DE102023002734A1 - solar thermal air flow power plant - Google Patents

Abstract

2.1 Technical problem
The currently planned construction and design methods for updraft power plants as well as for downdraft power plants do not currently allow for satisfactory economic efficiency. At present, larger chimney heights are also not possible due to the solid or sheet steel construction that is still common, which is essential for high efficiency.
2.2 Solution
The solar thermal airflow power plant is a hybrid consisting of a downdraft power plant combined and coupled with an updraft power plant. The fundamental novelty of the device that is the subject of the invention lies in the gas-tight, geosymmetrical and aerodynamically favorable combination of both power plant types to form a new and more powerful power plant system. The main advantage of the invention registered here is, on the one hand, the coupling of the two power plant types to form a uniform, closed system (except for the upper air inlet and outlet openings) and, on the other hand, the novel design of the mutually stiffening gas-filled tower and chimney structures, which allows for enormous building heights. Combined with some structural modifications to the two basic power plant types, a significant improvement in efficiency compared to the known individual solutions is achieved as a result of the increased effective system pressure.
2.3 Application
The device according to the invention enables improved economic efficiency in energy generation due to a higher overall efficiency than when using the individual components.

Description

1.0 Subject matter of the invention / Summary

The invention relates to a solar thermal air flow power plant (1) in which turbines that generate electrical energy are driven via rotors by means of an air volume flow column that is thermally moved within the system.

The solar thermal airflow power plant (1) is a hybrid consisting of a downdraft power plant combined with an updraft power plant.

Downwind and updraft power plants have been known for decades. The fundamental innovation of the invention lies in the gas-tight, geosymmetrical and aerodynamically favorable combination of both power plant types to form a new and more powerful power plant system.

The synergy is created by directly connecting or connecting in series the air volume flows of both power plant types to form a self-contained communicating chamber system, apart from the upper air inlet and outlet openings. The exhaust air volume of the downdraft unit is equal to the supply air volume of the updraft unit.

Through the interaction of the various forces (the cold downdraft "pushes" downwards and the warm updraft "pulls" upwards) within the self-contained pressure system, the two phenomena promote and reinforce each other via the so-called "effective pressure". This sector-coupled power link increases the efficiency and thus the system yield compared to individual systems.

Furthermore, within the subsystems, in addition to the main idea of the invention, significant modifications and innovations are made to the known power plant components, which mean further significant increases in efficiency for the overall system.

As a result of the above-mentioned synergies and the innovations described below, the total output of the new power plant system subject to the invention is higher than the partial outputs of the individual power plants.

2.0 State of the art / research results

Updraft power plants have been known for decades. They usually consist of a collector screen, a turbine structure and an exhaust chimney. Here, the physical effect of warm air rising is used.

The operating principle is as follows:

The air trapped under a large screen heats up due to solar radiation, flows due to buoyancy to the turbine house in the center of the system, drives a horizontally arranged turbine there and escapes as an updraft via the chimney, while new air close to the ground flows in at the edge of the collector screen. The larger the screen and the higher the chimney, the better the efficiency of the system.

Solar updraft power plants in various variants and designs are known under the IPC number F03D.

• DE202008005501U1 DE19831492A1
• DE29917453U1 DE29715254U1
• AT000000510280A4 DE102013007836B3
• DE000019831492C2 DE000019821659A1
• DE000019601156A1 DE000010300092A1
• DE29622549U1

Examples include:

• DE202008005501U1 DE19831492A1
• DE29917453U1 DE29715254U1
• AT000000510280A4 DE102013007836B3
• DE000019831492C2 DE000019821659A1
• DE000019601156A1 DE000010300092A1
• DE29622549U1

Downdraft power plants or downdraft power plants have also been known for a long time in different versions. Downdraft power plants essentially consist of a tower structure with a large diameter, on the lower edge of which, close to the ground, there are vertically arranged outlet openings with a large number of turbines. Here, the physical effect of cold air falling to the ground is used.

The operating principle is as follows:

The temperature of the air in the tower is cooled by water introduced into the upper part of the tower. This increases the density of the tower air, it falls towards the base of the tower and is then discharged outwards to the turbines. The larger the tower diameter and the higher the tower, the better the efficiency of the system.

Downwind power plants in various variants and designs are known under the IPC number F03B but also under F03D.

• DE102014008881A1 US020120261918A1
• DE000010220055A1 US3894393A

Examples include:

• DE102014008881A1 US020120261918A1
• DE000010220055A1 US3894393A

Conclusion:

The author was unable to establish any similarity or even agreement between previously published applications and the application subject to the invention with regard to the main claim.

3.0 Formulation of the problems

Updraft power plant: The currently envisaged construction and execution methods do not promise satisfactory economic efficiency.

The principle of the solar updraft power plant is based primarily on the input of solar energy. At night, the plant can practically no longer be operated economically.

Currently, an unhindered homogeneous air flow in the greenhouse collector is not possible due to the necessary umbrella supports in the area, which inhibits the efficiency due to turbulence.

At present, large chimney heights are not possible due to the solid or sheet steel construction that is still common (the efficiency is directly proportional to the chimney height). Furthermore, due to maintenance, repairs or even breakdowns, operational reliability and thus operating performance are not advantageous, as the entire system is always out of action for the duration of the repair/maintenance/upkeep.

The current design still results in high friction pressure losses due to the increasing wind speeds and the resulting air turbulence in the area of the central turbine house. This results from the tapering of the vertical height profile and the simultaneous radial-horizontal narrowing towards the center of the system as a result of the convergence of unguided air flows.

The air, which is usually arid at the intended locations, flows in at the edge of the screen and heats up only moderately as it flows through the screen, depending on the relative humidity and the associated energy absorption potential, which limits the system efficiency.

Furthermore, birds and insects can get lost in the canopy and, once the canopy reaches a certain depth, they can no longer fight against the wind suction and can die in the turbine house.

In addition, the edge of the canopy is always at risk of damage during strong storms. In addition, even minor sand and dust storms can carry these contaminants several hundred meters up the turbine housing and chimney, which is neither beneficial for the turbine unit nor for the local climate.

Downdraft power plant: Here too, the current construction and design methods do not promise sufficient economic efficiency. According to experts, tower diameters of up to 400 m and tower heights of up to 1,500 m would be necessary to operate an economical plant. However, due to the currently common solid construction method (concrete and/or steel), the tower can only reach relatively low heights, but then becomes extremely expensive as the construction height increases and is susceptible to storms and earthquakes due to the large rigid attack surfaces.

As the tower height increases, however, the flow losses of the air falling inside also increase due to the increasing wall friction, which has a negative impact on the yield. In order to pump the process water required for the evaporative cooling to the height of the tower mouth, up to 50% of the energy generated must still be reinvested.

This is also why, with the current state of technology, a downdraft power plant only achieves about a third of the output of a comparably large updraft power plant.

Conclusion: Both types of power plants are undoubtedly great, extremely innovative, inspiring and forward-looking inventions, for which this invention represents a new development step from the author's point of view.

4.0 Advantages of the Solar Thermal Airflow Power Plant (SLK)

4.1 Efficiency improvement

The main innovation and the main advantage of the invention registered here is the coupling of the two power plant types into a uniform closed system (excluding the upper air inlet and exhaust openings). Combined with some structural modifications to the two basic power plant types, a significant improvement in efficiency is achieved compared to the known individual solutions.

When moisture is introduced into the air of the downdraft unit (FSE), it becomes colder and denser and thus sinks to the ground more quickly. At the same time, this moist falling air can absorb more solar energy as it flows through the updraft unit (AWE), thereby positively increasing the effective system pressure, which in turn leads to an increase in efficiency. Due to the closed design, moisture can only be added to the system once and is then used twice.

By merging the two types of systems (FSE+AWE), energy can also be generated at night, since the downdraft unit also works at night and, thanks to the closed system, also drives the updraft unit (but then, of course, with reduced efficiency).

4.2 Multilocal energy extraction / multi-turbine system

Due to the radially symmetrical design of the hybrid system (1), several (e.g. 6, but preferably 8 or 12) smaller satellite updraft power plant modules are created in addition to the large central downdraft power plant. As a result of the closed system and the associated undisturbed, directed volume flow, flow energy can be tapped via turbines at several points in the system and converted into electrical energy.

4.3 Weather resilience

The solar thermal airflow power plant (1) is largely resistant to storms, as the system is generally very weather-tolerant due to its light and elastic construction. The tower structures are secured in position using dampened tension bands and can therefore move with the storm and swing back again. Furthermore, as the updraft chimneys are attached to both the downdraft tower and the two neighboring chimneys along the entire height, they reinforce each other (similar to a sandwich construction), which gives the vertical structures a certain static toughness and enables greater construction heights. Due to the nature of the system, the power plant does not have to reduce its output or even shut down during a storm, but can continue to operate without any problems.

4.4 Ease of maintenance and repair

The solar thermal air flow power plant (1) can be switched off sequentially for maintenance and repair purposes via lock devices (analog 25), i.e. kept flow-free, without affecting the rest of the system.

Even more extensive repairs due to accidents (natural disasters or destructive actions) can be carried out relatively quickly with this type of power plant, as most of the components consist of standardized air cushions (21, 22, 30). In addition, if necessary, all tower structures (2+3) can be completely and quickly retrieved and pulled down using cable winches.

4.5 Free from environmental hazards

Due to the closed system design, the solar thermal airflow power plant (1) does not cause any exhaust air drafts near the ground and no visual or acoustic rotor or turbine-related impairments that could disturb users or residents or existing local flora and fauna. Due to the closed design, no swarms of insects, birds or rodents can enter the plant, which would then die there. Distance rules from residential areas could therefore be dispensed with here.

