DE102007015834A1 - Plant for generating energy from a stream of water - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has at least one flow machine driven by the water flow, at least one pump (3) at least indirectly driven by the flow machine, a suction tube (4) with a first end below the water level (7) and its second end connected to the pump and a central energy generating unit in the central part of the suction tube with at least one water turbine that drives an electrical generator.

Description

The The invention relates to a plant for generating energy from a stream of water, in particular from a sea current, for example, a tidal current.

to Energy production from a stream of water, in particular from a tidal current in a coastal area, freestanding, diving power plants are known, the without additional Dam structures are in the flow and typically a unit from a turbomachine and an electric machine. The turbomachine can be as propeller-shaped Rotor be designed so that the entire, freestanding and diving Energy generation plant constructed according to a wind turbine is.

adversely In such an arrangement is that for each of the turbomachinery to form an electric machine under water. This leads to elaborate constructive measures for encapsulation. About that In addition, the power generation plant is at a difficult accessible Place, so that maintenance and service measures a great deal of effort mean. Furthermore, in a housing of the electrical Machine in a flow around Gondola of a diving power generation plant disadvantageous that the one flow obstacle performing gondola bodies not be designed large-scale can. It follows that diving for usual sizes Power generation plants maintenance access to the nacelle not created and therefore the nacelle and typically the one with this connected, propeller-shaped Rotor for carrying a service measure to the surface be raised.

Of the Invention is therefore the object of a power generation plant for the recovery of energy from a stream of water, in particular a sea current, for the generic none Dam structures are necessary and the disadvantages described above of the prior art overcomes. The power generation plant should also be characterized by a high degree of robustness and low maintenance susceptibility distinguished in connection with a structurally simple structure.

The The above object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Corresponding the inventors have realized that one or more turbomachines, driven by the stream of water be used to drive a pumping device, the the ambient water is pumped through a suction tube, in which a water turbine is arranged, which drives an electric generator. By the separation between the place of extraction of kinetic energy the flow of water to the one and the water turbine for driving a central electric Generator to another, there are several advantages.

At first you can each of the kinetic from the water flow Energy withdrawing turbomachines be designed as a robust, simple mechanical system. It is also possible a central power generation unit with a single electric To use generator by a suction tube mentioned above arranged water turbine is driven. This is the Possibility, to train the central power generation unit building large, without one additional flow obstruction near the driven by the flow of water flow machines build.

In addition, can the electric generator of the central power generation unit be trained in the dry. According to a first design variant there is an access possibility to the electric generator via an air-filled shaft. According to one second embodiment variant of the electric generator is so arranged in the suction pipe, that this above the water level lies. For this it is necessary that the middle part of the suction tube, in which the electric generator and this driving water turbine are arranged, is led out of the water level.

In addition, in the Powertrain between the water turbine and the electric generator Components are provided, which are also at a variable speed Operation of the water turbine a speed constant circulation of the electric generator enable and so allow a rigid electrical network coupling of the same.

Particularly preferred is the simplest possible execution of all diving units, which according to an advantageous embodiment, only passive, mechanical components are used. An embodiment of the pump device according to the centrifugal principle is particularly preferred since the turbomachine, which takes kinetic energy from the flow of water, provides mechanical energy in the form of a rotational movement. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment in which the turbomachine for absorbing energy from the stream of water and the pump device are combined in one component. A particularly preferred embodiment consists in designing the turbomachine as a rotor with rotor blades, wherein an inner flow channel is present in the interior of the rotor blades, which has at least one radially extending section. Becomes the rotor is driven by the ambient flow, a centrifugal force action will be present in the flooded inner flow channel and a pumping action will occur between a radially inward inflow port and a radially outward outflow port of the inner flow port. It is conceivable to lay the inflow opening in the region of the rotor hub and to form the radially outer ends of the rotor blades open in order to produce the outflow openings for the inner flow channel.

Especially preferred is the use of a variety below the water level arranged turbomachines and correspondingly a plurality of the respective turbomachines associated pumping devices. Every single pumping device is with the downstream end of the suction tube, hereinafter referred to as Second end is connected, and contributes to the formation of a negative pressure in the intake manifold during operation of the respective turbomachine. The negative pressure leads again that at the opposite, first end of the suction tube ambient water flows, so that the embedded water turbine and thus the electric Be driven generator. The variety of pumping devices is at the second end of the suction pipe respectively via switchable closure devices coupled, so that when a turbomachine, the corresponding associated pumping device can be separated from the intake manifold to no unwanted To create a bypass connection.

