WO1989010481A1

WO1989010481A1 - Hydraulic engine

Info

Publication number: WO1989010481A1
Application number: PCT/EP1989/000451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uwe Pagel; Dieter Nienstedt
Original assignee: Uwe Pagel; Dieter Nienstedt
Priority date: 1988-04-26
Filing date: 1989-04-25
Publication date: 1989-11-02
Also published as: AU3536989A; DE3813958A1; DE3813958C2

Abstract

A hydraulic engine with a water wheel is designed as non-polluting underwater generating plant. It comprises an engine housing which can be immersed in a body of water and anchored below the surface of the water. The housing contains at least one water wheel mounted on a power shaft and a flow channel for the passage of water. In the submerged, working position the housing interior is filled with air, preferably compressed air.

Description

Hydroelectric machine

The invention relates to a hydropower machine with a water wheel.

The invention has for its object to provide a hydropower machine which can be used with a simple structure, in particular in flowing water.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a machine housing which can be lowered into a body of water and which can be anchored below the surface of the body of water, which encloses at least one water wheel seated on a power shaft, has a water flow channel and is filled with air, preferably compressed air, in the interior when the working position is lowered.

An undershot water wheel is preferably provided with a horizontally arranged power shaft and a water flow channel running at right angles to the power wave, the water flow channel being expediently arranged in the lower region of the machine housing in the flow direction of the water.

This hydroelectric machine can be used in particular in flowing inland water or in parts of the sea subject to tidal currents. It is particularly advantageous if the water is designed as a single module, with several modules being able to be coupled to one another in a row directly next to one another in a row extending transversely to the flowing water. The individual module is completely lowered to the bottom of the water with the machine housing closed and anchored here or lowered into the bottom of the water. Depending on the cross-section and size and the flow rate of the water 1 ^' as.sm, several modules are arranged next to and on top of one another. The machine housing can have a pontoon body for flooding for different immersion depths. In shallow flowing waters, the module is installed at the required depth below the bottom of the water and then operated as a culvert.

The air located in the interior of the machine housing is under constant pressure in the upper region of the machine housing, so that it keeps the water flowing through the machine housing in the lower region for driving the water wheel or water wheels.

The flow cross section of the housing inflow and outflow opening defining the water flow channel can be changed, for example by means of a height-adjustable bulkhead, through which the water flow through the machine housing can be regulated. The water throughput in the water flow channel should reach a maximum of three times the flow rate of the water. Since the entire river width can be used evenly by modules, the natural river flow is maintained over the entire width. Sludge in front of or behind the system is practically impossible. It is advantageous for the guidance of the flow if the machine housing has a base which extends beyond the housing inlet opening, the bottom section extending beyond the housing inlet opening extending from its free end edge lying transversely to the direction of flow to the housing inlet opening something falls off. For the water flow, it is also expedient if the bottom defining the water flow channel has a circular segment-shaped recess which is adapted to the diameter of the water wheel and which immerses the water wheel. For this design in particular, it is advantageous if the base of the machine housing consists of concrete. In certain cases, there is no need for a floor for the machine housing, for example if the modules are placed one above the other.

In order to be able to regulate the pressure of the water flowing through the machine housing, it is advantageous if a weir is height-adjustable on the inlet side of the machine housing and can be lowered in the event of shipping traffic or any ice drift. This weir can be a swivel pivotably articulated on the machine housing, which can be designed as a hollow body and can be flowed through with hot air if there is a risk of icing, which enables the driving ice to slide over the float and prevents freezing between the ice cover and the machine housing.

If a clear distance is provided between the modules arranged next to one another in a row, then the aforementioned weir can also be arranged between two modules so that, for example, a passage opening intended for shipping can be closed. In this case it is expedient that Stau¬ weir in the lower rear portion to steer the machine housing so that it rests in the lowered position on the flat example Flußbettbo- ^'the. If such a weir is made hollow and, for example, is filled with compressed air by its hollow swivel shaft, it automatically floats into its stowed position and can be lowered again by flooding, that is to say by opening water inlet valves. ' The kinetic energy of the water is converted via at least one water wheel, which can have curved blades if. it. should only work in one-way operation, i.e. always with the same flow direction. If the hydraulic machine ever nevertheless, subject to marine parts are used in tidal currents, then, the water wheel is preferably flat formed blades which are supported at their radially inner end, freely pivotable ^• pivotable about a lying parallel to the wheel axis Schwenkach.se and when acted upon by the

Bodies of water flow against a stop defining the optimal blade position.

The waterwheel can drive an aggre- = gat directly via its power shaft or work on a main shaft via an intermediate gear. It can be designed as a hydropower plant, the power or main shaft working on a generator. However, a system of metal disks which works on the principle of the vortex brake can also be connected to take up heat energy, the heating occurring in the rotating disks being passed to a heat transfer medium. Forwarding is submitted. However, mechanical energy can also be used to drive e.g. Irrigation pumps are removed. The energy can be transformed into the desired form either in the module itself or in an additional machine house.

