Column suitable for producing electric power

Abstract

NOT VISIBLE DUE TO STATUS OF PATENT

Description

Description Title of the invention: Column suitable for the production of electrical energy Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of columns and more specifically to the field of electrical energy production. State of the art

[0002] Given global warming, the exploitation of renewable energies is a necessity. Marine renewable energies offer considerable energy potential, particularly wave energy.

[0003] There are devices for harvesting wave energy. Some of these generators are floating and convert the movements of the floating generator, induced by the wave, into energy. Indeed, the swell generates horizontal movements of this floating generator that can be converted into electrical energy, via energy production means internal or external to the floating device or via rotational drive means to generate current.

[0004] This type of device may include an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall connected by a partition containing a turbine. Water circulates between the inner cylindrical wall and the outer cylindrical wall. The movement of the supporting partition containing the turbine towards the liquid fluid causes compression of the gaseous fluid and the movement of the supporting partition towards the liquid fluid causes a depression of the gaseous fluid. The compressions and decompressions, caused by the surge and therefore the rotation of the cylinder, then induce a circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid. The only passage being formed by the opening carrying the turbine, the turbine is then driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and produces electricity.

[0005] However, this type of operation is not optimal since a backflow could be possible and therefore disrupt the proper functioning of the production of electrical energy.

[0006] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all of the aforementioned drawbacks. Thus, the invention seeks to propose a device suitable for preventing reflux between at least two compartments having different pressures. Presentation of the invention.

[0007] The subject of the invention is a column adapted to be connected to at least one unit comprising at least a first and a second separate chamber each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber having a pressure different from the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber, said column comprising an inlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a first valve, an outlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a second valve, and a common portion connected to the inlet and the outlet and comprising at least one turbine. The column is remarkable in that: the first and second valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first and second chambers so that: the first valve directs a fluid flow from one of the first or second chambers towards the common portion, and the second valve directs a fluid flow from the common portion towards the other of the first or second chambers; the turbine being mounted in the common portion and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber towards the second chamber and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber towards the first chamber.

[0008] The column may be a closed member having a bore extending longitudinally through said member. The column may be arranged horizontally. The column may be substantially rectilinear. In another embodiment, the column may be curved.

[0009] The column may include a portion with a constant diameter. In another embodiment, the column may include multiple sections, each having a diameter different from the other sections.

[0010] The column may have a round, oval, rectangular, or square cross-section. In one embodiment, the column may have multiple portions, each portion having a different cross-section than an adjacent portion. In another embodiment, the column may have two portions, one portion having a round cross-section and one portion having an oval cross-section.

[0011] The unit to which the column can be connected may have two identical fluids in both chambers, and the fluid in each chamber may have a different pressure than the fluid in the other chamber. In another embodiment, the unit may have two different fluids in both chambers, and each fluid may have a different pressure than the other fluid. The fluid may be a liquid. In one embodiment, the fluid may be water. In another embodiment, the fluid may be a gas.

[0012] In another embodiment, the unit may have four chambers. In another embodiment, the column may be connected to two units each having two chambers.

[0013] Advantageously, the first and second valves each comprise a cone delimited by an openwork wall extending between a tip and an open base and at least one separating element extending in the cone while being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the openwork wall comprising at least a first an inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening in the base defining an outlet common to the first and second compartments.

[0014] In one embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartment. In a different embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartment.

[0015] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0016] The separating element may be joined to the tip of the cone. The separating element may extend to the level of the open base. The separating element may extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0017] The separating element may be joined to the cone wall over the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element may be joined to the cone wall over at least a portion of the height of the wall.

[0018] The first valve disposed at the inlet of the column may comprise an inlet connected to two pipes each connected to a chamber. The first valve disposed at the inlet of the column may comprise an outlet common to the two compartments, connected to the common portion. The second valve disposed at the outlet of the column may comprise an outlet connected to two pipes each connected to a chamber. The second valve disposed at the outlet of the column may be connected to the common portion at the inlet of the first and second compartments, said inlet of the first and second compartments.

[0019] Advantageously, the first and second valves are arranged in the column, so that the flow at the inlet and outlet passes through each of said valves from the tip to the base.

