Suction shroud device and power tidal power plant

Abstract

The invention provides a suction shroud device for a power tidal power plant, comprising an inflow opening and an outflow opening arranged downstream of the inflow opening in a flow direction, and a plurality of shroud housing segments extending substantially in the flow direction between the inflow opening and the outflow opening and arranged such that the plurality of shroud housing segments together form a conical shroud body, wherein the plurality of shroud housing segments are continuously movable relative to each other between a first extreme position and a second extreme position such that a flow velocity inside the suction shroud device can be controlled in comparison to the surrounding flow.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a suction shield device for a tidal power station and a tidal power station having a suction shield device.

[0002] Energy production methods developed around the world are meeting ever-growing energy demands. In this regard, there is a growing need to make energy production as environmentally friendly as possible to prevent environmental damage. These requirements have made hydropower, as a renewable energy source, play a vital role.

[0003] To date, power generation has relied almost entirely on artificially constructed dams, typically in river valleys, on turbines operating at either high or low speeds, depending on the elevation difference. This method severely impacts nature, as the dams create a nearly insurmountable barrier for fish, e.g., or for aquatic animals being propelled through the generators. Further development of this type of power generation is no longer popular, or is virtually impossible, prohibitively expensive, and faces considerable adversity for various reasons.

[0004] Another way to use hydroelectric power is to generate electricity in rivers without building weirs like dams. For example, attempts are made to achieve this using so-called ocean current buoys, which form a floating ocean current power generation device that converts the kinetic energy of a free-flowing, unobstructed river into electrical energy while the buoy floats below the water's surface.

[0005] For example, EP1747373A1 describes a tidal turbine device for generating electricity in free-flowing water, the device having a slow-running axially loaded turbine impeller with a generator in an annular float.

[0006] However, known kinetic hydroelectric power generation devices require a relatively high flow rate of approximately two meters per second in order to achieve significant output and be economically feasible.

[0007] The basic objective of this invention is to provide a suction shield device that increases the application possibilities of tidal power plants.

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved through the purpose of the independent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a suction shroud device is provided for a tidal power plant. The suction shroud device includes: an inflow opening and an outflow opening disposed downstream of the inflow opening along a flow direction; and a plurality of shroud housing segments extending substantially between the inflow opening and the outflow opening in the flow direction, and configured such that the plurality of shroud housing segments collectively form a conical shroud, wherein the plurality of shroud housing segments are continuously movable relative to each other between a first limit position and a second limit position, such that the flow velocity inside the suction shroud device can be controlled compared to the surrounding flow. In this respect, the continuous movement of the shroud housing segments relative to the first and second limit positions allows for control of the flow velocity within the suction shroud device.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a tidal power station is provided. The tidal power station includes a flow generator; a computing device disposed upstream of the flow inlet of the flow generator along the flow direction and configured to protect the flow generator from solid foreign objects. Furthermore, the tidal power station also includes a suction shield device according to the invention, disposed downstream of the flow generator, with its inflow opening corresponding to the external dimensions of the flow generator.

[0011] A fundamental idea of ​​this invention is to provide a variable and adjustable suction shield device that adjusts itself according to the flow velocity of the fluid flowing toward the suction shield device, such that the flow velocity inside the suction shield device, specifically at the inlet opening, deviates from a predetermined value relative to the inflow velocity of the incoming fluid. Therefore, for example, the suction shield device can provide a flow velocity for a tidal power station, which can be positioned within a desired velocity range at the inlet opening, regardless of the inflow velocity of the incoming fluid. Specifically, this enables the achievement of the optimal operating point for the tidal power station.

[0012] In this invention, the flow direction is defined as the predetermined flow direction of fluid from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. This means that the flow direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the suction shroud device. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the suction shroud device corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the tidal power station; that is, the term "longitudinal direction" in this invention applies to both the suction shroud device and the tidal power station.

