hand, it is also allowed, the lower baffle 18 depending on a sensed flow velocity of the watercourse 4 and / or a sensed flow velocity in the flow channel 7 . 8th and / or a sensed rotational speed of the respective water wheel 2 . 3 and / or the power output of the generator 6 to pivot such that by changing the input cross-section of the respective through the baffles 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 trained flow funnel 13 . 14 and accordingly the flow velocity in the flow channel 7 . 8th the rotational speed of the relevant water wheel 2 . 3 and thus the output power of the generator 6 is constant.

With regard to the advantages of such a defined control and control of the pivoting movement of the lower baffle 18 has already been detailed above.

Certainly, it is also conceivable and accordingly covered by the invention with one or both side plates 15 . 16 as above pivotally form, however, this measure can then adversely affect when the hydropower machine 1 located in the immediate vicinity of a waterway, as their width is possibly increased. This circumstance can be advantageously countered, if preferred, the lower baffle 18 is formed pivotable.

The aforementioned sensory measured values 20 the flow velocity of the watercourse 4 and / or the flow velocity in the flow channel 7 . 8th and / or the rotational speed of the respective water wheel 2 . 3 and / or the power output of the generator 6 are expediently provided to an electronic control unit (ECU) which represents the system core of the hydropower machine and advantageously on the floating platform 9 or in one of the floats 11 . 12 weatherproof and easily accessible.

In order for the system to operate automatically and to cope with a variety of situations in accordance with the current system boundary conditions, such as the water level and / or flow conditions, the electronic control unit (ECU) is based on empirically or computationally determined basic data or reference values.

The recorded measured values 20 or the signals generated therefrom can now be compared with one or more predetermined reference values. If a specific deviation or a trend of the deviation is present, a change in the current situation is concluded, as a result of which control signals are preferably closed 21 for controlling at least one actuator 22 , For example, a hydraulically or pneumatically operated piston-cylinder unit, for adjusting a certain pivot angle of the lower baffle 18 to be created ( 2 ).

Like that 1 and 2 can still be seen, is the upper baffle 17 preferably in or slightly above the normal plane of water surface 23 of the river 4 arranged, which in particular a smoothing of any waves is recorded.

Particularly advantageous is the upper baffle 17 starting from the swimming platform 9 and said normal plane of the water surface 23 upstream of a certain angle "α" pivoted upwards, wherein the angle "α" is set either as a function of an average wave height or as depending on a currently detected wave height by pivoting about a transverse to the flow or flow direction 10 and largely horizontally arranged second pivot axis 24 is actively adjustable or is set ( 1 and 2 ).

The active setting of the upper baffle 17 is preferably also by means of an actuator 25 , For example, in the form of a hydraulically or pneumatically operated piston-cylinder unit, which in turn control signals 26 from the electronic control unit (ECU).

In order to prevent adverse ecological effects on the river landscape, but at least significantly reduce, are the increased flow or flow velocity of the watercourse 4 largely on the flow channels 7 . 8th limited by the present common downstream channel exit 27 the flow channels 7 . 8th is advantageously designed as a diffuser ( 1 ).

Again 1 Moreover, it can be seen, is the swimming platform 9 by means of elongated stranding 28 predominantly on within the watercourse 4 fixed anchoring means 29 established.

Said stranding 29 are presently formed by a cable core with the same fluid-tight sheathing armor, wherein the cable core has at least electrical energy transmitting lines (not shown in detail).

For swimming movements and / or floating conditions of the swimming platform 9 In particular, adverse swimming movements and / or floating conditions thereof due to, for example, wind load, wave motion, flow change, flotsam and / or the like. More, such adverse roll movements (movement about the longitudinal axis), pitching movements (movement about the transverse axis), yawing (movement to face the vertical axis) and / or other movements, have the floats 11 . 12 the hydroelectric machine 1 fluid tanks 30 which, for their part, can be flooded and leveled independently of each other.

In that regard, the fluid tanks 30 the float 11 . 12 at least one separate respectively free-floating, preferably as in the present case of the water engine 1 maintained floating body with at least one Umfluttank 31 in turn, in turn, via a pipe, valve and Lenzpumpensystem with the fluid tanks 30 forms a closed fluid circulation system.

Such a closed fluid circulation system allows the fluid used, in particular water, a per se known antifreeze such. As glysantin, so that the system can be kept largely functional even during periods of frost.

The control and regulation of the necessary for this purpose, known per se and thus not shown and described bilge pumps can also be carried out by means of said ECU by the same by means of sensors known per se corresponding measured values for the evaluation and generation of control signals are provided.

The above embodiment essentially relies on a hydro-electric machine 1 with two across the flow direction 10 of the river 4 coaxial juxtaposed water wheels 2 . 3 each with a separate flow channel 7 . 8th assigned.