Especially preferred is an embodiment in which between the pumping devices and the second end of the suction pipe, a control device provided is that for controlling the flow rate and / or pressure at the Connection point to the suction pipe for the respective pumping device is used. By such a control device Is it possible, when using a variety of driven by the stream of water Turbomachinery in the case of a different power consumption, a pressure equalization to achieve between the individual line connections that the individual pumping devices connect to the second end of the suction tube. By such a measure can all turbomachinery according to their power consumption for generating a negative pressure contribute in the intake manifold. A possible Realization is that the pressure in the connecting lines is measured and over an actuator of the control device of the line cross-section the connection line is adjusted. Further embodiments of Control devices are conceivable, for example, the alternative or additional Influencing the power consumption of the turbomachines placed in the stream of water, something for a change of Turbine geometry or its angle of attack to the water flow. Further a decentralized control can be used, which is part of the respective pumping device is, or the control device forms a structural unit with the switchable closure devices or replace them. However, an embodiment is preferred in which a central Control device is used, which on adjusting devices affects the individual pumping devices or parts of the connecting lines associated with the pumping means.

Instead of the suction tube as part of an over Forming the water level protruding platform, it is possible that to lay the whole above-ground part of the suction pipe ashore, which especially the accessibility and thus the maintainability of the electric generator and the water turbine for its Drive easier. About that In addition, the network connection is simplified and the necessary for this electronic components are accessible at any time for a maintenance measure. The benefit stemming from the use of a sea-based platform results is that they additionally serve as a service platform, for example Measuring and control stations or for a helipad, for the maintenance of the diving parts Plant can be used for energy. Furthermore It is conceivable on the already existing, over the water level protruding platform additional Facilities for energy production, such as an offshore wind turbine to provide.

following the invention is explained in more detail with reference to figures, in which the following is shown in detail:

1 shows a schematic diagram of the plant according to the invention for power generation.

2 shows an embodiment of a plant according to the invention for power generation with a central power generation unit arranged above the water level.

3 shows an advantageous design of a designed as a unit combination of turbomachine and pumping device according to the centrifugal principle.

4 shows a plan view of an arrangement of a variety of turbomachinery and pumping devices that access a central intake manifold.

1 shows in a sketchy vertical section the structure of a plant according to the invention for energy production. This serves the Energiege Winnung from a stream of water 1 wherein the components for generating electrical energy in the form of a central power generation unit 9 are arranged. The central power generation unit 9 includes a water turbine 10 , For example, a Kaplan turbine, at least indirectly, an electric generator 11 drives. In the drive train 35 additional components can be included, which by a constant tracking of the transmission ratio, a constant rotational speed of the electric generator 11 even at a variable speed of the water turbine 10 enable. The central power generation unit 9 is in a middle part 8th a suction tube 4 arranged, the first end 5 of the suction pipe 4 the suction is used and therefore below the water level 7 must lie. In addition, not shown in detail filters and sieve units or anti-fouling systems at this acting as an inflow opening first end 5 of the suction pipe 4 be provided.

At the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 is by means of a pumping device 3 generates a negative pressure. This pumping device 3 is at least indirectly by a turbomachine 2 driven, that of the stream of water 1 absorbs kinetic energy. Particularly preferred is a pumping device 3 , which operates on the centrifugal principle, since the mechanical energy generated by the turbomachine is rotational and in this way a centrifugal force generating device can be driven in a simple manner.

Preferred is a plurality of pumping devices 3 . 3.2 by means of connecting lines 40 . 40.2 with the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 connected. For each of the pumping devices 3 . 3.2 is at the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 an associated, switchable closure devices 20 . 20.2 intended. Further, additionally or alternatively, a control device is provided, which on adjusting devices of the control device 30 . 30.2 for pressure equalization between the connecting lines 40 . 40.2 acts. According to an advantageous embodiment, in 1 not shown, are the switchable closure devices 20 . 20.2 and the adjusting devices of the control device 30 . 30.2 united in one unit.

As shown in 1 , every pumping device 3 . 3.2 a turbomachine 2 . 2.2 , as a diving unit of extraction of mechanical energy from the stream of water 1 serves, directly assigned. The turbomachines 2 . 2.2 preferably drive the pump devices directly. Also possible is an indirect drive of a pumping device 3 through the associated turbomachine 2 , wherein a configuration is conceivable in which the pumping device 3 above the water level 7 is arranged, in which case the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 according to a variant embodiment above the water level 7 can lead.