[0013] The term "limit position" refers to the state of multiple housing segments in which the mobility of one of the housing segments, which can move relative to each other, is restricted in at least one direction of movement. This means, for example, that to pivot towards two housing segments that pivot towards each other, they must remain in contact, and therefore, in this state, they can only pivot away from each other. Limit positions also occur if the direction of movement is blocked by a third component, such as a damper or spring, or other movement-blocking device with a limited stroke. Specifically, multiple housing segments also have limit positions if only one degree of freedom is provided and one of two directions of movement is blocked within that degree of freedom, for example, linear movement to the left but not linear movement to the right.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further embodiments are shown in the description with reference to the dependent claims of the independent claim and the accompanying drawings.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the suction shield device is elliptical, circular, or similarly designed when viewed transversely to the flow direction. In this way, the suction shield device has a shape suitable for compressive loads.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, at least some of the plurality of shield housing segments are made of an elastic material. This means that the elastic shield housing segments can become increasingly elastic with increasing flow rate and reversibly deform again with decreasing flow rate. The degree of deformation can be determined by the properties and dimensions of the material composition, specifically by the material thickness, to achieve a predetermined flow rate.

[0017] According to a further improvement of the suction shield device, the material composition and / or geometry of the elastic shield housing segment are changed along its extension direction, causing the spring constant of the elastic shield housing segment to vary along its extension direction. In this way, the deformation of the elastic shield housing segment can be optimized so that some parts deform more or less than other parts of the shield housing segment.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the suction shield device further includes a spring device and / or an actuator for supporting the mobility of the plurality of shield housing segments between a first limit position and a second limit position, wherein the spring device and / or the actuator couples at least some of the plurality of shield housing segments to each other. This means, for example, that the actuator can actively move the shield housing segments independently of the flow rate. Furthermore, the spring device can reduce some of the flow rate-dependent movement of the shield housing segments, for example, when the spring device uses its spring force to counteract deviations from the optimal position.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, the plurality of shield housing segments are configured to be substantially movable relative to each other along the flow direction. This means that the suction shield device can extend longer or shorter in the longitudinal direction. In this regard, recesses / gapes can be provided between the shield housing segments from the middle position of the plurality of shield housing segments of the suction shield device, wherein the recesses are configured to allow fluid to pass through them.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, the plurality of shield housing segments are configured to move substantially transversely to each other in the flow direction. This means that the suction shield device can extend laterally to the longitudinal direction, or be wider or narrower. In this respect, the size of the outflow opening is specifically affected.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, the size ratio of the inlet opening to the outlet opening is configured to be variable. This size ratio corresponds to a mathematical symbol as a fraction (size ratio = inlet opening : outlet opening). In this way, the dynamic suction of the fluid inside the suction shield device can be varied. This specifically affects the ratio of the flow velocity at the inlet opening to the flow velocity at the outlet opening.

[0022] According to a further improvement of the suction shield device, the size ratio has a minimum value at the first extreme position and a maximum value at the second extreme position. Therefore, the first extreme position has the minimum flow velocity difference between the inlet and outlet openings. In this respect, the second extreme position has the highest flow velocity difference between the inlet and outlet openings.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, the inflow opening is smaller than the outflow opening, so as to generate dynamic fluid suction inside the suction shield device. Therefore, the suction shield device operates based on the principle of a diffuser.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, the plurality of shield housing segments partially overlap in an overlapping area and are in contact with each other in the overlapping area. Therefore, the shield housing segments can move relative to each other within a defined range without creating undesirable recesses / gaps in the cover through which fluid can flow. Furthermore, this method improves the stability of the suction shield device.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the suction shield device, at least one of the plurality of shield housing sections has a flow guide on its outer side, the flow guide being configured to increase the hydromechanical resistance to the fluid flowing through it. In this way, the fluid flowing through the outer side can be slowed down. This may cause the fluid to attempt to choose a path with less hydromechanical resistance, and the flow velocity at the inlet will increase.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the aforementioned tidal power station, the operating voltage is up to 60V. This reduces the cost of electronic components and minimizes electrical hazards due to defects.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the tidal power station also includes a controllable depth rudder for adjusting the floating depth in the water, which is disposed at the edge region relative to the longitudinal direction of the tidal power station. This allows it to respond to constantly changing environmental conditions. Specifically, damage or malfunction can be reduced in special circumstances such as flooding or freezing.