[0020] The valve may be adapted to guide at least one fluid stream entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a fluid stream entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0021] Advantageously, the turbine is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the energy of the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0022] When the fluid flow from the first chamber passes through the inlet valve and ends up in the common portion, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed to the second chamber via the outlet valve. Conversely, when the fluid flow from the second chamber passes through the inlet valve and ends up in the common portion, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed to the first chamber via the outlet valve. The common portion may include a turbine arranged so that the fluid flow from one of the chambers and directed into the other of the chambers can pass through said turbine and cause it to rotate.

[0023] Advantageously, the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber are in the same direction.

[0024] The flow from the first chamber towards the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber towards the first chamber can necessarily pass into the column from the inlet, cross the common portion and head towards the outlet. This movement can be directed by means of the valves arranged at the inlet and outlet of the column, the structure of which can prevent movement of the flow in the other direction.

[0025] Advantageously, the column comprises an alternator coupled to the turbine and comprises a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy.

[0026] The turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the alternator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Thus, in this embodiment, the alternator can produce voltage only as needed.

[0027] The control unit is adapted to control the alternator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly to the electricity network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0028] Advantageously, the column comprises a generator arranged to cooperate with the turbine and a control unit adapted to control said generator to produce electrical energy.

[0029] The turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the generator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy, the generator being able to be adapted to regulate the necessary voltage.

[0030] The control unit is adapted to control the generator so that the electrical energy can be sent directly to the electricity grid or directed to batteries for storage as required.

[0031] Advantageously, the column comprises a pump coupled to the turbine and the turbine is adapted to implement said pump to put a fluid under pressure.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a unit intended to be installed in an aquatic environment comprising a column connected to said unit.

[0033] Advantageously, the unit comprises at least one wave energy device.

[0034] The wave energy device may comprise a floating energy generator whose energy production is carried out by the surging movement of said device on the water. The device may in particular comprise a cylinder comprising energy production means, namely the column and connecting means connected to anchors, the connecting means being crossed.

[0035] The cylinder may comprise an inner annular volume comprising a liquid fluid in the lower part, for example water which only partially fills the lower annular volume, the liquid fluid can then move freely in said cylinder and a gaseous fluid above, for example air. In said annular volume, two chambers may be formed by using a partition in said annular volume, each chamber comprising a free surface of the liquid fluid. Thus, the two chambers may be formed between the free surface of the liquid fluid and the partition. The column may be mounted on an external face of the cylinder at the partition. When the cylinder undergoes a surge movement due to the propagation of the swell, it may then undergo a rotation around the axis of revolution of the cylinder.When the cylinder undergoes rotations due to the swell, the liquid fluid remains in the lower part of the cylinder, but the support partition secured to the outer wall forming the cylinder, passes from a substantially vertical position, to an inclined position. Thus, the support partition moves closer to the liquid fluid on one side and away from the liquid fluid on the other side. The approach of the support partition towards the liquid fluid in one of the two chambers causes a compression of the gaseous fluid and the distance of the support partition from the liquid fluid in the other chamber causes a depression of the gaseous fluid. More precisely, during rotation, one of the chambers can be compressed and the other of the chambers can be decompressed and when the rotation is carried out in the opposite direction, the compressed chamber can then be decompressed and the decompressed chamber can be compressed.The compressions and decompressions, generated by the surge and therefore the rotation of the cylinder, then induce a circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid, namely in the column. The only passage being formed by the column comprising the turbine connected to the current generator or to the alternator or to the pump depending on the embodiment, the turbine can then be driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and cause the production of electricity by the generator or the alternator or even the production of pressurized water by the pump.

[0036] The invention also relates to a non-return valve adapted to prevent the backflow of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve comprising a cone delimited by an openwork wall extending between a tip and an open base and at least one separating element: the separating element extending in the cone while being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the openwork wall comprises at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining an outlet common to the first and second compartments.

[0037] The fluid passing through the valve may be a liquid. In one embodiment the fluid is water. In another embodiment the fluid passing through the valve may be a gas.