The solar thermal airflow power plant (1) does not pose any danger to the population, the atmosphere or the biosphere, neither during construction, operation, maintenance or dismantling, since only tested construction materials are used and no hazardous substances are applied.

The air from the extracted atmospheric layers is also returned there.

4.6 Contribution to climate improvement

The solar thermal airflow power plant (1) contributes to climate improvement through its operation, since the process water required for operation, which is introduced into the system, is released back into the atmosphere in the form of air humidity via the exhaust chimneys (3), which could be particularly beneficial in arid climates in the long term.

4.7 Contribution to air purification

Each solar thermal airflow power plant (1) can contribute to air pollution control as a result of the initial air humidification in the downdraft tower (2), since solid contaminants and suspended particles are then bound to water for a short time, washed out, transported downwards and caught at the base structure (4), collected and disposed of via slotted gutters.

In this way, approximately 50,000 to 70,000 km3 ^of air can be cleaned of suspended particles each year.

4.8 System protection during operation

Due to the closed system of the solar thermal air flow power plant (1), no damaging effects can be caused to the system by gusts of wind, clouds of sand and dust, swarms of insects, birds or rodents. This prevents damage and extends cleaning, repair and maintenance cycles and reduces downtime. Furthermore, this prevents these air pollutants (suspended particles close to the ground) from being transported via the chimneys into the lower layers of the atmosphere and having a negative impact on the climate.

4.9 Potential offshore operations

The solar thermal air flow power plant (1) can be operated not only on land but also on a floating pontoon in the offshore area, as the soft construction is tolerant of wind and wave energy. This would also mean that a huge area of water would remain inaccessible to sunlight, meaning that no further warming can be introduced into the water through shading, at least here.

4.10 Improved operating area management 1

The hybrid solution saves on operating space or uses it more effectively, as a downdraft power plant is planned and integrated on the area of a conventional solar updraft power plant at the same time and parallel to the area, meaning the entire plant can be operated more economically. Furthermore, flexible bifacial solar cells can be applied to and in the cushion components, which can be used to generate additional solar power. In this respect, the operating space can even be used in three ways.

4.11 Improved operating area management 2

In addition to point 4.9, the solar thermal airflow power plant (1) can enable agricultural and forestry land use through a raised construction of the updraft unit. In this respect, the operating area can even be used four times with this variant.

4.12 Reliable volatility

Due to a high level of operational reliability (in relation to the necessary maintenance intervals, the long service life of the plant components, the comparatively uncomplicated repair and component replacement measures and the security of supply with secondary energy in adverse weather conditions), the power plant type (1) has good, safe and reliable energy availability and volatility (predictability of yields) with relatively low fluctuations, since the plant according to the invention also functions well and reliably with diffuse sunlight and thanks to switchable heat pumps from the apron unit (47) even at night and during periods of bad weather for several days. The plant usually does not have to be switched off during normal storms either.

As a result of the sector coupling implemented here (FSE+AWE+PV) and their easily plannable partial shutdowns, temporary operational repair and maintenance processes can be easily calculated, minimized in terms of production downtime and thus usually carried out in a way that is economically safe due to the large number of energy extraction points in the system as well as the extensive planned component-applied bifacial photovoltaic devices.

4.13 Process cooling as a by-product

Since the cool mountain air from the downdraft tower (2) must/should be warmed for the updraft process, “cold” is generated via heat exchangers, which can be dissipated and used economically as energy-efficient process cooling in further technical operations.

4.14 Recording of antenna and transmitter systems

The ring platforms 1 + 2 (10 + 19) have the capacity to accommodate antenna and transmitter systems for 360° media coverage of the population. Renting out the capacity creates additional economic benefits.

4.15 Short construction time due to high degree of standardized prefabrication

The solar thermal airflow power plant (1) can be realized in relatively short planning and execution periods due to a high standardized degree of prefabrication of many of the components used.

The predominantly conceptually simple prefabricated element construction with few variants can be manufactured in industrial assembly line production regardless of the weather. The low-complexity construction enables easy and quick assembly without a high risk of defects.

4.16 Simple dismantling / short-term plant dismantling

The solar thermal air flow power plant (1) can be dismantled and dismantled easily, quickly and inexpensively at the end of its life cycle, as only conventional, harmless, non-polluting building materials are used, which can be easily recycled. Basically, all you have to do is "let the air out", fold the foil and break up the concrete.

4.17 Fast system availability

The solar thermal air flow power plant (1) can be started up and started up from standby mode within minutes. Depending on the time of day and the resulting solar energy input into the system, operational readiness and maximum output are reached more quickly during the day than at night.

In this respect, this type of power plant can (conditionally) also be referred to and used as a peak load power plant.

5.0 Explanation of the proposed solution (principle - function - construction)

5.1 Brief description of the invention and basic principle:

As already mentioned, the solar thermal airflow power plant (1) is a hybrid of an improved downdraft power plant fused with a modified updraft power plant. The plant essentially consists of the downdraft unit (FSE = in principle the classic downdraft power plant), the base structure (4) (interface and seam for the downdraft and updraft units as well as the accommodation of the machine and maintenance rooms) and the updraft unit (AWE = in principle the well-known updraft power plant).

In the tower (2) of the downdraft unit, the air cools down and falls vertically to the ground, using this kinetic energy to drive turbine rotors (5) in the base structure (4). The cool exhaust air from the downdraft unit is deflected at the base floor by an angle of approx. 120° and is passed on via the lower turbine ring (6) through the underground channels (7) beneath the canopy level (9), preheated and fed directly back to the updraft unit at the outer edge of the canopy (8), flushed upwards into the canopy area, heated in the canopy, thereby directed towards the chimneys (3), directed through turbines (5) located in the chimney base to generate energy, and discharged back up via the chimneys (3) into the atmospheric layer from which the air was taken minutes previously. This creates a closed air column system - in other words, "communicating tubes" that drive each other using differences in air density via the so-called "effective pressure". The downdraft unit “pushes” and “pushes” the air column to the ground due to an increase in density, and the updraft unit “pulls” the air column back up due to a reduction in density.

The higher the temperature spread of the inner air column in the power plant, the more thermal energy is in the system and the more electrical energy can be obtained from the system.

The air flow column is guided in a planned manner in all areas of the system and can receive a swirl impulse at different levels of the system, as a result of which the air speed and thus the energy in the system increases further. By connecting both units together, synergies are created, as a result of which the disadvantages of the individual systems are compensated and turned into advantages, which leads to considerable improvements in the efficiency of the solar thermal air flow power plant (1) as a whole compared to the individual systems.

In order to maintain the efficiency level even in the event of a primary energy failure (night and bad weather periods), the system is extended to include the apron unit (VFE). The apron unit is essentially a huge solar heat collector and storage unit, which can maintain the system's secondary energy supply for several days using heat pump devices. The heat is fed into the air of the updraft unit in the umbrella structure (9).

5.2 Functional description:

downdraft unit:

The air begins to flow into the system at the tower head (2) of the downdraft unit. When the external air speed is not gusty and is constant, the wind spoiler system (11) built on a rotating mounting platform (10) can be adjusted to the wind direction and optionally extended, which then serves to redirect the horizontal external air speed and can be used to optimize the initial speed of the vertical downdraft air flow. This simultaneously increases the system pressure, which in turn increases efficiency.

The air temperature in the downdraft tower (2) drops due to the spray/dripping water that escapes in the area of the tower mouth (2) from a sprinkler system stretched like a net across the horizontal cross-section of the tower. This results in an increase in density, causing the air column in the tower (2) to move downwards towards the base structure (4). In the base structure (4), the main energy of the downdraft is captured by preferably at least two horizontally mounted counter-rotating rotors (5) connected in series, preferably filling the entire cross-sectional area of the tower (alternatively, several smaller rotor systems arranged radially can be provided here). Immediately after the lower rotor, in the center of the base structure (4), there is a rounded spoiler truncated cone (12) which distributes the volume flow evenly radially in all directions and aerodynamically guides it at an angle of approximately 120° in all directions from the tower base area into the radially arranged lower turbine ring (6), where a large part of the residual energy of the diverted downdraft air column is additionally recovered via smaller, vertically aligned turbine wheels (5) arranged radially in the turbine ring (6). The ring-shaped turbine ring (6) consists of several turbine units arranged evenly vertically next to one another, to which the channels (7), which run outwards in a star shape in plan below the canopy plane (9) of the updraft area, dock.

In vertical section, the channels (7) run slightly downwards under the canopy unit (9). After about a third / half of the canopy radius, the air duct routing turns upwards again at the apex, the channels emerge from the ground towards the edge of the canopy and guide the air flow into the inlet structure (8) of the updraft unit.

In the area of the channel sections that are preferably directed upwards (from the apex), the air is preheated using suitable devices using externally supplied heat energy of solar origin in order to raise the temperature of the cold air early on and thus promote or accelerate the upcoming heat absorption phase in the updraft unit. At the same time, however, the coolness of the downdraft air is extracted at these points, discharged and used economically for further technical processes (e.g. district cooling or similar).

updraft unit:

The air masses are flushed from below through the channels (7) over the inlet structure (8) upwards into the umbrella area (9). The umbrella area (9) of each segment (13) is spiral-shaped in plan and round to slightly elliptical in cross-section and leads back to the base structure (4) with a tapered cross-section, over the updraft rotors (5) into the exhaust air chimney (3) and back into the lower atmosphere at the level of the ring platform 2 (19).