[0028] If appropriate, the above embodiments and further extensions can be combined with each other in any desired manner. Other possible embodiments, further embodiments, and implementations of the invention include combinations of features of the invention that are not expressly mentioned above or described below with respect to embodiments. In this regard, those skilled in the art will also add various aspects as improvements or additions to the various basic forms of the invention.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0030] Figure 1A , 1B This is a schematic top view of a suction shield device having a shield housing section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 It is based on Figure 1A A schematic rear view of the suction shield device in the second extreme position, according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3A , 3B 3C and 3D are based on Figure 2 The schematic rear view of the suction shield device in the first extreme position of the design example shown, wherein the restoring force is respectively generated by the elastic shield housing segment in each case ( Figure 3A ), spring device ( Figure 3B ), two actuators ( Figure 3C ) or an actuator (see Figure 3D )support;

[0033] Figure 4A , 4B This is a schematic top view of a suction shield device with a pivotable shield housing section according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shield housing section is in... Figure 4A The second limit position and Figure 4B The first extreme position in;

[0034] Figure 5A , 5B It is based on Figure 4A Or a schematic rear view of the suction shield device of the embodiment shown in 4B;

[0035] Figure 6A , 6B This is a schematic top view of a suction shield device with a retractable shield housing section according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the shield housing section is in... Figure 6A The first limit position and Figure 6B The second extreme position in;

[0036] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 6A A schematic rear view of the suction shield device of an embodiment; and

[0037] Figure 8A , 8B 8C is a schematic diagram of a tidal power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A Side view; Figure 8B Top view; Figure 8C (Isometric drawing).

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same elements, features and parts having the same function or effect are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0039] While specific embodiments and extensions are shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous alternative and / or similar embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. This application is generally intended to cover all modifications or alterations to specific instances of the embodiments described herein.

[0040] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and, in conjunction with the description, to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other examples of embodiments and many of the described advantages appear in the drawings. The drawings should be understood as schematic diagrams only, and the elements in the drawings need not be represented to scale relative to each other. Directional designations, such as “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “above,” “below,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “front,” “rear,” and similar designations, are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the generality to the specific embodiments shown in the figures.

[0041] Figure 1A and 1BA schematic top view of a suction shield device 10 having multiple shield housing segments 13 is shown. The suction shield device 10 also has an inlet opening 11 and an outlet opening 12. Referring to the flow direction A, the outlet opening 12 is located downstream of the inlet opening 11. The multiple shield housing segments 13 extend substantially between the inlet opening 11 and the outlet opening 12 in the flow direction A. In this respect, the extensions of the shield housing segments 13 are provided to deviate from the flow direction A by up to approximately 40°, specifically up to approximately 25°. Furthermore, the multiple shield housing segments 13 are arranged in such a way that the multiple shield housing segments 13 together form a conical shield body. In this respect, the multiple shield housing segments 13 can move continuously relative to each other between a first limit position and a second limit position, such that the flow velocity inside the suction shield device 10 can be controlled compared to the surrounding flow.

[0042] For example, Figure 1A and 1B The suction shield device also has a hinge device 19. The hinge device 19 supports the pivoting of the shield housing section 13. Figure 1A As shown, for example, two of the four shield housing sections 13 can be connected by a hinge device 19. In this respect, the hinge device 19 is located in the region of the inflow opening 11, specifically having a pivot axis perpendicular to the flow direction A. Or, as Figure 1B In the example shown, four protective housing segments 13 are hinged to hinge device 19. Furthermore, this hinge device 19 has the same characteristics as the one referenced above. Figure 1A The features are essentially the same as those already described. Although in these embodiments the suction shield device 10 includes four shield housing segments 13, the invention is not limited to four shield housing segments 13, but may include any number of shield housing segments 13.

[0043] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1A A schematic rear view of the suction shield device 10 in the second extreme position according to an embodiment. For example, the second extreme position can be defined as the state in which the suction shield device 10 is not exposed to any fluid flow and the resulting forces and / or torques.

[0044] Furthermore, when viewed transversely to the flow direction A, the suction shield 10 is optionally configured as an ellipse. Alternatively or in combination, the suction shield may be configured transversely to the flow direction A as a circle or similar shape. In this respect, in addition to curved portions, straight portions may also be included.

[0045] In this regard, such as Figure 2 As shown, in order to generate a dynamic fluid suction effect inside the suction shield device 10, the inflow opening 11 is smaller than the outflow opening 12.