However, the invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment of a water engine 1 but also includes hydroelectric engines 1 with two or more coaxial or offset juxtaposed water wheels 2 . 3 which are in a common flow channel 7 respectively. 8th are arranged. It may also be indicated, just a waterwheel 2 or 3 or a plurality in a common flow channel 7 respectively. 8th Water wheels arranged one behind the other 2 . 3 provided. Any combination of coaxial or offset arranged side by side and successively arranged water wheels 2 . 3 is also conceivable and therefore also covered by the invention (not shown in detail).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Water engine

2

water wheel

3

water wheel

4

watercourses

5

Transmission and clutch device

6

generator

7

flow channel

8th

flow channel

9

swimming platform

10

flow direction

11

float

12

float

13

flow funnel

14

flow funnel

15

Side baffle

16

Side baffle

17

upper baffle

18

lower baffle

19

first pivot axis

20

readings

21

control signals

22

actuator

23

water surface

24

second pivot axis

25

actuator

26

control signals

27

channel output

28

Verseilstränge

29

anchoring means

30

fluid tanks

31

Umfluttank

ECU

electronic control and control unit

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10210597 A1 [0005]
• DE 202008015093 U1 [0006]

Cited non-patent literature

• "The water wheels as hydraulic power machines", publishing house Ernst & Sohn, publishing house for architecture and technical sciences GmbH & CO. Kg, Berlin, building technology 80 (2003), number 3 [0002]

Claims (21)

Hydropower machine ( 1 ), with at least one undershot waterwheel ( 2 . 3 ), which determines the dynamic energy of a watercourse ( 4 ) converts into kinetic energy, and with at least one with the at least one water wheel ( 2 . 3 ) operatively connected generator ( 6 ) for converting said kinetic energy of the at least one water wheel ( 2 . 3 ) into electrical energy, wherein the at least one waterwheel ( 2 . 3 ) and the at least one generator ( 6 ) on at least one flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) for the at least one waterwheel ( 2 . 3 ) having swimming platform ( 9 ) are arranged, and wherein the at least one flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) seen upstream a limited to the sides and up and down flow funnel ( 13 . 14 ) with an expanding flow cross-section seen upstream or the flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) seen upstream upstream of the floating platform ( 9 ) such a flow funnel ( 13 . 14 ) is arranged upstream. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one flow funnel ( 13 . 14 ) by four at the swimming platform ( 9 ) arranged baffles ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ), namely two side baffles ( 15 . 16 ) and an upper and a lower baffle ( 17 . 18 ) is formed. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that one or more of the baffles ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ), the flow cross-section of the flow funnel ( 13 . 14 ) are changing, pivotally formed. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lower baffle ( 18 ) in a vertical plane about a transverse to the flow direction ( 10 ) and largely horizontally arranged first pivot axis ( 19 ) is formed pivotable. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first pivot axis ( 19 ) preferably within or below the horizontal plane of the greatest downward vertical extension of the at least one water wheel ( 2 . 3 ) is arranged. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the lower baffle ( 18 ) as a function of a sensed flow velocity of the river ( 4 ) and / or a sensed flow velocity in the flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) and / or a sensed rotational speed of the at least one water wheel ( 2 . 3 ) and / or the output power of the at least one generator ( 6 ) is pivotable such that by changing the input cross-section of the baffles ( 15 . 16 . 17 . 18 ) trained flow funnel ( 13 . 14 ) and accordingly the flow velocity in the flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) the rotational speed of the at least one water wheel ( 2 . 3 ) and thus the output power of the at least one generator ( 6 ) is constant. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the upper baffle ( 17 ), in particular wave-smoothing preferably in or slightly above the normal plane of the water surface ( 23 ) is arranged. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper baffle ( 17 ) starting from the swimming platform ( 9 ) and the normal plane of the water surface ( 23 ) upstream seen by a certain angle "α" is pivoted upwards. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the angle "α" is fixed as a function of an average wave height. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the angle "α" in dependence on a currently detected wave height by pivoting the upper guide plate ( 17 ) about a transverse to the flow direction ( 10 ) and largely horizontally arranged second pivot axis ( 24 ) is actively adjustable. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a downstream channel exit ( 27 ) of the at least one flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) is formed as the flow rate reducing diffuser. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that two or more transversely to the flow direction ( 10 ) of the river ( 4 ) arranged coaxially or staggered side by side and preferably in synchronism working water wheels ( 2 . 3 ) are provided, to which a common flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) or in each case a separate flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) assigned. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that two or more in a common flow channel ( 7 . 8th ) arranged behind one another and preferably working in synchronism water wheels ( 2 . 3 ) are provided. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the at least one generator ( 6 ) as 4-pin Asynchronous generator ( 6 ) is formed, which is associated with a frequency rectifier. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the floating platform ( 9 ) by means of elongated stranding ( 28 ) predominantly on within the watercourse ( 4 ) anchoring means ( 29 ). Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that one or more of the stranding strands ( 28 ) are formed by a cable core with a same fluid-tight sheathing armor, wherein the cable core has at least electrical energy transmitting lines. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the floating platform ( 9 ) of floats ( 11 . 12 ) is worn. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 17, characterized in that the floats ( 11 . 12 ) Fluid tanks ( 30 ) which are floatable and deflectable independently of one another such that swimming movements and / or floating conditions of the floating platform ( 9 ) can be influenced. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 18, characterized in that the fluid tanks ( 30 ) are floodable and deflectable independently of one another such that disadvantageous swimming movements and / or floating conditions of the swimming platform ( 9 ) as a result of wind load, wave motion, flow change, flotsam and / or the like. More, such as adverse roll movements, pitching movements, yawing and / or other movements of the swimming platform ( 9 ), avoidable or compensable. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the fluid tanks ( 30 ) the float ( 11 . 12 ) at least one separate respectively floating floating body with at least one Umfluttank ( 31 ), in turn, via a pipe, valve and Lenzpumpensystem with the fluid tanks ( 30 ) forms a closed fluid circulation system. Hydropower machine ( 1 ) according to claim 20, characterized in that the fluid of the fluid circulation system is formed by a water-antifreeze mixture.

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