[0038] The cone may have a suitable perforated wall to allow the fluid to pass through.

[0039] In one embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartment. In a different embodiment, the partition element may be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartment.

[0040] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0041] The separating element may be joined at the point of the cone. The separating element may extend to the level of the open base. The separating element may extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0042] The separating element may be joined to the cone wall over the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element may be joined to the cone wall over at least a portion of the height of the wall.

[0043] The valve may be adapted to guide at least one fluid stream entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a fluid stream entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0044] Advantageously, the wall of the cone adapted to form the entrance is at least partially openwork.

[0045] In this embodiment, the wall of the cone adapted to form the entrance can be perforated so that the cone comprises a point, a ring forming an outline of the base of said cone, said point and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Thus in this embodiment, the wall and the separating element are in contact. In this embodiment, the wall at the entrance of the first compartment is similar to the wall of the entrance of the second compartment, these are perforated except at the point and the ring forming the outline of the base.

[0046] This is the openwork part that can allow the fluid to pass through the first compartment or the second compartment.

[0047] Advantageously, the wall of the cone has a mesh suitable for forming the entrance.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cone comprises a tip, a ring forming an outline of the base of said cone, said tip and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Between the wall portions, an openwork mesh extends. The mesh may comprise more or less large meshes allowing the fluid to pass through.

[0049] Advantageously, the valve comprises at least one anti-reflux member arranged against an internal face of the wall, said anti-reflux member being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip to the base of the cone.

[0050] Advantageously, the at least one anti-reflux member is a flexible membrane.

[0051] The membrane may be made of natural rubber. In another embodiment, the membrane may be made of elastomer. In a different embodiment, the membrane may be made of fabric. The membrane may be opaque.

[0052] In the embodiment in which the wall is perforated, the membrane has a relative rigidity allowing it to maintain its shape. The membrane may have a circumference adapted to be positioned on the internal face of the wall, that is to say on the internal face of the ring surrounding the base.

[0053] In the embodiment in which the wall comprises a mesh, the membrane may be supported by said mesh.

[0054] The membrane may be flexible such that when the flow passes into the first compartment or the second compartment, said membrane may deform to allow the fluid to pass through said compartment.

[0055] The membrane can be adapted to fit the inner face of the cone wall when the flow does not pass through the compartment.

[0056] Advantageously, the cone and the separating element cooperate with each other to maintain the anti-reflux member by compression.

[0057] In this embodiment, the membrane is positioned between the inner wall of the cone and the separating element so that said separating element can firmly hold the membrane wedged between them.

[0058] Advantageously, the valve comprises at least one fixing means suitable for fixing the anti-reflux member in said valve.

[0059] In one embodiment, the fastening means may comprise a threaded rod arranged to pass through the separating element at its axis and to pass through the tip of the cone. The threaded rod is adapted to cooperate with a nut adapted to hold together the threaded rod, the separating element and the cone so that the membrane can be held between said cone and said separating element even when it is deformed by the passage of the flow.

[0060] Advantageously, the fixing means is mounted on at least one face of the separating element in contact with the wall of the cone.

[0061] Advantageously, the fixing means is mounted on an internal face of the wall of the cone.

[0062] In one embodiment, the membrane may have two side edges, each having at least two holes. The attachment means of this embodiment may include at least two lugs mounted on an external surface of the separating element and at least the two holes of the side edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so that the lugs are inserted into the holes.

[0063] In another embodiment, the membrane may comprise two lateral edges, each comprising at least two holes. The fixing means of this embodiment may comprise at least two lugs mounted on an internal face of the wall of the cone and at least the two holes of the lateral edges of the membrane, adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so as to maintain the holes of the membrane on the lugs.

[0064] In a different embodiment, the fixing means may comprise glue suitable for holding the membrane on the external face of the separation element. The fixing means may comprise glue suitable for holding the membrane on the internal face of the wall.

[0065] In another embodiment, the fastening means may comprise both the lugs cooperating with the holes in the membrane and the threaded rod and the nut. Thus, the membrane is firmly held in position on the lugs by means of the holes. The assembly formed by the cone, the lugs, the membrane and the separating element is held together by the cooperation of the nut and the threaded rod passing through said separating element and said cone.