[0046] Figure 3A ,3B 3C and 3D respectively show the results based on Figure 2 A schematic rear view of the suction shield device 10 in the first extreme position according to an embodiment. In this respect, a plurality of shield housing segments 13 are configured to be movable relative to each other, for example substantially transverse to the flow direction A. Not all shield housing segments 13 are configured to be movable relative to each other; rather, individual shield housing segments of the plurality of shield housing segments 13 may be configured to be rigid and / or connected to each other.

[0047] Furthermore, the suction shield device 10 in the first extreme position, viewed transversely to the flow direction A, can be configured in a manner similar to or different from the second extreme position. This means, for example, that the suction shield device 10 can be configured to be elliptical in the first extreme position and circular in the second extreme position. Other forms or hybrid forms are also conceivable.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, the size ratio of the inflow opening 11 to the outflow opening 12 is configured to be variable between a first extreme position and a second extreme position. This means that the ratio of the inflow opening 11 to the outflow opening 12 changes due to the mobility of the multiple housing segments 13 between the first extreme position and the second extreme position. Therefore, the inflow opening 11 or the outflow opening 12 can optionally maintain their dimensions while the dimensions of the corresponding other opening 11, 12 increase or decrease, or the dimensions of the inflow opening 11 and the outflow opening 12 can change in parallel, but at different proportions. In this respect, the size ratio has a minimum value at the first extreme position and a maximum value at the second extreme position. Therefore, according to... Figure 3A , 3B In the embodiments shown in 3C and 3D, the size of the outflow opening 12 is reduced, while the size of the inflow opening 11 remains almost constant.

[0049] In the first extreme position, the suction shield device 10 deforms elastically, for example, compared to the second extreme position. According to... Figure 3A In this embodiment, at least some of the plurality of housing segments 13 13A are made of an elastic material. The so-called elastic housing segment 13A generates a spring-like restoring force on the housing segment 13, which is coupled to the corresponding elastic housing segment 13A. The spring-like restoring force or spring-like deformation resistance can be determined as a spring constant. In this respect, the spring constant of the elastic housing segment 13A can be constant in every case. Alternatively or additionally, the material composition and / or geometry of the elastic housing segments 13A can vary along their extension direction, such that the spring constant of these elastic housing segments 13A varies along their extension direction. For example, the thickness of the elastic housing segment 13A decreases in the direction of flow direction A, such that the deformation of the elastic housing segment 13A when observed in the flow direction A increases.

[0050] Figure 3B An example of a suction shield assembly 13 with a spring device 14 is shown. In this respect, the spring device 14 is specifically disposed inside the suction shield assembly 10. For example, the spring device 14 couples two of the plurality of shield housing segments 13 relative to each other. Thus, depending on the desired tension state, the spring device 14 can support or inhibit the mobility of the plurality of shield housing segments 13. Optionally, the spring device 14 may be coupled with a damper.

[0051] Figure 3C Examples of two actuators 15 for supporting the mobility of multiple housing segments 13 in the suction shield assembly 10 between a first and a second extreme position are shown. In this respect, the actuators 15 are specifically disposed outside the suction shield assembly 10. For example, the actuators 15 are coupled to two transition points, each between a resilient housing segment 13A and the remaining housing segments 13. Therefore, the actuators 15 can support the mobility of the multiple housing segments 13 based on data measured by sensors, specifically turbine performance data and / or weather data.

[0052] according to Figure 3D The embodiment shown illustrates an example of a suction shield device 10 having an actuator 15 disposed inside the suction shield device 10. In this respect, the actuator 15 is coupled to two resilient shield housing segments 13A. Therefore, the mobility of the resilient shield housing segments 13A can be directly supported.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the actuator 15 can be used to position itself at any point on the spring assembly 14. The reverse principle also applies to any combination of the spring assembly 14 and the actuator 15 within the same suction shield assembly 10.

[0054] Figure 4A and 4B A schematic top view of a suction shield device 10 having pivotable shield housing sections 13 is shown. Optionally, each of the shield housing sections 13 is configured to be rigid. Specifically, two side shield housing sections 13 are pivotally hinged to at least two central shield housing sections 13. Figure 4A Specifically, the shield housing section 13 in its second extreme position is shown. However, in Figure 4B In the middle, the protective shell section 13 is in the first extreme position.