The modules can be assembled relatively easily at the place of use. It is also possible final assembly in the dock, brought from the power station with tractors to ^{'destination,} there abge¬ lowers and can be taken in a short time in operation.

When installing the modules in very shallow watercourses with a water level below 2, alluvial sand troughs are considered necessary on both sides because the amount of water in Connection with the flow velocity in the water flow channel to remove the deposits may not be sufficient. However, operation is still possible in extremely shallow waters with a water level below 50 cm with a sufficient width. In the case of an installation site with a water level of more than 2 m, a sand trap on the inlet side of the module is not absolutely necessary.

An underwater power plant consisting of several modules can also be used as needed as a bridge, lock or loading ramp.

While conventional hydropower plants work largely in the surface area of the water used and thus hinder ship traffic, the hydropower machine according to the invention works under water, so that there is no impairment of ship traffic, the landscape or the natural nature of the water. The individual modules within a power plant, the individual units within a module and / or each

The waterwheel and parts thereof can easily be switched off individually or replaced if necessary, without having to interrupt the function of the entire power plant. The system according to the invention is simple in construction, uncomplicated to assemble and therefore less prone to failure. The modular design enables easy adaptation to the local conditions and the desired performance. The new hydropower machine proves to be particularly environmentally friendly.

Further features of the invention are the subject of the subclaims and are explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments. 5;

Some exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation in side view of a 10 hydroelectric machine in the lowered position;

FIG. 2 shows a modified embodiment in a representation according to FIG. 1;

15. Figure 3 ^" i: enlarged scale a water wheel in a modified embodiment compared to Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a hydropower machine with three water wheels; 20th

5 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 4 in front view;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a series of interconnected hydropower machines as a floating one

Power plant;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of two rows of 30 hydropower machines arranged one above the other, each lowered in the working position;

FIG. 8E shows a plan view of hydroelectric machines arranged in shallow water;

FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the installation according to FIG. 8;

Figure 10 shows a modified embodiment in a representation according to Figure 1; Figure 11 shows the embodiment of Figure 10 in plan view;

Figure 12 shows a modified embodiment in a representation according to Figure 10 and

13 shows the embodiment according to FIG. 12 in plan view and partly in horizontal section.

1 shows a hydropower machine consisting of a machine housing 1, which encloses an undershot water wheel 2, which sits on a horizontal power shaft 3 and with its underside in a circular segment-shaped recess 4 of the base 5 of the water wheel 2 which is adapted to the diameter of the water wheel 2 Machine housing 1 immersed. This bottom 5 also defines a water flow channel 6, which extends in the machine housing 1 from a housing inflow opening 7 to a housing outflow opening 8. The free flow cross sections of the two openings 7, 8 mentioned can be changed, for example by a partition 9 that is adjustable in height.

The illustrated hydropower machine is lowered in a flowing water 10, the surface of which is identified by 11 and the direction of flow by 12. The arrangement of the water power machine is such that its water flow channel 6 lies in the direction of flow 12.

FIG. 1 shows that the bottom 5 of the machine housing 1 extends beyond the housing inflow opening 7, the bottom section 5a extending beyond the aforementioned opening 7 extending from its free end edge 5b lying transversely to the direction of flow 12 Housing inflow opening 7 drops somewhat. The floor 5 can be made of concrete. On the machine housing 1, a weir 13 is arranged to be adjustable in height, which in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is a float which is pivotably articulated on the machine housing 1 and which is hollow and can be heated. In the position shown, the weir 13 is in its highest position and thereby builds up the water surface 11 somewhat, so as to reduce the water pressure and thereby the flow velocity; by increasing the water flow channel 6. In the case of shipping traffic or any ice drift, the weir 13 can be lowered or pivoted into the dashed position via the indicated cable 14.

In the lowered position of the machine housing 1 shown in FIG. 1, the position above the water flow channel 6 is; sensitive machine room 15 filled with air, preferably compressed air, for which a compressed air system, not shown, is provided in the machine housing 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a grate 16 is provided in front of the housing inflow opening 7. The water wheel 2 has curved blades 17. The hydropower machine is designed as a single module 18, through the machine housing 1 of which a main shaft 19 is guided, on which the waterwheel 2 operates via a gear ratio, not shown. A number of waterwheels 2 can be provided side by side within the module, all of which work on the common main shaft 19 and are each covered on the end face by partitions 20. A passage 21 is provided within the module 18, consisting of walkable grates 22 and a security grille 23.

While the * water wheel 2 equipped with curved blades 17 shown in FIG. 2 is only suitable for one-way operation, FIG. 3 shows a waterwheel 2 suitable for two-way operation with planar blades 24 which are pivotally mounted at their radially inner end so as to be freely pivotable about a pivot axis 26 lying parallel to the wheel axis 25 and when struck by the water flow 10, 12 against one of them Optimal blade position defining stop 27 abut. Such waterwheels can be used in parts of the sea subject to tidal currents.