The intake structure (8) of the updraft unit represents the interface between the two original power plant types. From here, as much energy as possible is supplied to the air flow along its entire path in the shortest possible time. The updraft unit is divided into several equally sized symmetrical segments (13), which are arranged radially around the central tower structure (2+3) in the floor plan. Each individual segment (13) consists of the section of its edge intake structure (8), the segment screen (9), the machine unit on the base structure (4) and the exhaust air chimney (3). The updraft chimneys (3) are made of transparent material, so that incident sunlight also contributes to increasing the system energy. Each updraft segment is able to function independently.

apron unit:

The apron unit is essentially a huge solar heat collector and storage unit, by means of which heat pump devices can maintain the secondary energy supply of the plant for several days. The heat is supplied to the air of the updraft unit.

The apron unit is a plane that is almost level with the ground and extends outside or around the solar thermal air flow power plant (1), preferably in a ring shape. In order to ensure the supply of the process heat required by the system for cloudy days, bad weather or night-time operation, the radiation energy that heats the apron is accumulated in a storage medium (14).

During the day, radiation energy that reaches the surface of the apron is loaded into the depths of the storage tank via suitable devices, from which the stored heat is then extracted via water circulation pumps when required and fed into the power plant area that requires it. The solid heat storage tank (14) is dark-coloured on the surface and is designed in such a way that the storage mass dimensioned so that it can maintain operation over several days with stored heat (secondary energy).

A net (15) is stretched horizontally at a height of several meters above the apron (similar to the material of a wire mesh fence, for example), which "prevents" the air rising on the dark surface from escaping and thus creates a quasi-greenhouse effect between the massive storage facility and the net body, which additionally heats up the massive storage facility. The net (15) is arranged in a plan that follows the geometric shape of the apron, preferably in a ring around the power plant (1). In cross-section, the mesh has a slight gradient outwards towards the apron edge, so that the heated air must move inwards towards the edge of the power plant (Insert: As soon as air passes tangentially along a mesh-like surface at a certain speed, many micro-air vortices of approximately the same size and direction are created on the wire or fiber bodies, which form a flat air cushion for the actual air flow, along the vertices of which it can slide tangentially along the surface with minimal friction. This gives the mesh the basic property of an almost flat, closed component).

The warm air losses through the mesh openings are irrelevant and unnecessary at this point, since this is an open system for cost reasons and the main effect of heat retention via the heating plates (17) of the solid storage tank (14) is still well achieved.

At the inner apron boundary (= the outer skin boundary of the inlet structure (8) of the solar thermal air flow power plant (1)) there is a row of turbines (16) in the network plane (15) along the entire circumference of the power plant edge, over which the heated apron air flows upwards and escapes again through the rotor openings.

General:

Throughout the entire power plant (1), the air flow is given a spin at selected points using suitable devices (such as swirl nozzles, component bends and control units within the respective flow channel section), so that the air column rotates around its own flow direction axis and thus moves spirally at increased speed through the channel and tube system. This increases the energy yield because the system efficiency increases.

In order to ensure the system operational reliability of the power plant (1) despite potential temporary local restrictions such as those caused by maintenance, repairs or accidents, bulkheads are installed at selected interfaces to interrupt the air flow. These bulkheads are preferably provided on the tower head, the chimney heads, the turbine ring (6), the intake structure (8) and/or on the updraft turbine unit (5).

For example, for major repairs to the ring platforms 1+2 (10+19), the tower structures (2+3) can be pulled down and rolled up using cable winches stationed in the base structure (4) via fastening points on the ring platforms 1+2 (10+19) and special devices, so that ultimately both platforms (10+19) rest on the base structure (4).

Since the power plant (1) will preferably be located in arid areas characterized by dust and sand, automatic water purification at certain intervals is planned to ensure efficiency. The cleaning process will take place on a windless night and will last several hours. It is primarily (but not exclusively) necessary for the horizontal umbrella structures (9). The required process water is provided via a supply line running along the upper apex of the respective umbrella segments (9). The cleaning water distributed over the surface flows over the curved segments (13) of the umbrella structure (9) to the solid segment partition walls (18). A channel is formed on the apex of these walls, which leads the water with the cleaning material over a gradient to the edge of the plant, from where it is then collected and processed for further use.

Outside the apron unit, in certain areas following the radius of the power plant (1), a chain of hills has been built up (construction waste), on the sides facing the sun there are heliostats that direct the sunlight to the sides of the power plant (1) facing away from the sun in order to improve the efficiency of the overall system.

5.3 Design - overall concept:

Note: The component and concept description follows the path of the air flow through the overall system in the definition hierarchy.

Generally:

In order to generate an aerodynamic and guided flow of the air volume flow in the system and then to be able to use it optimally, it is advantageous to structurally implement a symmetrical power plant concept. The invention provides that the downdraft unit is located centrally in the system and the exhaust air leaving the subsystem at the base of the tower (base structure (4)) is guided via underground channels (7) that dip in a star shape under the solar screen (9) of the updraft unit, to the screen edge (8) of the updraft unit and is transferred to the area of the updraft unit via the radially ring-shaped inlet structure (8). The updraft unit is divided into several self-contained, uniform sectors (13) that guide the air volume flow in the screen (9) to the updraft chimneys (3) that are located on the base structure (4). Each sector (13) has a separate updraft chimney (3). The updraft chimneys (3) are arranged geometrically evenly and symmetrically on the outer edge of the downdraft tower (2). The updraft chimneys (3) end in the ring platform 2 (19), which fixes the chimney heads and thus stabilizes the outlet openings and is also used as a media and maintenance platform.

The sectors (13) of the umbrella (9) of the updraft unit have a spiral design in plan. The orientation of the spiral is determined by the Coriolis force acting at the location of the system (Northern Hemisphere ➢ right-handed - clockwise | Southern Hemisphere ➢ left-handed - anti-clockwise). This means that the air masses are guided through the umbrella sectors (13) with improved efficiency according to their geophysical inclination (influenced by the rotation of the earth). A further advantage of the spiral shape is the longer path of the air flow in the system from the umbrella edge (8) to the chimney (3), which means that the air can heat up more intensively due to the increased dwell time, which leads to a higher effective system pressure, thus to higher air speeds and thus to an increased overall efficiency of the system.

Downdraft unit - central tower (2):

The downdraft unit forms the geometric center of the solar thermal airflow power plant (1). Here, the cool ambient air of the lower atmosphere begins to flow into the tower inlet (2) of the plant.

To force the inflow and increase the speed of the cold air in the downdraft tower (2), the optionally switchable wind spoiler system (11) is set up on a lightweight assembly rotating ring, which is arranged on top of the ring platform 1 (10) and can move radially there. The wind spoiler system (11) essentially consists of a spherically worked sailcloth, which owes its dimensional stability to the radial anchor point arrangements on the rotating ring and to the stabilizing compressed air hoses incorporated into the sailcloth. At various statically relevant points on the open edge of the sailcloth, tension straps are incorporated into the sailcloth, which pull the spoiler sail (11) out of its garage storage and unfold it using winches (20) arranged on the opposite segment of the assembly rotating ring. There are also winches in the garage, which pull the sail back in and secure it in position when necessary.

At the target height of the downdraft tower (2), the ring platform 1 (10) represents the upper end.

Here, the tower head is positively fixed in position and the outlet opening is statically stabilized. The ring platform 1 (10) is made of sustainable, weather-resistant lightweight material (such as aluminum, plastic, foam metal and/or composite material). The height of the ring platform 1 (10) of the tower head of the downdraft unit is preferably above the height of the ring platform 2 (19), which houses and fixes the chimney heads of the updraft units. The background to the measures is that the air flowing into the downdraft tower should be as cold as possible and must not contain any heat load from the power plant exhaust air. The height of the downdraft tower is ideally approximately the 0°C limit of the natural air layers (H = approximately 2,000 to 3,000 m).

The tower (2) of the downdraft unit consists of gas cushions (21) made of black, non-transparent plastic film between the ring platform 1 (10) and the base structure (4). Background here is that the air masses of the downdraft tower (2) should be and remain as cool as possible and therefore must be protected from light and thus heat.

These gas cushions (22) are aligned vertically and, when mounted radially next to one another, form a circular tower. They extend from the base structure (4) to the ring platform 1 (10) at the target height of the downdraft tower (2). The gas cushions (22) are single or multi-part hose cushions and are located in a cover. This cover is a one-part hose-like holding, stabilization and protective cover that is mounted and connected at the bottom of the base structure (4) and at the top of the ring platform 1 (10). The covers are connected to one another at their vertical contact surfaces. In cross-section through the tower, the covers look like a giant revolver drum and the hose cushions look like cartridges loaded into them. The background for this design is a fast construction method as well as the possibility of short-term reversible replacement of defective hose cushions under full load without affecting ongoing operations, since the temporary absence of a cushion does not significantly affect the statics due to the interconnected and mutually stiffening system components (tower, chimneys, suspended protective film, etc.).

To vertically stabilize the tubular basic shape of the tower (2), at least some of the cushions/cartridges are filled with lifting gas (such as H ₂ or He) according to the results of the structural planning, the remaining cushions are filled with compressed air. The individual cushions are all manufactured in the same design, height and diameter and are controlled via bus monitoring (pressure can be increased or decreased).

The gas-filled cushions (21) are held taut both horizontally in a ring shape and vertically by means of flexible carbon rope or belt systems and are thus secured in position. Alternatively, a stabilization net can also be used.

The vertical bands extend from the base structure (4) over the ring platform 2 (19) to the ring platform 1 (10), which keeps the platforms and cushions flexible but still stabilizes them and secures them in position so that the system can withstand storms undamaged. The vertical bands are also equipped with hydraulic damping (bending and torsional strain relief and damping devices) located several times along their length so that wind forces only have a dampened and gentle effect on the vertical structures, the dimensional stability is maintained and wind forces therefore have no significant influence on operational safety.