[0055] At the first and second extreme positions, the inflow opening 11 is smaller than the outflow opening 12, so as to generate a dynamic fluid suction effect inside the suction shield device 10. Figure 4A and 4BIn the illustrated embodiment, the size of the inflow opening 11 is constant. Because the second extreme position has a larger outflow opening 12 than the first extreme position, the second extreme position has a stronger suction effect than the first extreme position.

[0056] Furthermore, the suction shield device 10 has, for example, two spring devices 14. In this respect, the spring devices 14 have an action direction transverse to the flow direction A.

[0057] Figure 5A and 5B It shows according to Figure 4A and 4B A schematic rear view of the suction shield device 10 according to an embodiment. Specifically, two side shield housing segments 13 are shown, which partially overlap with and contact the central shield housing segment 13 in the overlap region 16. For example, the spring device 14 is disposed on the outside of the suction shield device 10, but is not limited to this arrangement, and may also be disposed on the inside of the suction shield device 10 or disposed in a different orientation.

[0058] Figure 6A and 6B A schematic top view of a suction shield device 10 with a retractable shield housing section 13 is shown. In this respect, the shield housing section 13... Figure 6A In the first extreme position and in Figure 6B The middle is in the second extreme position. In this respect, specifically, the plurality of shield housing segments 13 are substantially movable relative to each other along the flow direction A. The three shield housing segments 13 shown are coupled together, for example by two spring devices 14. Each of the three shield housing segments 13 has a basic shape, for example, conical.

[0059] In this respect, for example, the size ratio of the inflow opening 11 to the outflow opening 12 is configured to be variable. This means that the ratio of the inflow opening 11 to the outflow opening 12 changes due to the mobility of the multiple housing segments 13 between a first limit position and a second limit position. Therefore, either the inflow opening 11 or the outflow opening 12 can optionally maintain its size, while the size of the corresponding other opening 11, 12 increases or decreases, or the sizes of the inflow opening 11 and the outflow opening 12 can change in parallel, but at different proportions. Specifically, the size ratio has a minimum value at the first limit position and a maximum value at the second limit position. Therefore, according to... Figure 6A and 6B In the embodiment shown, the size of the inflow opening 11 increases from the first limit position to the second limit position, while the size of the outflow opening 12 remains constant.

[0060] exist Figure 6AIn this embodiment, exemplarily, the inflow opening 11 is smaller than the outflow opening 12 to create dynamic fluid suction within the suction shroud assembly 10. Specifically, the inflow opening 11 forms a continuous surface. In this respect, for example, the three shroud housing segments 13 partially overlap in an overlapping region 16, wherein the overlapping region corresponds, for example, to the edge regions of the shroud housing segments 13. Furthermore, the shroud housing segments 13 are in contact with each other in the overlapping region 16, such that the overlapping region 16 is impermeable to fluid. Optionally or additionally, the overlapping region 16 may have a sealing element, such as a rubber lip, a sealing ring, etc.

[0061] Figure 6B The suction shield device 10 is shown in its second extreme position. In this second extreme position according to this embodiment, the three shield housing sections 13 move relative to each other in the flow direction A, such that additional inflow openings 11 are provided between the shield housing sections 13. Fluid can flow into the suction shield device 10 from the side through the additional inflow openings 11. This reduces the suction effect. As the fluid flow rate decreases, the additional inflow openings 11 also decrease until they close at a certain value.

[0062] Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 6A A schematic rear view of the suction shield device 10 of an embodiment. In this respect, for example, the cross-section of the shield housing segment 13 is substantially the same at the first and second limit positions.

[0063] Figure 8A , 8B Figure 8C shows a schematic diagram of a tidal power station 1. The tidal power station 1 includes a flow generator 2, a computing device 20, and a suction shroud device 10.

[0064] The flow generator 2 includes, for example, a rotor 3, whose axis of rotation generally corresponds to the flow direction A or longitudinal axis of the tidal power station 1. The rotor 3 may be partially surrounded by a suction shroud device 10.

[0065] The computing device 20 is positioned upstream of the flow inlet 4 of the flow generator 2 along the flow direction A and is configured to protect the flow generator 2 from solid foreign objects. Figure 8C The flow inlet 4 is specifically shown in the diagram.