3 shows a particularly preferred embodiment, wherein the turbomachine 2 , driven by the water flow 1 , with the pumping device 3 is combined into a structural unit. For this purpose, according to an advantageous embodiment, the turbomachine 2 in the form of a propeller-shaped rotor 12 with at least one rotor blade 13 and preferably a plurality of rotor blades, be formed. Inside the rotor blade 13 extends an inner flow channel 14 with at least one radially extending portion 15 , By the rotational movement of the rotor 12 arises in this section of the inner flow channel 14 a centrifugal force, the arrangement with an outflow opening 17 radially outside the inflow opening 16 leads to a pumping action according to the centrifugal principle. According to the in 3 sketched embodiment is the inflow opening 16 in the area of the rotor hub 18 provided and the outflow opening 17 is at the radially outer end of the rotor blade 13 created. Here, the outflow opening 17 be directed so that they are to the lee side of the rotor blade 13 is shifted towards the best possible adaptation to a stream of water 1 to achieve.

An inner flow channel is preferred 14 in each of the rotor blades 13 created. This is in 2 a second rotor blade 13.2 illustrated, which according to a second radially extending portion 15.2 and a second outflow opening 17.2 having.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment of the above-described combination of turbomachine 2 and pumping device 3 which comprises only passive, mechanical structures. It is advantageous if the turbomachine comprises a device which allows an adaptation of the same to different directions of flow, this is particularly relevant in the case of power consumption from a tidal current. This is in 3 a tower swivel 24 sketched, with which it is possible to turn the illustrated windward runners in the flow. In this case, however, active components for tower rotation become necessary. These could be dispensed with, if the turbomachine as a to the support structure 19 rotatable Lee runners accordingly 1 is formed, which follows the course of the flow.

In a preferred embodiment variant, the central power generation unit 9 arranged so that they are accessible for maintenance purposes is Lich and at least the electric generator 11 is separated from the ambient flow. Particularly preferred is the electric generator 11 a ventilated area in front. In 1 an embodiment is sketched, in which an air connection to the central power generation unit 9 and in particular to the electric generator 11 over a duct 45 consists. This leads to the ambient air area above the water surface 7 and is in a housing body 50 trained, the of the river bottom 22 out over the water level 7 protrudes. In addition, it is preferred, at least the middle part 8th of the suction pipe 4 in which the water turbine 10 is arranged, also in the housing body 50 train.

According to an alternative embodiment, the housing body 50 as a buoyant and anchored unit without foundation on the riverbed 22 be provided. Furthermore, it is conceivable on the air shaft 45 for direct external connection of the electric generator 11 to dispense with and instead provide for this encapsulation with respect to the ambient water and him as a diving unit in the vicinity of the middle part 8th of the suction pipe 4 in which the water turbine 10 for driving the electric generator 11 is arranged to provide.

A further preferred embodiment consists in accordance with 2 at least the electric generator 11 and, advantageously, the entire central power generation unit comprising it 9 above the water level 7 train. For this purpose, a flow guide in the suction pipe 4 in a rising branch that rises above the water level 7 leads. This is pressure-tight connected to a descending branch, the drive water to the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 returns below the water level, if the associated pumping devices 3 are also executed diving. The areas above the water level 7 then make up for that in 2 illustrated embodiment, the middle part 8th of the suction pipe.

The central power generation unit 9 is preferably so in the middle part 8th of the suction pipe 4 fitted, that during operation of the plant a water column above the water turbine 10 forms. For an embodiment according to 2 with a U-shaped middle part 8th of the suction pipe 4 This means that the central power generation unit 9 is arranged in relation to the flow direction descending leg of the U.

Preference is given to a plurality of turbomachines 2 and associated pumping devices 3 provided, each of the same central power generation unit 9 are assigned and therefore together a negative pressure in the intake manifold 4 produce. Accordingly, according to 4 a variety of pumping devices 3.1 . 3.2 . 3.3 . 3.4 to each of which the turbomachines 2.1 . 2.2 . 2.3 . 2.4 are assigned, at the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 arranged in a star shape. Other arrangements are conceivable, such as an arrangement in one or more rows, which are, for example, offset one behind the other. Advantageously, each of these compounds can be separated and sealed pressure-tight. For this purpose, a switchable closure device for each connection of a pump device to the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 intended. These are in 4 with the reference numerals 20.1 . 20.2 . 20.3 and 20.4 Mistake.