In order to even out the geometric discontinuities inside the downdraft tower (2) caused by the curves of the cushions (21) and thus to avoid disturbing turbulence, the tower's inner walls are lined vertically with a thin foil facade (23) and mounted to the covers. The individual facade modules are mounted slightly overlapping downwards and to the side, similar to a plain roof covering, so that the downdraft cannot get caught in an assembly joint and destroy the inner facade (23).

The inner facade foil (23) has a micro-perforation from which compressed air escapes evenly, and is automatically replenished on a permanent basis. The compressed air is collected in the dynamic pressure chamber (51) and fed by the downdraft flow from the tower (2). The dynamic pressure chamber (51) is created from the geometry of two adjacent downdraft tower gas cushions (21) and the inner facade foil (23). The compressed air is diverted from the downdraft in the upper inlet area of the tower (2) via controllable discharge flaps into the respective dynamic pressure chamber (51) and can only escape through the micro-perforation. The overpressure is created as a result of the dynamic volume flow.

The reason for this is that, as a result of the downward movement of the falling stream, a thin gas film is first formed on the inner wall side from the air emerging from the "micro nozzles", which then forms a cylindrical micro-turbulence over a large area, on whose air peaks the falling stream falls downwards largely without touching the wall, minimizing friction and thus increasing efficiency.

Alternatively, a classic foil lining (ideally coated with a lotus leaf effect) can be used to minimize frictional resistance.

The downdraft tower (2) is also provided with an external, completely enveloping, curtain-type film facade (24) to protect the cushions from wind-borne dust and sand ingress. This avoids additional loads from sand and moisture ingress as well as increased wear from movement and sand friction between the components. The film facade (24) consists of opaque, UV and ageing-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-reinforced plastic film. The film facade (24) is taut and weatherproof, but reversibly mounted one below the other.

The outside of the film facade (24) can be equipped with flexible film solar cells.

The downdraft unit is supplied with process water via vertically guided flexible hose lines. The hose lines are installed in the downdraft tower system and connected to the supply ring of ring platform 1 (10). The water is pumped from the process water cisterns into the risers via pumps. Since the necessary delivery head precludes economical pumping, a small part of the updraft is diverted in the area of the updraft chimneys (3) and guided upwards via the hose risers. A compressed air device can also be used to support the conveying process. As a result of the turbulence this creates in the hose, the homogeneity of the water column is dissolved and a type of "water foam" is created, which has a much lower density than water and is thus carried upwards by the updraft pressure from below. On the platform (10), the water is calmed, cooled and fed into a ring distributor, which is directly connected to the irrigation device in the downdraft channel and distributes the water evenly over the surface and lets it rain down using spray heads, which lowers the temperature of the air column and thus increases its density. This causes the air column to fall downwards to the base structure (4). To force the effect, the falling air column is given a swirl spin (caused by guide devices and/or by temporarily active compressed air nozzles pointing downwards and/or by controlled ignited hydrogen nozzles, which temporarily provide the initial thrust for the swirl formation via nozzles arranged in a ring and pointing diagonally downwards).

In order to block the air flow in the downdraft tower (2) for planned interruptions in operation, a sealing device (25) is provided at the level of the ring platform 1 (10). This sealing device (25) also consists of a gas-filled cushion body which, when inflated, has the shape of a lens, covers and seals the entire cross-section of the tower head. The lock (25) is made of UV- and age-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-tested plastic film.

The sealing device (25) is located in the middle of the tower. When retracted, it consists of a central vertical spindle around which the lens body is wound centrally when not inflated to save space. The spindle is held statically centrally in the symmetry of the tower by a statically effective spoke device or alternatively by several support cables, which are anchored to the ring platform 1 (10) and connected to the ends of the spindle at the top and bottom. Several traction cables are attached in the middle of the spindle, which are connected to winches. If sealing is initiated by the control center, motor winches wind up the traction cables and the cushion body is extended and unfolded evenly. At the same time, compressed air is pumped into the cushion. The compressed air filling and the cushion unfolding run synchronously, so that there is no fluttering movement of the cushion material. The lock (25) is then opened in the reverse order. The motor-driven spindle rewinds the lens body and at the same time presses out the air.

Basic structure (4) - General:

The base structure (4) is the central interface and thus the heart of the entire system (1). It combines the downdraft tower (2) with the underground transfer channels (7) that lead to the inlet structures (8) of the umbrella segments (13) on one side and the umbrella systems (13) with the updraft chimneys (3) on the other side. It houses most and largest generators (5), most of the machine and technical rooms as well as the entire maintenance infrastructure. The base structure (4) is made of solid construction.

Downdraft unit - base structure (4):

The base structure (4) consists in its vertical center of an upward-facing opening with the diameter/size of the selected tower cross-section. In the center of the structure, a rounded truncated cone (12) rises from the ground inside, at the upper end of which at least 2 counter-rotating horizontally mounted rotor systems (5) are installed, filling the entire area. Due to the large diameter and the forces acting on the outside, these rotor systems (5) cannot run freely, but must be guided in a stabilizing manner. Each rotor system (5) has an outer race (26) to which the rotor blade ends are integrated and mounted. The races (26) roll over stationary, adjustable carriages (27) mounted on the wall (roller bearing principle), so that the each rotor plane (5) is kept centered and stress-free, allowing the rotor (5) to operate with little vibration and friction. Each rotor (5) drives several large generators located below the outlet cone (12). The cone root is below the surface of the ground, runs aerodynamically to the edges of the base structure (4) and flows into the outlet ring (28) at a downward angle of approximately 120°. The outlet ring (28) is the interface between the base structure (4) and the channel structures (7). It represents the lower end of the downdraft unit, is ring-shaped, and has several circular openings at equal intervals on the ring's axis of symmetry. The base geometry of the base structure (4) is advantageously designed toward the circular openings of the outlet ring (28) in line with aerodynamics. The spherically curved surfaces of the reinforced concrete floor are preferably tempered, coated and/or clad with suitable material. Wind spoilers are optionally mounted on the cone root, which keep the air in swirl mode after it has passed through the main rotors (5) and direct it energized into the circular openings. Turbine systems (5) connected in series are located in the circular openings of the outlet ring (28), which capture the residual energy of the downdraft process.

The base structure (4) contains operating, mechanical and maintenance facilities, as well as devices to ensure the vertical stability of the tower structures (2+3).

Downdraft unit - canal structures (7):

Concrete pipes are connected to the aforementioned turbine systems (5) which guide the air in the subsoil beneath the umbrella structures (9) radially outwards to the edge of the power plant. For structural reasons, each channel consists of several individual channels (7) directed in the same direction. The concrete pipes (7) which are directed slightly downwards are led upwards again at the lower apex (apex circle approximately in the middle of the umbrella) and finally, via distributor systems (29), are fanned out into several outward-facing ducts which guide the air in several fractions but at the same total volume flow towards the intake structures (8).

Since there can be approximately 2-3 km between the base structure (4) and the inlet structure (8) and thus the segment ratio between the two structures is approximately 1:12 (i.e. the segment section of the inlet structure (8) is 12 times longer than that of the outlet ring (28)), the channel structures (7) in the area in front of the inlet structure (8) must fan out symmetrically so that the entire length of the segment is flushed with air as evenly as possible during the inlet process into the updraft unit, thus preventing turbulence that disrupts the system and is detrimental to efficiency.

In the upward-facing channel areas (7), the air, which is still cold due to the downdraft process, is preheated, which causes the volume flow to rise. The temperature is supplied via heat exchangers in the interior of the channel tubes (7), which are supplied with heat from the massive heat storage units of the apron unit. The process cold generated/dissipated in this way is discharged via insulated pipes for further industrial use.

The underground, tube-like supply air corridors (7) end in the inlet structure (8) at the outer edge of the screen, which represents the interface between the duct structures (7) and the updraft unit. Before the air flow is directed upwards into the updraft unit, a row of turbines can be installed upstream.

Inlet structure (8):

The intake structure (8) represents the central interface between the underground channel structures (7) and the screen systems (9) of the updraft unit. It surrounds the entire power plant in a ring shape and forms its outer closure.

The inlet structure (8) has a semicircular design pointing upwards when viewed in cross-section. The underground part of the inlet structure (8) consists of solid mineral construction (the semicircular surfaces are preferably coated or covered with suitable material) and ends approximately at the level of the ground surface. Above the ground surface, the structures consist of transparent air cushions (30) that merge seamlessly into the spherically curved umbrella structures (9).

The gas-filled cushions (30) in the area of the inlet structure (8) consist of transparent, temperature-, UV- and ageing-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-reinforced plastic film. The inside of the The lower foil cushion layer contains a suitable coating to reflect reflected solar radiation and scattered light back into the interior. The cushion components (30) can be applied with translucent flexible bifacial solar cells.

In order to block the air flow from the duct structures (7) into the updraft units for planned interruptions in operation, a sealing device similar to that of the downdraft unit can be installed after the turbine units in the area of the inlet structure (8). The incoming volume flow from the downdraft unit is then diverted and can escape to the outside via controllable openings at the beginning of the cushion level (30). This means that segments not involved in maintenance can continue to run and do not have to be shut down.

Updraft unit - umbrella structures (9):

The updraft unit begins at the inlet structure (8) with the outer edge of the canopy. The gas-filled cushions (30) of the inlet structure (8) connect flatly and seamlessly to the lifting gas cushions (30) of the canopy structures (9) of the same design. From here, the canopy structures (9) begin with their spiral-shaped, organically and spherically curved and aerodynamically effective geometry.

All gas cushions (30) of the umbrellas (9) are made of transparent, temperature-, UV- and ageing-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-tested plastic film. The inside of the upper film cushion layer contains a suitable coating to reflect solar radiation and scattered light reflected from the interior of the umbrella back onto the umbrella base in order to keep radiant energy in the system.