[0066] For example, the computing device 20 may include a plurality of grid elements 21 extending from the first body 5 to the second bodies 2, 10 along the flow direction A. In this respect, for example, each of the plurality of grid elements 21 is attached to the first body 5 via a first end 22 and to the second bodies 2, 10 via a second end 23. Furthermore, the grid elements 21 may be arranged in such a curved manner that they surround the cavity 24 together with the first and second bodies, specifically as follows: Figure 8CAs shown.

[0067] In this way, the flow inlet 4 of the flow generator 2 can be protected from foreign objects by the computing device 20, thereby reducing the risk of aquatic organisms, such as fish, being drawn into the flow inlet 4 of the flow generator 2, in addition to preventing damage to solids. In this regard, the computing device 20 can be configured to deliver sufficient fluid flow in the flow direction A and supply it to the flow generator 2 so that it can operate at its optimal operating point.

[0068] The grid element 21 is not limited to a specific material, shape, or cross-section. The grid element 21 can include any metal, light metal, plastic, wood, or composite material. Furthermore, the grid element 21 can have a polygonal, circular, elliptical, tubular, or similar cross-section. Individual grid elements among the plurality of grid elements 21 may differ in design from the other grid elements 21, and / or vary in material and / or shape or cross-section along their longitudinal range. Preferably, the grid element 21 can be configured as a strip of metal, a rod, or the like.

[0069] In this invention, cavity 24 refers to a volume space surrounded by a plurality of grid elements 21 and, if appropriate, by a first body and / or a second body, such that fluid can flow through the cavity / volume space 24 in the flow direction A, wherein a computing device 20 prevents solid foreign objects exceeding a certain size from penetrating into the cavity 24.

[0070] The suction shield device 10 is disposed downstream of the flow generator 2. Furthermore, its inlet opening 11 corresponds to the external dimensions of the flow generator 2. The suction shield device 10 substantially corresponds to the dimensions of the flow generator 2. Figure 4A , 5A Alternatively, the suction shield device of embodiments 4B or 5B. Furthermore, for example, the suction shield device 10 may also have the features described below.

[0071] Furthermore, the suction shield device 10 has, for example, six, eight, or ten shield housing sections 13. In this respect, at least one of the shield housing sections 13 has a flow guide 18 on its outer side 17, specifically as follows: Figure 8A and 8B As shown. The flow guide device 18 is configured to increase the hydromechanical resistance to the fluid flowing through it. In this way, the fluid flowing through it is slowed down, and thus, for example, the fluid chooses a path with lower resistance and flows through the flow generator 2 into the suction shroud device 10, which advantageously increases the power output of the flow generator 2.

[0072] In addition, the operating voltage can be up to 60V.

[0073] Furthermore, the tidal power station 1 may include a front body 5. The front body 5 is, for example, located upstream of and connected to the flow generator 2. Alternatively or additionally, the front body 5 may be connected to a suction shroud device 10. This allows the front body to increase the stability of the tidal power station. Furthermore, the front body 5 may, for example, be configured as a buoyancy body to prevent the tidal power station 1 from sinking. In this regard, the front body may, for example, be made of a material with a density of less than 997 kg / m³. 3 It is made of materials or combinations of materials. Alternatively or additionally, the front body may contain gas inclusions with a buoyancy effect large enough to compensate for the total weight of the tidal power station.

[0074] Furthermore, the tidal power station 1 may have a controllable depth rudder 6 for adjusting the floating depth in the water. The controllable depth rudder is, for example, located in the forward region relative to the longitudinal direction A of the tidal power station 1. Specifically, the depth rudder 6 may be configured, for example, as a horizontally aligned fin.

[0075] Optionally, the tidal power station 1 may have a fastening device 7. The fastening device 7 is located, for example, in the front region of the tidal power station 1, specifically on the nose. For example, the fastening device 7 may be configured as an eyelet, hook, ring, or the like. This means that the tidal power station 1 can be attached to a fixed point in the environment.

[0076] In the detailed description above, various features are summarized in one or more examples to provide a more convincing representation. However, it should be clear here that the above description is purely illustrative and not restrictive in any way. This description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents to the various features and embodiments. Given the above description, many other examples will immediately become clear to those skilled in the art due to their expertise.