For the construction of the suction pipe 4 with the central power generation unit 9 can be a platform 23 be used, for example, by means of a support column on the river bottom 22 is supported. Alternatively, the over the water level 7 protruding platform 23 be formed floating, with such a construction, for example by means of anchor chains is held in position. Accordingly, the turbomachinery 2.1 - 2.4 on an associated support structure 19 be attached, not on the river bottom 22 is formed fundamentally, but is realized as a buoyant, diving unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, there is at least the central power generation unit and thus at least a portion of the middle part 8th of the suction pipe 4 on land, in which case the maintenance and service of the central power generation unit is simplified, however, there are limitations on the location of the submerged turbomachinery to the line connection between the pumping devices and the second end 6 of the suction pipe 4 not to have to train in an excess length that interferes with efficiency.

1

water flow

2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4

flow machine

3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

pumping device

4

suction tube

5

first The End

6

second The End

7

water level

8th

midsection

9

central Power generation unit

10

water turbine

11

electrical generator

12

rotor

13 13.2

rotor blade

14

internal flow channel

15 15.2

radial running section

16

inflow opening

17 17.2

exhaust port

18

rotor hub

19

supporting structure

20 20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4

switchable closure device

21

upstream side

22

body of water

23

platform

24

Tower pivot

30 30.2

setting device a control device

35

powertrain

40 40.2

interconnectors

45

airshaft

50

housing body

Claims (17)

Plant for generating energy from a stream of water ( 1 ) comprising: 1.1 at least one of the body of water ( 1 ) driven turbomachine ( 2 ); 1.2 at least one pump device ( 3 ), of the turbomachine ( 2 ) is driven at least indirectly; 1.3 a suction tube ( 4 ), whose first end ( 5 ) below the water level ( 7 ) and the second end ( 6 ) to the pumping device ( 3 ) and the one between the first end ( 5 ) and the second end ( 6 ) arranged middle part ( 8th ); 1.4 a central power generation unit ( 9 ), with at least one water turbine ( 10 ) which at least indirectly comprises an electric generator ( 11 ), whereby the water turbine ( 10 ) in the middle part ( 8th ) of the suction tube ( 4 ) is arranged. Plant for generating energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric generator ( 11 ) of the central power generation unit ( 9 ) by means of a duct ( 45 ) with the atmosphere above the water level ( 7 ). Plant for generating energy according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrical generator ( 11 ) above the water level ( 7 ) is arranged. Plant for generating energy according to claim 3, characterized in that the central power generation unit ( 9 ) above the water level ( 7 ) is arranged. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pumping device ( 3 ) works on the centrifugal principle. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that turbomachine ( 2 ) and the pumping device ( 3 ) form a structural unit. Plant for generating energy according to claim 6, characterized in that the turbomachine ( 2 ) one of the watercourse ( 1 ) driven rotor ( 12 ) and for the formation of the pumping device ( 3 ) the rotor blades ( 13 ) at least one inner flow channel ( 14 ) with a radially extending portion ( 15 ), one with the second end ( 6 ) of the suction tube ( 4 ) associated inflow opening ( 16 ) radially inwardly of an exhaust port ( 17 ) of the inner flow channel ( 14 ) lies. Plant for generating energy according to claim 7, characterized in that the inflow opening ( 16 ) of the inner flow channel ( 14 ) in the area of the rotor hub ( 18 ) and the outflow opening ( 17 ) at the radially outer end of the rotor blade ( 13 ) are arranged. Plant for generating energy according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that in each of the rotor blades ( 13 ) an inner flow channel ( 14 ) is trained. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turbomachine ( 2 ) on a supporting structure ( 19 ) and in the watercourse ( 1 ) is free. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the pumping device ( 3 ) and the second end ( 6 ) of the suction tube ( 4 ) a switchable closure device ( 20 ) for pressure-tight closure of the suction tube ( 4 ) is provided. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device ( 30 ) for controlling the volume flow and / or the pressure in the connecting line ( 40 ) between the pumping device ( 30 ) and the second end ( 6 ) of the suction tube ( 4 ) is provided. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the upstream side ( 21 ) of the water turbine ( 10 ) of the central power generation unit ( 9 ) a rising portion of the suction tube ( 4 ) is arranged. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water turbine ( 10 ) of the central power generation unit ( 9 ) is designed as a Kaplan turbine. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of means of the water flow ( 1 ) driven turbomachines ( 2 ) are provided, each one of a plurality of pumping devices ( 3 ), wherein the plurality of pump devices ( 3 ) with the second end ( 6 ) of the suction tube ( 4 ) connected is. Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction pipe ( 4 ) Part of a on the river bottom ( 22 ) anchored or supported on the water level ( 7 ) projecting platform ( 23 ). Plant for generating energy according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central power generation unit ( 9 ) is installed on the mainland.