The cushion components (30) of the umbrella structures (9) can be equipped with translucent flexible bifacial solar cells.

The cushions (30) all have the same geometry and size, are form-fittingly adapted to one another and are preferably hexagonal (but also triangular or trapezoidal) in shape.

Only one cushion variant (30) identical in shape and size is installed in the entire umbrella structure (9). As a result of this special force- and form-fitting assembly network and the gas pressure in the cushions (30), the umbrella structure (9) is stiff, stable and tough, but also elastic to internal and external forces.

The dimensions of the cushions (30) are in the order of magnitude of approximately 5-8m side length and approximately 2-3m thickness. Each cushion (30) is monitored centrally and controlled by a printing bus, so that any malfunctions can be detected early and rectified quickly.

The cushions (30) of the shield unit (9) form a slightly upwardly curved shape for each segment (13). This is achieved by structurally raising the respective segment surface. The segment cushion modules (30) are partially filled with compressed air and are designed in terms of their shape and positional security in such a way that, at their intended internal operating pressure, they deflect spherically upwards as a unit due to mutual flank contact pressure and hold each other in shape through frictional engagement.

The individual cushions (30) are all filled with gas. To stabilize the spherical shape, at least some segment areas are filled with lifting gas (H ₂ or He).

In the head area of the segment partition walls (18), trapezoidal notches the size of half a gas cushion (30), the anchor blocks (39), are provided on both sides. Between the anchor blocks (39) are mounted securing straps (31) which connect the individual cushions (30) to one another using these carbon ropes or straps (31), which are stretched across the entire segment width, and hold them in place, thus securing them in position. The ropes or straps (31) run in storage devices of the individual cushions (30) integrated into the cushion edge (e.g. loops or hoses) in order to prevent an internal build-up of tension or dynamic chafing on the cushions that is damaging to the material, thus extending the service life and maintenance intervals of the cushions (30) and increasing operational safety. These structural measures keep the entire sector (13) dimensionally stable.

A water pipe with a spray device for cleaning the umbrella (dust and sand) runs along the upper apex line of the umbrella structures (9).

The solid segmental partition walls (18) form the lateral closure of the sub-segments (13) and serve as abutments, as a "backbone", for the screen structures (9). A drainage channel for washing water and cleaning waste disposal is formed on the top of the wall of the segmental partition walls (18).

The lower level of the canopy segments (13) of the updraft unit, the base plates, begin at the segment partition walls (18), form the same spherical shape downwards in cross-section and are made of solid mineral construction. The dark surfaces attached are also spherically curved and preferably coated or covered with sheet metal.

The spherically curved upper canopy segments (13) and the geometrically mirrored floor surfaces each form an approximately ellipse in the open cross-section, which runs across the entire spiral segments (13) with a cross-section tapering towards the power plant centre and ends at the respective updraft chimneys (3) on the base structure (4).

In the base plate of each screen segment (13), a uniformly flat pipe network (similar to heated screed) is provided at thermally effective points, through which the warm feed water of the solid heat storage tank (14) of the apron unit is pumped in selected time windows as required, thus heating the base plate and warming the air passing over it.

The solid segment partition walls (18) begin at the inlet structure (8), follow the umbrella segments (13) in a spiral to the power plant center and end at the base structure (4). They form the main static framework of the umbrella structures (13) of the updraft unit. This is where the umbrella structures (13) are supplied with technology and media (maintenance corridors, water, gases, energy, MSR, etc.). This is also where the supply lines for supplying heat to the floor slabs are located. The return lines for the heating circuits are positioned at the lower apex of the floor slabs. Below the floor slab there is a preferably mineral thermal insulation layer to safeguard process heat.

Updraft unit - base structure (4):

On the outer edge of the base structure (4) is the inlet ring with the inlet funnels to which the umbrella segments (13) of the updraft unit are connected. At this point, the horizontal flow direction changes upwards to the vertical. For this, the structure provides a 90° curve in the form of an elbow that is as gentle as possible and is elongated, spherical and aerodynamically favorable. Above this is the turbine house with at least 2 counter-rotating rotors (5). The turbine house forms the end of the base structure (4) of the updraft unit. The updraft chimneys (3) are connected above the turbine houses.

Updraft unit - chimney structures (3):

The chimneys (3) of the updraft unit consist of tube-like gas cushions (22) made of transparent plastic film between the ring platform 2 (19) and the base structure (4). The background here is that the air masses in the chimneys (3) should receive as much solar energy as possible.

These gas cushions (22) are aligned vertically and, when mounted radially next to one another, form a circular chimney tower (3). They extend from the base structure (4) to the ring platform 2 (19) at the target height of the chimney heads. The gas cushions (22) are one-piece hose cushions and are located in a cover. This cover is a transparent one-piece hose-like receiving, stabilizing and protective cover that is firmly mounted and connected to the base structure (4) at the bottom and to the ring platform 2 (19) at the top. The covers are connected to one another at their vertical contact surfaces. The reason for this design is a quick construction method and the possibility of quickly and reversibly replacing defective cushions (22) under full load without affecting ongoing operations, since the temporary absence of a cushion does not significantly affect the statics due to the interconnected and mutually stiffening system components (tower, chimneys, curtain wall films, etc.).

To vertically stabilize the tubular basic shape of the chimneys (3), at least some of the cushions are filled with lifting gas (such as H ₂ or He) according to the results of the structural planning, the remaining cushions (22) are filled with compressed air. The individual cushions (22) are all manufactured in the same design, height and diameter and are controlled via bus monitoring (pressure can be increased or decreased).

The gas-filled cushions (22) are held taut both horizontally in a ring shape and vertically by means of carbon rope or belt systems and are thus secured in position. Alternatively, a stabilization net can also be used.

The vertical bands extend from the base structure (4) to the ring platform 2 (19), which keeps the platform and the cushions (22) flexible but still stabilizes and secures them in position so that the system can survive storms undamaged. The bands are stored in storage devices (e.g. loops or hoses) to protect the cushions. The vertical bands are also equipped with hydraulic damping (bending and torsional strain relief and damping devices) located several times along their length so that wind effects on the vertical structures are dampened, they therefore remain dimensionally stable, the material is protected and the weather has no influence on operational safety.

In order to even out the geometric discontinuities inside the chimneys (3) caused by the cushion curves and thus to avoid disturbing turbulence, the chimney interior walls are lined vertically with a thin transparent foil facade (32) and mounted to the covers. The individual facade modules (32) are mounted in a similar way to a plain roof covering, slightly overlapping upwards and to the sides, so that the air flow cannot get caught in an assembly joint and destroy the interior facade (32).

The inner facade foil (32) has a micro-perforation from which compressed air escapes evenly, and is automatically replenished on a permanent basis. The compressed air is collected in the dynamic pressure chamber (51) and fed by the updraft flow of the respective chimney (3). The dynamic pressure chamber (51) is created from the geometry of two adjacent updraft chimney gas cushions (22) and the inner facade foil (32). The compressed air is diverted from the updraft flow into the respective dynamic pressure chamber (51) in the lower inlet area of the respective chimney (3) via controllable discharge flaps and can only escape through the micro-perforation. The overpressure is created as a result of the dynamic volume flow.

The reason for this is that, as a result of the upward movement of the updraft flow, a thin gas film is first formed on the inner wall side from the air emerging from the "micro nozzles", from which a cylindrical micro vortex is then formed over a large area, at the air vortex peaks of which the updraft flow is largely discharged upwards (without touching the wall) and can escape, minimising friction and thus increasing efficiency.

Alternatively, a classic foil lining (ideally coated with a lotus leaf effect) can be used to minimize frictional resistance. The foil facades (32) of the chimney structures (3) are provided with a suitable reflective coating on the inside in order to accumulate and retain the incoming heat radiation in the chimney (3).

In order to protect the vertical chimney structures (3) from wind-borne dust and sand ingress and thus to protect the individual cushions (22) and their joints from excessive wear, a curtain film facade (33) is constructed that completely envelops the components.

The outer foil facade (33) is attached to the components so tightly that it does not flap in wind and storms, but is still elastic enough that it follows all bending and torsional movements of the chimney structures (3) without damage. The foil facade (33) consists of transparent, UV and ageing-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-tested plastic foil. The foil facade (33) consists of facade segments that are detachably, elastically and dust-tightly connected to one another.

Both the covers and the outer foil facades (33) of the chimney structures (3) can be equipped with translucent flexible bifacial solar cells.

The updraft chimneys (3) are connected to the ring platform 2 (19) at the target height. This is where the chimney heads are fixed in position. The ring platform 2 (19) is made of sustainably weather-resistant lightweight material (e.g. aluminum, plastic, foam metal and/or composite material). The height of the ring platform 2 (19) is below the height of the top of the tower head of the downdraft unit.

On the ring platform 2 (19), in the area above the chimney heads of the updraft units, an exhaust air deflector device (40) (diffuser / deflector spoiler) is permanently mounted, which on the one hand deflects the respective outflowing air stream in an outward direction and on the other hand simultaneously deflects the upward directed force (F) of the respective updraft is partially used to push the ring platform 2 (19) upwards and thus contributes to reducing the weight of the platform (19). The deflection angle of the exhaust air deflection device (40) can be varied and controlled. This additionally stabilizes the position of the entire vertical structure of the power plant.

In addition to the stabilization benefits, the background to the measures is that the air flowing into the downdraft tower should be as cold as possible and that no heat load from the power plant exhaust air should be introduced here.

The devices (40) are designed in such a way that no significant efficiency-reducing back pressure occurs in the chimneys (3).

In order to close the updraft chimneys (3) for planned interruptions in operation and thus keep them draught-free, a sealing device analogous to that of the downdraft unit is installed at the level of the ring platform 2 (19).