[0077] The selected and described embodiments are intended to illustrate, as clearly as possible, the principles upon which this disclosure is based and their possible applications in practice. Therefore, those skilled in the art can best modify and use the disclosure herein and its various embodiments for their intended purposes. In the claims and specification, the terms “comprising” and “covering” are used as linguistically neutral terms corresponding to the term “including.” Furthermore, the use of the term “a” is not intended to fundamentally exclude multiple features and components described in this way.

[0078] List of reference numerals

[0079] 1 Tidal Power Station

[0080] 2 Flow Generator

[0081] 3 rotors

[0082] 4 traffic entry points

[0083] 5 front body

[0084] 6-Depth Rudder

[0085] 7 Fastening devices

[0086] 10 suction shield devices

[0087] 11 Inflow Opening

[0088] 12 outflow openings

[0089] 13. Protective housing section (elastic 13A)

[0090] 14 Spring Device

[0091] 15 actuators

[0092] 16 overlapping regions

[0093] 17 outer

[0094] 18 flow guiding devices

[0095] 19 Hinges

[0096] 20 computing devices

[0097] 21 mesh elements

[0098] 22 First End

[0099] 23 Second End

[0100] 24 cavity

[0101] 25 distance

[0102] A. Flow direction / longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A suction shield device (10) for use in a tidal power station (1), comprising: An inflow opening (11) and an outflow opening (12) disposed downstream of the inflow opening (11) along the flow direction (A). And a plurality of shield housing segments (13) extending substantially in the flow direction (A) between the inflow opening (11) and the outflow opening (12), and configured such that the plurality of shield housing segments (13) together form a conical shield body, wherein the plurality of shield housing segments (13) are capable of continuous movement relative to each other between a first limit position and a second limit position, such that the flow velocity inside the suction shield device (10) can be controlled compared with the surrounding flow, at least some of the plurality of shield housing segments (13) are made of an elastic material, the elastic shield housing segments being able to become increasingly elastic with increasing flow velocity and reversibly deform again with decreasing flow velocity.

2. The suction shield device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction shield device (10) is elliptical or circular when viewed transversely to the flow direction (A).

3. The suction shield device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material composition and / or geometry of the elastic protective shell segment change along its extension direction, causing the spring constant of the elastic protective shell segment to change along its extension direction.

4. The suction shield device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a spring device (14) and / or an actuator (15) for supporting the mobility of the plurality of housing segments (13) between the first limit position and the second limit position, wherein the spring device (14) and / or the actuator (15) couples at least some of the plurality of housing segments (13) to each other.

5. The suction shield device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of shield housing segments (13) are configured to be substantially movable relative to each other along the flow direction (A).

6. The suction shield device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The plurality of shield housing segments (13) are configured to move substantially laterally relative to each other in the flow direction (A).

7. The suction shield device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The size ratio of the inflow opening (11) to the outflow opening (12) is configured to be variable.

8. The suction shield device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The size ratio has a minimum value at the first extreme position and a maximum value at the second extreme position.

9. The suction shield device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The inflow opening (11) is smaller than the outflow opening (12) so as to generate dynamic fluid suction inside the suction shield device (10).

10. The suction shield device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The plurality of protective housing segments (13) partially overlap in the overlapping region (16) and are in contact in the overlapping region (16).

11. The suction shield device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of shield housing sections (13) has a flow guide (18) on its outer side (17), the flow guide (18) being configured to increase the hydromechanical resistance to the fluid flowing through it.

12. A tidal power station (1), comprising: Flow generator (2); A computing device (20) is disposed upstream of the flow inlet (4) of the flow generator (2) along the flow direction (A) and is configured to protect the flow generator (2) from solid foreign matter; and The suction shield device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is disposed downstream of the flow generator (2), and its inflow opening (11) corresponds to the external dimensions of the flow generator (2).

13. The tidal power station according to claim 12, characterized in that, The maximum operating voltage is 60V.

14. The tidal power station according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, It also includes a controllable depth rudder (6) for adjusting the floating depth in water, which is set in the edge region relative to the longitudinal direction of the tidal power station (1).

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