FIG. 4 shows the top view of a module 18 with three water wheels 2, for each of which a partition 9 is provided for regulating the housing inlet or outlet opening. Each water wheel 2 is arranged between partition walls 20, while the gears between power shaft 3 and main shaft 19 are each provided in a gear housing 28.

FIG. 5 shows a cross section through the module according to FIG. 4 with a representation of the gear 29 between the power shaft 3 and the main shaft 19.

FIG. 6 shows a highly schematic front view of a module chain 30 consisting of several modules 18. A machine house is indicated at 31. It is a floating, therefore not location-based power plant, for which only lateral anchorages are provided. This embodiment enables the location to be changed quickly.

The system shown in Figure 7 is formed as a hydropower plant, which consists of an upper row consisting of four modules 18 and a lower row consisting of two modules 18. The lower row of modules is embedded on or in the river bed 32 and provided with a foundation 33. Access to this lower row is ensured by a passage 34, with one 55 individual floors are reached by an elevator 35 in a shaft 36, which is embedded in an embankment 37 together with the side modules 18. The machine house 31 is located next to the shaft 36.

10

FIG. 8 shows a plant designed as a power plant and arranged in very shallow water, for which an inlet trench 38 in front of the housing openings 7 of the individual modules, a sand-sand samurler 3 behind the housing outflow openings 8 and then a distributor trench 40 are provided are. The machine house 31 is arranged between the two modules 18. Here too, a foundation 33 is provided for the modules 18.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section through the system according to FIG. 8.

20th

Figures 10 and 11 show a modified embodiment. Here, the machine housing 1 has a side. Housing inflow opening 7 a, which is followed by a guide device 42. In addition, upper housing inflow openings 7b are provided, 25 which are each followed by vertical downpipes 41, to which a guide device 43 for the outflowing water is assigned. The waterwheel 2 can be designed here as a turbine wheel.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a further modified embodiment, in which the water wheel 2 rotating in a horizontal plane and seated on a vertical power shaft 3 is designed as a turbine wheel, which is acted upon by the water supplied via the downpipe 41. Like the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, this solution is particularly suitable for waters with little or no flow.

Claims

Claims:

1. A hydropower machine with a water wheel (2), characterized by a machine housing (1) which can be lowered into a body of water (10) and anchored below the surface of the water (11) and which encloses at least one water wheel (2) seated on a power shaft (3) Has water flow channel (6) and is filled with air, preferably compressed air, in the interior (15) when the working position is lowered.

2. Hydroelectric machine according to claim 1, characterized by an undershot water wheel (2) with a horizontally arranged power shaft (3) and a perpendicular to the power wave (3) extending water flow channel (6).

3. Hydroelectric machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the water flow channel (6) is arranged in the lower region of the machine housing (1) in the direction of flow (12) of the water (10). Ξ

4. ^* Hydroelectric machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that said water flow channel

(6) defining the housing inflow (7) and outflow opening (8) represent the only openings of the machine housing (1), which is otherwise closed on all sides.

5. Hydroelectric machine according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the free flow cross sections of the housing inflow (7) and -ausStrömöffnung (8) are variable 5.

6. Hydroelectric machine according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized ge indicates that the water flow channel (6) defi¬ ning bottom (5) has a diameter of the water wheel (2) 1 adapted circular segment-shaped recess (4) into which Immersed water wheel (2).

7. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine housing (1) has a bottom (5) which extends over the housing inflow opening

(7) extends beyond.

8. A hydropower machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the bottom section (5a) extending beyond the housing inflow opening (7) extends from its free, transverse to

The direction of flow (12) of the end edge (5b) towards the housing inflow opening (7) drops somewhat.

9. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom (5) of the machine housing (1) consists of concrete.

10. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the machine housing (1) has Ponton¬ body for flooding for different immersion depths. 0

11. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the machine housing (1) a weir (13) is arranged adjustable in height.

5 12. Hydroelectric machine according to claim 11, characterized gekennzeich¬ net that the weir (13) on the machine housing (1) is pivotally articulated float.

13. A hydroelectric machine according to claim 12, characterized in that said float is hollow.

14. Hydroelectric machine according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that the weir (13) is heatable.

5 15. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a compressed air system is arranged within the machine housing (1).

16. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, 0 characterized in that the water wheel (1) curved

Has blades (17). (Figure 2)

17. Hydroelectric machine according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the fact that the water wheel (2) has flat ^" 5 ^" blades (24) which are freely pivotable at their radially inner end about a parallel to the wheel axis ( 25) lying pivot axis (26) are pivotally mounted and when exposed to the flow of water (10, 12) against a stop (27) defining the optimal blade position. (Figure 3)

18. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the design as a single module (18), wherein a plurality of modules (18) can be coupled to one another to form a composite directly next to one another in a row extending transversely to the flowing water (10).

19. Hydroelectric machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by training as a hydropower plant.