The updraft chimneys (3) can also be designed in the form of segment or ring module cushion components stacked horizontally on top of each other.

Front unit (47):

The apron unit (47) is used to absorb and store process heat and to release and supply the power plant (1) (in the updraft unit) with secondary energy in times without solar radiation. The apron (47) consists of a tight system of many geometrically identical, self-sufficient mineral solid heat storage units (14) (charging modules) that are arranged in a ring around the power plant (1). Each segment (13) of the updraft unit is supplied with heat by the geometrically directly adjacent apron segment when required.

The solid heat storage modules (14) are all designed in the same standard cuboid shape (dimensions e.g. approx. 10m x 10m x 3-5m) and are embedded in a space-saving manner, storage module to storage module, on a heat-insulating mineral fill (e.g. expanded clay, brick granulate, foam glass sand or similar). A dark-colored "heating concrete slab", the absorber (17), is arranged above the storage modules (14). This upper heat receiver plate (17) is thermally separated from the actual solid storage (14) in the subsurface (preventing night-time cooling). The plate (17) is elastically embedded in a position-secured, suitable insulating separating layer. Each storage block module (14) has an integrated charging circuit and a supply circuit (similar to heated screed), both of which can be switched independently of one another.

The charging circuit consists of a winding and spatially uniformly formed vertically oriented pipe network in which the carrier medium water is driven by a circulation pump that transports "cold or charging water" upwards into the heating plate (17), where it is heated and pumped back down into the storage modules (14) as "warm water", thus increasing the temperature in the concrete block (14).

The supply circuit is only present within the massive storage tanks (14) and consists of a winding and spatially uniform horizontally oriented pipe network in which the carrier medium water is driven by a circulation pump that transports "cold water" inwards into the massive heat storage tank (14), where it is heated and pumped outwards as "hot water" to a heat exchanger that heats the supply flow for an updraft segment. The technical infrastructure required for this is installed in the technical bays (36) of the maintenance corridors (35). Supply and return lines for the sector supply (13) are laid along the maintenance corridors (35).

Below the massive heat storage modules (14), at the interfaces between two rows of storage modules, there are drivable maintenance and supply tunnels (35) that radiate outwards. Along these routes (35), the charging and supply infrastructures for the storage units (14) as well as the supply and return lines for the night supply of the updraft units are arranged in the technical bays (36).

Above the heating plate level (17) a net (15) (similar to wire mesh or similar) is stretched horizontally at a height of several meters. The net (15) is supported by rod-shaped vertical components (e.g. Steel pipes or similar) are held taut in a horizontal position. The net (15) slopes slightly outwards towards the apron edge and conversely rises slightly towards the edge of the updraft segment (8). The net structure (15) is connected at the interface to the updraft segment to a circumferential sheet metal rim (34) which projects several metres deep into the apron unit and has at least one row of preferably slightly conical sheet metal exhaust chimneys (Ø approx. 4-5m) at regular intervals on the power plant edge, each of which has a turbine (16) through which the rising warm air "trapped" above the apron unit can escape.

The sheet metal exhaust chimneys of the mesh edge sheet brim (34) point upwards and are aligned slightly diagonally towards the power plant (1) following the tangent of the cushion bend at this point.

Outside the apron unit (47), in selected areas, it is planned to model hills from the waste heaps from the construction work, on whose sun-facing flanks there will be a sufficient number of heliostats, consisting of slightly curved stainless steel plates that are directed towards the shady sides or the areas of the power plant that are less exposed to the sun, such as the exhaust chimneys in these areas, and charge the system with additional solar energy. These are arranged north of the equator in the northwest - north - northeast areas and south of the equator in the southwest - south - southeast areas of the power plant.

5.4 Alternative design concept: elevated SLK version (variant 2)

Note: The solution described above is compact in itself but nevertheless requires a lot of land and is therefore primarily suitable for use in arid climates with a building site that is free of or low in vegetation. In order to make this type of power plant attractive and viable for climates with normal vegetation and/or for areas where agriculture and forestry are carried out, a more environmentally friendly variant is presented here for these areas. However, due to the design, the efficiency of this variant is lower than that of the main variant.

General - (Variant 2):

The principle of action and function of this alternative is the same as that of the main variant described above.

The design of the downdraft unit [tower (2), base structure (4), channel structures (7)] is identical in both variants. The updraft unit differs in that the channel fan-out (46) at the outer end of the channel structures (7) underground and a smaller inlet structure (8) are omitted, as well as the entire flat canopy plane (9) is omitted. The canopy plane (9) of the main variant, which is level with the ground, is replaced by the compact spiral channel design being broken down into straight, elevated "bridge channels", each of which consists of an elevated, tubular gas cushion channel (42). This gas cushion channel (42) runs linearly from the outside to the power plant center, where it meets the base structure (4) at a normal level, to which each channel (42) is connected in an airtight manner.

The design of the chimney structures (3) is then again identical in both variants. Due to the high consumption of valuable space, an apron unit is not useful here.

Inlet structure (8) - (variant 2):

The inlet structure (8) represents the central interface between the underground channel structures (7) and the tubular gas cushion channels (42) of the updraft unit. The inlet structure (7) has a semicircular design pointing upwards in cross-section. The underground part of the inlet structure (8) consists of solid mineral construction (the semicircular surfaces are preferably coated or covered with a suitable material) and ends approximately at the level of the ground surface. Above the ground surface, the structures consist of curved transparent air cushions (30) that merge seamlessly into the round gas cushion channel (42). The gas-filled cushions (30) in the area of the inlet structure (8) consist of transparent, temperature-, UV- and ageing-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-reinforced plastic film. The inside of the lower film cushion layer contains a suitable coating to reflect reflected solar radiation and scattered light back into the interior. The cushion components (30) can be applied with translucent flexible bifacial solar cells.

In order to block the air flow from the duct structures (7) into the updraft units for planned interruptions in operation, a sealing device similar to that of the downdraft unit can be installed after the turbine units in the area of the inlet structure (8). The incoming volume flow from the downdraft unit is then diverted and can escape to the outside via controllable openings at the beginning of the cushion level (30). This means that segments not involved in maintenance can continue to run and do not have to be shut down.

Updraft unit - Tubular gas cushion channel (42) - (Variant 2):

The updraft unit begins at the inlet structure (8). The gas-filled cushions (30) of the inlet structure (8) are flush and seamlessly connected to the lifting gas cushions (30) of the gas cushion channels (42) of the same design.

All gas cushions (30) of the channels (42) are made of transparent, temperature-, UV- and ageing-resistant, highly tear-resistant and fiber-tested plastic film. The side of the film cushions (30) facing the interior of the channel (42) contains a suitable coating to reflect heat and solar radiation as well as scattered light reflected from the interior of the tube, thus keeping radiant energy in the system.

The cushion components (30) of the gas cushion channels (42) can be equipped with translucent flexible bifacial solar cells.

The cushions (30) all have the same geometry and size, are form-fittingly adapted to one another and are preferably hexagonal (but also triangular or trapezoidal) in shape.

Only one cushion variant (30) identical in shape and size is installed in the entire channel structure (42). As a result of this special force- and form-fitting assembly network and the gas pressure in the cushions (30), the channel structure (42) becomes rigid, stable and tough, but also elastic to internal and external forces.

The dimensions of the cushions (30) are in the order of magnitude of approximately 5-8m side length and approximately 2-3m thickness. Each cushion (30) is monitored centrally and controlled by a printing bus, so that any malfunctions can be detected early and rectified quickly.

The cushions (30) of the channels (42) are mounted on one another in such a way that they form a tubular shape in cross-section. The cushion modules (30) are designed in terms of their shape and positional security in such a way that, at their intended internal operating pressure, they form a tube as a unit due to the mutual flank contact pressure of the walls and hold each other in shape through frictional engagement.

The individual cushions (30) are all filled with gas to stabilize the tube-like shape. To ensure that they remain in position at plan height, most areas are filled with lifting gas (H ₂ or He). The gas cushion channels (42) are held and fixed at regular intervals by static elements. They have a slight horizontal gradient (approx. 1-3%) towards the center of the power plant.

The individual cushions (30) of the tubes (42) are connected to each other by securing straps (31) or by means of nets, held and thus secured in position.

The ropes or straps (31) run in integrated storage devices of the individual cushions (30) (e.g. loops or hoses) in order to prevent an internal build-up of tension or dynamic chafing on the cushions (30) that is damaging to the material and thus to extend the service life and maintenance intervals of the cushions (30) and to increase operational reliability.

A water pipe with a spray device for cleaning the screen (dust and sand) runs along the upper apex line of the screen structures (9). The washing water runs down the channel body (42) into the vegetation.

5.5 Operational safety:

Operational reliability in terms of primary energy supply and function:

As mentioned above, each updraft segment (13) is assigned a segment of the apron unit that accumulates heat energy during the day. The mass of this apron unit is dimensioned in such a way that the updraft unit can not only be supplied with sufficient heat energy at night by switchable heat pumps, but that there is also enough capacity for several days of bad weather, which can then bridge such days with little sun. This means that there is short-term "fair weather independence". In the event of prolonged bad weather, the energy yield of the system still works as a result of diffuse heat radiation, but then at a reduced level.

By introducing cold air and moisture into the downdraft unit, the function is basically guaranteed both at night and during periods of bad weather. The updraft unit also benefits from this.

Operational safety in relation to energy generation:

Since the solar thermal airflow power plant (1), as described above, consists of a large downdraft power plant and several smaller updraft power plants as well as a large number of secondary turbines (5), individual power plant segments (13) can be switched off for maintenance and repair purposes without affecting the rest of the plant. This is done by sequentially interrupting the air flow using inflatable bulkheads or barrier bodies (analogous to 25) at key positions (power plant interfaces). This keeps the relevant sectors (13) free of drafts so that work can be carried out in them without danger.