[0066] Advantageously, each compartment comprises at least a portion of the anti-reflux member.

[0067] In this embodiment, the valve comprises a single membrane adapted to fit the entire internal surface of the cone wall. Thus, the first inlet of the first compartment comprises a first portion of the membrane and the second inlet of the second compartment comprises a second portion of the membrane.

[0068] In an embodiment in which the valve has four compartments, there may be two embodiments of the flexible membrane, namely that each compartment may have a portion of the single membrane or the valve may have two membranes such that two side-by-side compartments each have a portion of the same membrane.

[0069] Advantageously, each compartment includes one of the anti-reflux organs.

[0070] In this embodiment, each compartment may comprise a membrane. Thus, a valve comprising two compartments may comprise two membranes, a valve comprising four compartments may comprise four membranes.

[0071] Therefore, in this embodiment, each membrane may have two holes on each of its lateral edges and the separating element may have at least two lugs on each of its faces in contact with the wall of the cone. Two lugs on the same face may be adapted to receive the holes of two membranes of two adjacent compartments.

[0072] Advantageously, the thickness of the anti-reflux member is less than 50 mm.

[0073] The thickness of the membrane can vary depending on the dimensions of the valve. The membrane can be less than 30 mm, in particular less than 15 mm.

[0074] The thickness of the membrane can be correlated to its flexibility. The membrane must be flexible enough to be able to deform in order to allow the fluid flow to pass through. Thus, the thickness of the membrane can be correlated with the dimensions of the cone, that is to say, the smaller the cone, the thinner the membrane can be, that is, a thickness allowing it to be both flexible while maintaining its shape against the wall of the cone when the fluid does not pass through the entrance of the compartment, and the larger the cone, the thinner the membrane can be, allowing it to be flexible while maintaining its shape against the wall of the cone when the fluid does not pass through the entrance of the compartment.

[0075] Advantageously, the separating element comprises at least two concave faces delimited by at least one convex rounding, said faces being arranged opposite each compartment so that the at least one rounding is positioned at the junction between the concave face and the wall of the cone.

[0076] The separating element comprises, between two faces in contact with the wall of the cone, two concave faces. Each concave face may be adapted to receive the membrane when the latter deforms during the passage of the fluid flow. The concave face may have a profile adapted so that the membrane can match said profile during the passage of the fluid flow through the inlet of the compartment.

[0077] Each concave face may be delimited by a convex rounding. The convex rounding may be adapted to prevent the membrane from bending which could damage it. The rounding may minimize the radius of curvature of the membrane when it is deformed by the passage of the fluid flow. Thus, when the membrane is deformed by the passage of the fluid flow through the inlet of the compartment, its flexibility may allow it to at least partially match the profile of said separation element.

[0078] Advantageously, the cone has a continuous surface on an external face.

[0079] In this embodiment, the cone may have a substantially smooth external surface. Thus the inlet of the valve could be mounted on a single column and the valve may be adapted to separate two fluid streams at the valve outlet.

[0080] Advantageously, the cone comprises on an external face at least two separation members arranged in the extension of the at least one separation element.

[0081] In this embodiment, the cone may comprise on its external surface two separating members which may form a single part with the cone. Thus, the inlet of the valve may be mounted on two different columns, each comprising a flow distinct from the other column, each flow being able to come from one or the other of the columns.

[0082] In one embodiment, the two separating members may form a single piece with the cone. In another embodiment, the two separating members may form a separate piece from the cone. Brief description of the figures.

[0083] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention are now described with the aid of examples which are purely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the appended drawings, drawings in which the various figures represent:

[0084] [Fig. 1] schematically represents an internal view of a column according to one embodiment.

[0085] [Fig. 2] schematically represents an overall view of a unit comprising a column from which the front face of said unit has been removed, according to one embodiment.

[0086] In the following description, elements which are identical, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of an embodiment.

[0087] [Fig. 1] shows an internal view of a column 10 according to one embodiment. The column 10 is also described in connection with [Fig. 2] showing an overall view according to one embodiment of a unit 1 comprising a column 10 of which the front face of said unit 1 has been removed.