Due to the large number of energy extraction points (5) in the system as well as the extensive planned component-applied bifacial photovoltaic devices, temporary partial operational shutdowns are economically harmless.

Operational safety in relation to maintenance:

All system components are standardized, so there are only a few variants. This makes building maintenance rational and economical in terms of spare parts availability, service technology, crisis response times and costs.

Each air cushion module (screen (30), chimney (22) and tower (21)) is equipped with bus-controlled sensors, is electronically monitored, analyzed and can be directly controlled from the control center or repaired promptly as a result of immediate technical information.

If air cushions (21, 22, 30) can no longer be repaired, the component module is repaired by draining and blowing out the defective component cushions, replacing, setting up and inflating the replacement cushions and then migrating the system. Individual air cushions can also be replaced during operation, as the overall statics are not affected due to the local arching effect of the surrounding cushions and the volume flow is not affected or can escape due to the internal sliding films (23 + 32).

All motors, pumps, valves, electronics and all turbines in a system circuit are preferably of the same type.

Conclusion:

Due to these planning precautions, the solar thermal air flow power plant (1) is well equipped to deal with all foreseeable and expected disruptions. If anything, a segment fails for a short time. The rest of the power plant continues to run unabated. This means that there can be no total failure. The power plant also reliably supplies energy in reduced operating mode.

plan, sketch, drawing list

• 01 ➢ SLK - isometry
• 02 ➢ SLK - overall side view
• 03 ➢ SLK - principle - sketch
• 04 ➢ SLK - Isometric tower head
• 05 ➢ FSE - Tower head with intake sail
• 06 ➢ AWE - exhaust air deflection device
• 07 ➢ FSE - Shutter lens 1
• 08 ➢ FSE - Shutter lens 2
• 09 ➢ FSE - Shutter lens 3
• 10 ➢ FSE - Rotor guide
• 11 ➢ SLK - Horizontal section through tower and chimneys
• 12 ➢ SLK - Section of tower and top view of spiral umbrella
• 13 ➢ FSE - Floor plan of canal structures
• 14 ➢ SLK - Cross-level schematic representation 1
• 15 ➢ FSE - Section turbine ring
• 16 ➢ FSE - Ground plan view of turbine ring
• 17 ➢ SKL - Half isometric overall cut
• 18 ➢ AWE - section of the screen structure
• 19 ➢ SLK - Cross-level schematic representation 2
• 20 ➢ VFE - top view + section of intake structure + heat storage
• 21 ➢ VFE - solid heat storage modules
• 22 ➢ AWE - Version 2 elevated - floor plan above ground
• 23 ➢ FSE - Version 2 elevated - floor plan underground
• 24 ➢ SLK - Version 2 elevated - longitudinal section
• 25 ➢ SLK - Version 2 elevated - Section variant 1
• 26 ➢ SLK - Version 2 elevated - Section variant 2

legend

1

➢ SLK / complete system

2

➢ Downdraft tower

3

➢ Updraft chimneys

4

➢ Base structure

5

➢ Turbines / energy extraction points

6

➢ Lower turbine ring

7

➢ Sewer structures / transfer channels / sewer lines

8

➢ Inlet structure / umbrella edge

9

➢ Screen level / screen structure / screen systems

10

➢ Ring platform 1 / assembly platform

11

➢ Deflection sail/win spoiler system

12

➢ Deflection cone / cone head in the base structure

13

➢ Segment / sectors / upwind unit

14

➢ Heat storage / solid heat storage / heat storage module / charging module

15

➢ Network field

16

➢ Turbine row apron

17

➢ Absorbers / heating plates

18

➢ Segment partition walls

19

➢ Ring platform 2 / assembly platform

20

➢ Sail winches

21

➢ Gas cushion downdraft tower

22

➢ Gas cushion updraft chimneys

23

➢ Foil facade tower inside

24

➢ Foil facade tower outside

25

➢ Shutter lens / sealing device / lock

26

➢ Impeller / rotor cage / outer race

27

➢ Stabilization rollers

28

➢ Outlet ring

29

➢ Distributor / channel compartments

30

➢ Gas cushions of the umbrella structures

31

➢ Carbon ropes / carbon bands / tensioning ropes

32

➢ Foil facade chimney inside

33

➢ Foil facade chimney outside

34

➢ Sheet metal brim mesh edge

35

➢ Maintenance and supply corridors

36

➢ Technical bays

37

➢ Central opening (base structure)

38

➢ Outlet openings lower turbine ring

39

➢ Anchor block / tensioning device

40

➢ Exhaust air deflector

41

➢ Agricultural land / agriculture and forestry

42

➢ Gas cushion channel of the elevated updrafts (variant 2)

43

➢ Static element

44

➢ Biotopes / Waters / Pond Management

45

➢ Sunlight reflection from below

46

➢ Channel fanning

47

➢ Front Unit (VFE)

48

➢ apron segment

49

➢ Support

50

➢ Tubular motor device

51

➢ dynamic pressure chamber

definitions

SLK ➢ Solar thermal air flow power plant Overarching term for the entire power plant (1). It embodies all integral sections (FSE, AWE, VFE) and components that are necessary for the functioning of the power plant. FSE ➢ Downdraft unit This is the name for the actual classic downdraft power plant and all areas that belong to it [tower (2), base structure (4), channel structures (7) and intake structures (8)]. The cold air is located in the downdraft unit system. The interface to the AWE is the horizontal level of the GOK in the intake structure (8). AWE ➢ Updraft unit This is the name for the actual classic updraft power plant and all areas that belong to it [inlet structures (8), umbrella structure (13), base structure (4) and chimneys (3)]. The warm air is located in the updraft unit system. The interface to the FSE is the horizontal level of the GOK in the inlet structure (8). VFE ➢ Front unit This is the overarching name and summary for all functional units outside the actual power plant that serve to supply the AWE with thermal energy. The interface to the AWE is the perimeter boundary of the inlet structure (8) of the umbrella structure (9). GOK ➢ terrain - upper - edge F ➢ Power

7.0 Drawing list, legend, definitions

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following drawings, the legend and definitions.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was 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 accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202008005501U1 [0011]
• DE 19831492A1 [0011]
• DE 29917453U1 [0011]
• DE 29715254U1 [0011]
• AT 000000510280A4 [0011]
• DE 102013007836B3 [0011]
• DE 000019831492C2 [0011]
• DE 000019821659A1 [0011]
• DE 000019601156A1 [0011]
• DE 000010300092A1 [0011]
• DE 29622549U1 [0011]
• DE 102014008881A1 [0015]
• US 020120261918A1 [0015]
• DE 000010220055A1 [0015]
• US 3894393A [0015]

Claims (1)

Note on the claim structure: The chronology of the protection claims (except for the main claim) follows the path of the air flow from the lower atmosphere via the junction of the tower opening (2) down to the base (4), through the underground channels (7), over the screen (9) and through the chimneys (3) back into the lower atmosphere. Cross-protection claims are located below. [SA 01 ] - Main claim Solar thermal air flow power plant (1), characterized in that the operating principle of the downdraft or downdraft power plant is connected in series with that of the updraft power plant in a new power plant hybrid system in a system-closed, gas-tight and air-tight manner, structurally compactly coupled and combined. [SA 02 ] - Construction principle of a solar thermal airflow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - the solar thermal airflow power plant (1) is constructed radially symmetrically in plan, ie that the tower of the downdraft unit (2) is arranged centrally in the plant and is mounted on the base structure (4); - that starting from the base structure (4), underground under the umbrella structure (9) of the updraft unit, channels (7) run normally and in a star shape outwards and fan out via the inlet structure (8) into the sectors (13) of the umbrella structure (9); - that starting from the inlet structure (8), the sectors (13) of the umbrella structure (9) are arranged in a spiral, clockwise or counterclockwise, around the power plant center, each open into an updraft chimney (3) and are tightly connected there; - that the chimneys (3) of the updraft units are arranged evenly radially along the circumference of the downdraft tower (2) and end at a height below the inlet opening of the downdraft tower (2); - that within the system, electrical energy is generated simultaneously at several points in the power plant via rotors and turbines (5). [SA 03 ] - Downdraft tower (2) Solar thermal airflow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - the vertical components of the tower (2) above the base structure (4) consist of identical standardized air and/or carrier gas-filled one- or multi-part tubular plastic cushion molded components (21), which are each stored in a shape-stabilizing vertically aligned assembly cover and are structurally connected to one another in a vertically stable manner using a special assembly technique and are mounted radially next to one another; - that in the interior of the tower (2) a facade film (23) is provided as a vertical, all-round tower wall cladding, which is mounted vertically tightly on the covers; - that the interior film (23) has a micro-perforation distributed over the surface and is provided with a coating; - that two adjacent vertical downdraft tower gas cushions (21) and the interior film (23) each form a dynamic pressure chamber (51) and in the inlet area at the upper end of the tower (2) towards the interior of the tower each have a discharge flap as an air supply opening; - that the outer area of the tower cushions (21) is vertically lined with a reflective, light-tight outer facade film (24), which is mounted vertically tightly on the covers; - that a data bus sensor system is implemented in the cushions (21) and that a central compressed gas network is connected to each cushion; - that the ring platform 1 (10) is located at the inlet opening of the downdraft tower (2) as the upper end of the structure; - that vertically and diagonally guided safety ropes and straps are mounted on the tower structure (2), which are provided with tension damping devices. [SA 04 ] - Base structure (4) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - the base structure (4) is arranged in the center of the entire system (1); - that in the center of the base structure (4) there is an upper circular central opening (37), in the middle of which the diversion cone (12) with an upper single- or multi-stage turbine system (5) is located; - that at the lower end of the diversion cone (12) of the base structure (4) a turbine ring (6) which is ring-shaped in plan is set back outwards like a brim and has in its vertical direction over the entire circumference several evenly distributed circular outlet openings (38) directed diagonally downwards and outwards in several rows, in each of which one or more turbine systems (5) are mounted; - that the vertical cushion elements (21+22) of the downdraft tower (2) and the chimneys (3) are each based in a spherical segment-like structurally formed recess in the base structure (4) and are firmly anchored there. [SA 05 ] - Channel structures (7) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - each turbine outlet (38) of the turbine ring (6) of the base structure (4) is connected to a channel structure (7) which runs outwards in a star shape below the screens of the updraft unit (9) in plan and opens into the inlet structure (8) of the same at the outer edge of the plant; - that before the channels (7) open into the respective inlet structure (8), the channel line is evenly fanned out into several smaller channel cross-sections; - that the channel routing is slightly parabolic in vertical section; - that devices for heat exchange are provided in the channels (7). [SA 06 ] - Inlet structure (8) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - a separate, self-contained inlet structure (8) is structurally connected to each updraft umbrella segment (13); - each inlet structure (8) is structurally separated from the adjacent inlet structures (8) in a gas-tight manner by two solid segment walls (18); - the areas of the inlet structures (8) in contact with the ground are solid and the above-ground spherically shaped components consist of gas-filled plastic cushions (30) which are mounted gas-tight and firmly to the delimiting solid structural elements; - all gas cushion components (30) consist of transparent plastic film and are filled with air and/or lifting gas; - that each cushion (30) is monitored by means of a data bus sensor system and is automatically controlled via a central compressed gas network with the corresponding medium; - that a controllable sealing device is implemented in the area of the inlet structures (8). [SA 07 ] - Screen structure (9) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - the screen structure (9) consists of several self-sufficient individual segments (13), which are each structurally separated from one another by the segment partition walls (18) and are mounted thereto in a gas-tight and fixed manner; - that the individual segments (13) are arranged in a spiral (clockwise or counterclockwise) around the central axis of the power plant and approach this as far as the updraft chimneys (3); - that each segment (13) is separately connected to one updraft chimney (3) in a gas-tight and fixed manner; - that the individual segments (13) of the umbrella structure (9) are slightly oval and spherical in cross-section and taper in cross-section towards the center of the power plant; - that the lower areas of the individual segments (13) of the umbrella structure (9) in contact with the ground are solid and dark in color and that these areas in contact with the ground are provided with a hot water pipework; - that all cushion components (30) are made of transparent plastic film material and are filled with both air and lifting gas; - that all cushions (30) have the same geometry and size, are form-fittingly adapted to one another and are triangular, hexagonal or trapezoidal in shape; - that the undersides of the cushions (30) are provided with a radiation-reflecting coating; - that an external device for automatically cleaning the umbrella segments (13) is designed; - that a data bus sensor system is implemented in the cushions (30) and that a central compressed gas network is connected to each cushion. [SA 08 ] - Updraft chimneys (3) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - the vertical components of the chimneys (3) above the base structure (4) consist of identical standardized air and/or carrier gas-filled one- or multi-part tubular plastic cushion molded components (22), which are each stored in a shape-stabilizing vertically aligned assembly cover and are structurally connected to one another in a vertically stable manner using a special assembly technique and are mounted radially next to one another; - that in the interior of the chimneys (3) an inner facade film (32) is provided as a vertical, all-round chimney wall cladding, which is mounted vertically tightly to the covers; - that the inner facade film (32) has a micro-perforation distributed over the surface and is provided with a coating; - that two adjacent vertical updraft chimney gas cushions (22) and the inner facade film (32) each form a dynamic pressure chamber (51) which has a discharge flap as an air supply opening in the inlet area at the lower beginning of the respective chimney (3) towards the chimney interior area; - that the inner film facades (32) of the chimney structures (3) are provided on the inside with a light and heat radiation reflecting coating; - that the outside area of the chimney cushions (22) is vertically covered with an external facade film (33) which is vertically tightly mounted on the covers; - that all chimney components are made of transparent plastic film material; - that a data bus sensor system is implemented in the cushions (22) and that a central compressed gas network is connected to each cushion; - that a centrally controlled LED signage is implemented in the cushions (22); - that the ring platform 2 (19) is located at the outlet opening of the updraft chimneys (3) as the upper end of the structure; - that an exhaust air deflector device (40) is located on the ring platform 2 (19) above each chimney outlet; - that vertically and diagonally guided safety ropes and straps which are provided with tension relief devices are mounted on the updraft chimneys (3). [SA 09 ] - Front unit (47) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - outside the power plant (1) there is arranged the front unit (47), which consists of a close system of self-sufficient individual solid heat storage modules (14); - that these storage module blocks (14) all have the same shape and size and are aligned on a heat-insulating fill in a plane, flat, orderly and space-optimized; - that these storage modules (14) consist of a dense mineral composite material and each have both a separately switchable charging circuit and a separately switchable supply circuit, both of which are designed within the solid storage bodies as a self-sufficient liquid-carrying spiral-shaped and system-centered metal pipe network; - that above each storage module (14) there is arranged an associated dark-colored, solid, high-density absorber plate (17), which rests on a thermal insulation layer and is thus thermally separated from the storage module (14); - that the pipe network of the charging circuit is hydraulically connected to the absorber plate (17); - that the apron unit (47) is divided into apron segments (48) in blocks and that the supply circuits of all storage modules (14), each of which is assigned to an apron segment (48), are connected in parallel and connected to a main supply line which consists of a supply line and a return line; - that each main supply line of each apron segment (48) is connected to the hot water-carrying piping of the respectively assigned updraft unit (13); - that maintenance, technical and supply corridors (35) are provided below the storage modules (14). [SA 10 ] - Wind spoiler system (11) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - at the upper end of the tower (2) a spherically designed sail-like wind spoiler system (11) is kept rolled up in a storage device, which can be raised electromechanically via cable winches, stabilized pneumatically, positioned in different positions secured by a pull cable and retracted again in the opposite way; - that the wind spoiler system (11) is mounted on a lightweight assembly rotating device that can be moved axially through 360° within the ring platform 1 (10). [ SA 11 ] - Process water conveying device solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - in order to achieve the necessary conveying capacity, the process water is guided to the upper opening of the downdraft tower (2) via flexible hose lines with the aid of special density-reducing compressed air devices for the purpose of cooling the downdraft; - in order to reduce the density of the process water, parts of the updraft flows are diverted via branch devices on the base structure (4) and used in bubbling devices in order to break up the compact liquid structure of the water columns and to convey them with the updraft dynamics via flexible hose lines to the height of the ring platform 1 (10) into a collecting ring line; - in order to support the conveying process, switchable compressors are provided. [SA 12 ] - Main rotor (5) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - in the base structure (4) in the tip region of the deflection cone (12) one or more rotor units (5), the blades of which preferably fill the entire cross-sectional area of the tower (2), are arranged horizontally; - that when several rotor units (5) are connected one above the other, they are aligned in opposite directions; - that the angle of attack of the rotor blades of these rotors (5) can be changed electrohydraulically and is controlled centrally; - that the main rotors (5) each have an outer race (26) and that the edge-side suspensions of the rotor blade ends are integrated into this outer race (26); - that a haunches is formed on the inner wall surfaces of the base structure (4) at the height of each main rotor; - that stabilizing roller modules (27) are mounted at the necessary intervals on the haunches and on the vertical wall extension above them, on which the outer race (26) of the respective main rotor (5) runs. [SA 13 ] - Retrieval device for tower structures (2+3) solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding protection claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that the tower structures (2+3) can be retrieved and rolled up downwards via fastening points on the ring platforms 1+2 (10+19) by means of cable winches and suction devices stationed in the base structure (4), so that ultimately both platforms (10+19) rest on the base structure (4). [SA 14 ] - Swirl spin device for tower structures (2+3) solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding protection claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - structural devices for generating and promoting an air flow swirl spin are designed in the tower structures (2+3); - that these structural devices are in the form of internal control units and downward/upward directed pressure jet nozzles. [SA 15 ] - Integration of photovoltaic elements Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that all film components of the system are provided with flexible translucent bifacial photovoltaic elements. [SA 16 ] - Elevated construction as a variant design Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that - that the gas cushion channels (42) with a round cross-section are arranged several meters above the terrain, are predominantly filled with lifting gas, are held in place by means of static elements (43) and have a gradient from the inlet structures (8) to the updraft chimneys (3); - that the round gas cushion channels (42) are preferably arranged in a star shape and in a normal straight line from the chimney structures (2) to the respective inlet structures (8); - that the round gas cushion channels (42) consist of the same standardized individual element cushions (30) as those of the flat screen design. [SA 17 ] - Alternative enveloping material Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that the enveloping above-ground surface elements (2, 3, 13) of the power plant can also be made of net-like material. [SA 18 ] - Network structure (15) over apron unit (47) Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that above the heating plate level (17) of the apron unit (47) at a height of several meters, a network (15) is stretched horizontally over supports (49), which is designed to be flat and slightly sloping outwards towards the apron edge and conversely slightly rising towards the umbrella edge (8) and is connected on the power plant side via a circumferential sheet metal rim (34) to the inlet structure (8), on which a row of turbines (16) is arranged radially. [SA 19 ] - Daylight control Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), further characterized in that heliostats are located outside the power plant (1), which additionally direct daylight onto the power plant surfaces by means of reflecting plates via an automatic sun position control. [ SA 20 ] - Off-shore operation Solar thermal air flow power plant (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims (SA 01 ff), finally characterized in that the power plant (1) can also be built and operated as an off-shore version on a floating device in lightweight construction.

Images