[0088] The column 10 described in [Fig. 1] is adapted to be connected to a unit 1, as shown in [Fig. 2]. The unit 1 comprises a first 11 and a second separate chamber 12 each containing a fluid. The operation of the unit 1 in connection with the column 10 will be described later in the description.

[0089] The fluid in the first chamber 11 has a different pressure than the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber 12. The two fluids in the two chambers 11, 12 are identical. The fluid is a gas, for example air.

[0090] The column 10 comprises an inlet A connected to the first 11 and second 12 chambers and comprising a first valve 100, an outlet Z connected to the first 11 and second 12 chambers and comprising a second valve 101. The column 10 comprises a common portion 102 connected to the inlet A and to the outlet Z, said portion 102 comprising at least one turbine 102.1.

[0091] The column 10 is a closed element comprising a bore passing longitudinally through said element. The column 10 is arranged horizontally. The column 10 is substantially rectilinear between the two valves 100, 101. The column 10 is curved at its ends, at the level of the inlet A and the outlet Z.

[0092] Column 10 has a constant diameter. Column 10 has a round section.

[0093] The first 100 and the second valve 101 each comprise a cone 100.1, 101.1 delimited by a perforated wall 100.1b, 101.1b extending between a tip 100.1a, 101.1a and an open base 100.1c, 101.1c and at least one separating element 100.2, 101.2 extending in the cone 100.1, 101.1 while being adapted to form with the wall 100.1b, 101.1b at least a first compartment 100.3, 101.3 and a second compartment 100.4, 101.4 of said cone 100.1, 101.1. The perforated wall 100.1b, 101.1b comprises a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment 100.3, 101.3 and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment 100.4, 101.4; the first 100.3, 101.3 and the second 100.4, 101.4 compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base 100.1c, 101.1c, the opening of the base 100.1c, 101.1c defines an outlet common to the first 100.3, 101.3 and the second 100.4, 101.4 compartments.

[0094] The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is adapted to form a first 100.3, 101.3 and a second 100.4, 101.4 compartment. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is arranged to prevent any communication between the first 100.3, 101.3 and the second 100.4, 101.4 compartments through said separating element 100.2, 101.2. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is joined to the tip 100.1a, 101.1a of the cone 100.1, 101.1. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 may extend up to the level of the open base 100.1c, 101.1c. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 extends in a plane containing the axis of the cone 100.1, 101.1.

[0095] The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is joined to the wall 100.1b, 101.1b of the cone 100.1, 101.1 over the entire height of the wall 100.1b, 101.1b from the tip 100.1a, 101.1a to the base 100.1c, 101.1c.

[0096] The first valve 100 arranged at the inlet A of the column 10 comprises an inlet connected to two pipes each connected to a chamber 11, 12. The first valve 100 arranged at the inlet A of the column 10 comprises an outlet common to the two compartments 100.3, 100.4, connected to the common portion 102. The second valve 101 arranged at the outlet Z of the column 10 comprises an outlet connected to two pipes each connected to a chamber 11, 12. The second valve 101 arranged at the outlet Z of the column 10 is connected to the common portion 102 at the inlet of the first 101.3 and the second 101.4 compartment.

[0097] The first 100 and the second 101 valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first 11 and second 12 chambers so that the first valve 100 directs a fluid flow from one of the first 11 or second 12 chambers towards the common portion 102, and the second valve 101 directs another fluid flow from the common portion 102 towards the other of the first 11 or second 12 chambers.

[0098] The first 100 and the second 101 valves are arranged in the column 10, so that the flow at the inlet A and at the outlet Z passes through each of said valves 100, 101 from the tip 100.1a, 101.1a towards the base 100.1c, 101.1c.

[0099] The valve 100, 101 is adapted to guide at least one flow of fluid entering said valve 100, 101 through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment 100.3, 101.3 without passing through the second compartment 100.4, 101.4 and to guide a flow of fluid entering the valve 100, 101 through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment 100.4, 101.4 without passing through the first compartment 100.3, 101.3.

[0100] The flow from the first chamber 11 to the second chamber 12 and the flow from the second chamber 12 to the first chamber 11 are in the same direction.

[0101] The flow from the first chamber 11 towards the second chamber 12 and the flow from the second chamber 12 towards the first chamber 11 necessarily pass into the column 10 from the inlet A then crosses the common portion 102 and heads towards the outlet Z. This movement is directed by means of the valves 100, 101 arranged at the inlet A and at the outlet Z of the column 10, the structure of which prevents the flow from moving in the other direction.

[0102] The turbine 102.1 is mounted in the common portion 102 and is adapted to capture the energy contained in the flow of fluid circulating from the first chamber 11 to the second chamber 12 and in the flow of fluid circulating from the second chamber 12 to the first chamber 11. The turbine 102.1 is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber 11 to the second chamber 12 and the energy of the flow from the second chamber 12 to the first chamber 11.

[0103] When the fluid flow from the first chamber 11 passes through the first valve 100 and ends up in the common portion 102, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers 11, 12 of the unit 1, it is directed towards the second chamber 12 via the second valve 101. Conversely, when the fluid flow from the second chamber 12 passes through the first valve 100 and ends up in the common portion 102, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers 11, 12 of the unit 1, it is directed towards the first chamber 11 via the second valve 101. The common portion 102 comprises a turbine 102.1 arranged so that the fluid flow from one of the chambers 11, 12 and directed into the other of the chambers 11, 12 can pass through said turbine 102.1 and cause it to rotate.

[0104] [Fig. 2] describes a unit 1 intended to be installed on the surface S of an aquatic environment comprising a column 10 connected to said unit 1. Unit 1 comprises a wave energy device.

[0105] The wave energy device 1 comprises a floating energy generator whose energy production is carried out thanks to the surging movement of said device 1 on the water. The device 1 comprises a cylinder comprising energy production means, namely the column 10 and connecting means connected to anchors, the connecting means being crossed.

[0106] The cylinder comprises an inner annular volume comprising a liquid fluid in the lower part, for example water which only partially fills the lower annular volume, the liquid fluid moving freely in said cylinder and a gaseous fluid is above, for example air. In said annular volume, two chambers 11, 12 are formed by using a partition in said annular volume, each chamber 11, 12 comprising a free surface of the liquid fluid. Thus, the two chambers 11, 12 are formed between the free surface of the liquid fluid and the partition. The column 10 is mounted on an external face of the cylinder at the partition. When the cylinder undergoes a surge movement due to the propagation of the swell, it can then undergo a rotation around its axis of revolution of the cylinder. When the cylinder undergoes the rotations due to the swell, the liquid fluid remains in the lower part of the cylinder, but the supporting partition secured to the outer walls forming the cylinder, pass from a substantially vertical position to an inclined position. Thus, the support partition moves closer to the liquid fluid on one side and away from the liquid fluid on the other side. The approach of the support partition towards the liquid fluid in one of the two chambers 11, 12 causes a compression of the gaseous fluid and the distance of the support partition from the liquid fluid in the other chamber causes a depression of the gaseous fluid. More precisely, during rotation, one of the chambers 11, 12 is compressed and the other of the chambers 11, 12 is decompressed and when the rotation is carried out in the opposite direction, the compressed chamber 11, 12 is then decompressed and the decompressed chamber 11, 12 is compressed.The compressions and decompressions, generated by the surge and therefore the rotation of the cylinder, then induce a circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid, namely in the column 10. The only passage being formed by the column 10 comprising the turbine 102.1 connected to a current generator (not shown in the figures), the turbine 102.1 is then driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and causes the production of electricity by the generator.

[0107] The foregoing description clearly explains how the invention achieves the objectives it sets for itself, namely to provide a device suitable for preventing backflow between at least two compartments having different pressures, by providing a column suitable for being connected to at least one unit comprising at least a first and a second separate chamber each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber having a pressure different from the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber, said column comprising an inlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a first valve, an outlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a second valve, and a common portion connected to the inlet and the outlet and comprising at least one turbine.The first and second valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first and second chambers such that: the first valve directs a fluid flow from one of the first or second chambers toward the common portion, and the second valve directs a fluid flow from the common portion toward the other of the first or second chambers; the turbine being mounted in the common portion and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber to the second chamber and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0108] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically effective combination of these means. In particular, it may be envisaged

[0109] - the column may comprise several sections, each with a diameter different from the other sections;

[0110] - the column can have an oval, rectangular or square section;

[0111] - the column may have several portions, each portion having a different section from an adjacent portion, for example, the column may have two portions, one portion having a round section and one portion having an oval section.

[0112] - the unit may have two different fluids in the two chambers and each fluid may have a different pressure than the other fluid;

[0113] - the fluid can be a liquid;

[0114] - the fluid can be water;

[0115] - the unit can have four bedrooms;

[0116] - the column can be connected to two units each comprising two chambers;

[0117] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartments;

[0118] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartments;

[0119] - the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element-

[0120] - the separating element can be joined to the wall of the cone over at least a portion of the height of the wall;

[0121] - the column comprises an alternator coupled to the turbine and comprises a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy;

[0122] - the turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the alternator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy;

[0123] - electrical energy can, depending on requirements, either be sent directly to the electricity network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0124] - the column comprises a pump coupled to the turbine and the turbine is adapted to implement said pump to put a fluid under pressure.

Claims

Claims

1. Column (10) adapted to be connected to at least one unit (1) comprising at least a first (11) and a second (12) separate chambers each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber (11) having a pressure different from the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber (12), said column (10) comprising an inlet (A) connected to the first (11) and second (12) chambers and comprising a first valve (100), an outlet (Z) connected to the first (11) and second (12) chambers and comprising a second valve (101), and a common portion (102) connected to the inlet (A) and to the outlet (Z) and comprising at least one turbine (102.1) characterized in that: • the first (100) and the second (101) valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first (11) and second (12) chambers so that: o the first valve (100) directs a fluid flow from one of the first (11) or second (12) chambers towards the common portion (102), and o the second valve (101) directs a fluid flow from the common portion (102) towards the other of the first (11) or second (12) chambers; • the turbine (102.1) being mounted in the common portion (102) and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the flow of fluid circulating from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (12) and in the flow of fluid circulating from the second chamber (12) to the first chamber (11).

2. Column (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first (100) and the second (101) valve each comprise a cone (100.1, 101.1) delimited by a perforated wall (100.1b, 101.1b) extending between a tip (100.1a, 101.1a) and an open base (100.1c, 101.1c) and at least one separating element (100.2, 101.2) extending in the cone (100.1, 101.1) while being adapted to form with the wall (100.1b, 101.1b) at least a first compartment (100.3, 101.3) and a second compartment (100.4, 101.4) of said cone (100.1, 101.1); the perforated wall (100.1b, 101.1b) comprising at least a first inlet for a fluid opening into the first compartment (100.3, 101.3) and a second inlet for a fluid opening into the second compartment (100.4, 101.4); the first (100.3, 101.3) and the second (100.4, 101.4) compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base (100.1c, 101.1c), the opening of the base (100.1c, 101.1c) defining an output. common to the first (100.3, 101.3) and the second compartments (100.4, 101.4).

3. Column (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (100) and the second (101) valves are arranged in the column (10), so that the flow at the inlet (A) and at the outlet (Z) passes through each of said valves (100, 101) from the tip (100.1a, 101.1a) towards the base (100.1c, 101.1c).

4. Column (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the turbine (102.1) is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (12) and the energy of the flow from the second chamber (12) to the first chamber (U).

5. Column (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (12) and the flow from the second chamber (12) to the first chamber (11) are in the same direction.

6. Column (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises an alternator coupled to the turbine (102.1) and a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy.

7. Column (10) according to claim 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises a generator arranged to cooperate with the turbine (102.1) and a control unit adapted to control said generator to produce electrical energy.

8. Column (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a pump coupled to the turbine (102.1) and in that the turbine (102.1) is adapted to operate said pump to put a fluid under pressure.

9. Unit (1) intended to be installed in an aquatic environment comprising a column (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8 connected to said unit (1).

10. Unit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one wave energy device.