System generally for cleaning rivers and waterways

Abstract

The invention is a system (100) generally for cleaning rivers and waterways (F), comprising a plurality of floating or non-floating modules (20) configured to rotate at least due to the effect of a thrust action (W) exerted by water; a constraining means (10) configured to constrain two or more of the modules (20) such that they are substantially aligned with each other in at least one main direction (X), and wherein the constraining means (10) are configured such that a minimum gap is provided between each of the modules (20) and an adjacent module, the modules (20) are arranged such that the modules (20) do not come into contact with each other during their normal operation, and each of the modules (20) urges waste towards one of the adjacent modules (20) by its own rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent relates to devices for cleaning rivers, and more particularly, it relates to a new system for cleaning rivers and waterways in general. Background Art

[0002] The problems associated with plastic pollution, especially in our oceans, are now well known and particularly relevant.

[0003] In fact, plastic is a persistent synthetic product that fully degrades only after hundreds of years, and therefore large amounts of plastic accumulate in the oceans, are dispersed by wind or urban drainage and, above all, through rivers and waterways that flow into the seas.

[0004] Testing and analysis of rivers and waterways that flow into the oceans have shown that they are the primary vehicle for plastic material to reach the oceans. In fact, it has been determined that approximately 80% of the plastic that ends up in the oceans comes from rivers.

[0005] Initially plastic waste comes in the form of bottles, bottle caps, detergent bottles, food packaging and general packaging. When plastic waste enters the ocean, it is dispersed and almost impossible to collect and recycle. Furthermore, in seawater, plastic degrades and plastic waste breaks into smaller and smaller fragments that are eventually ingested by marine animals, often causing poisoning or even suffocation, and thus enter our food chain.

[0006] Therefore, there is an increasing need to clean rivers and waterways that flow into the oceans to reduce the environmental impact of plastic materials and their derivatives.

[0007] The solution currently applied to solve these problems is to use personnel, who, with the help of boats and nets, manually collect this waste, with the attendant costs.

[0008] Another solution currently used is to carry out cleaning operations after blocking the flow of ships, thereby causing obvious inconvenience.

[0009] One disadvantage of this method is that it can disturb ecosystems, and in particular fish and marine animals, birds and plants, since cleaning rivers may also damage the seabed and coasts, while uprooting or damaging aquatic plants.

[0010] Systems for cleaning rivers and waterways in general based on fixed small-draft nets are well known in the art. These nets are designed so that they are anchored to the banks of a river and remain in their operating position for a long time, even during the rainy season. However, during the installation of the nets, regular passage of ships is prevented.

[0011] The prior art also includes the use of floating dams consisting of floating arms that form a kind of dam and are suitable for intercepting the waste that is carried by the current and floats on the water surface. Even this system prevents the free passage of ships and, in addition, collects organic matter such as reeds and small tree trunks, which stay on the dam and mix with the plastic, thus forming a large accumulation of waste. These accumulations must be removed regularly, which requires regular removal operations that consume a lot of money and time.

[0012] It is also well known that oil-based pollutants that are lighter than water and, for example, discharged from drains or boats, will float on the surface of waterways.

[0013] The accumulation of the above-mentioned floating materials on the water surface hinders the normal natural exchange of oxygen between the water body and the atmosphere, thereby causing deterioration of water quality, especially still water, and causing harm to aquatic plants and animals.

[0014] The presence of the above-mentioned substances, oil spills and liquid pollutants, in any case, will restrict or in some way affect the passage of sunlight, with consequent harmful effects on aquatic flora and fauna.

[0015] The solution currently used is to remove floating oil and liquid contaminants with the help of separate devices, which are however only effective in the vicinity of their installation site. For this reason, said devices must be constantly moved and in any case they cannot be used effectively in waterways, where the currents would quickly carry away part of the floating material, further reducing the effectiveness of the cleaning operation.

[0016] Some known devices include a structure arranged transversely to the waterway, wherein the structure includes a belt configured to form a loop and equipped with a grating. The sliding of the belt causes the movement of the grating, which intercepts the floating debris and pushes it to one side of the waterway, where it is accumulated and removed.

[0017] Also known is a structure which, instead of the belt described above, has a screw whose rotation drags the waste to one side of the waterway where the floating waste is accumulated and removed.

[0018] Documents CN112176965A, CN214033632U and CN110984096A describe movable barriers for intercepting and capturing waste transported by water, wherein such barriers are not equipped with rotating elements that can move the waste (e.g. towards a collection point). As a result, the waste accumulates on the barrier itself and regular and frequent cleaning operations are therefore necessary.

[0019] Document CN214143610U describes a V-shaped barrier that forms a channel for waste transported by water. The channel transports the intercepted waste toward a pair of sliding belts that are arranged so that they Horizontally oriented axis The belt rotates on the waterway and the sliding belt is equipped with blades which load the waste onto the belt and transport it to a collection point. This system thus actually consists of a fixed barrier placed in the waterway which cannot be removed from the waterway itself, for example to allow the passage of ships.

[0020] Document CN112323745A describes a device suitable for positioning in a waterway, the device being equipped with two impellers with vertical axes, the rotation of which occurs due to the thrust exerted by the water. One of the blades of the impeller is made of a metal material and interacts with a magnet constrained to a barrier. Therefore, the rotation of the impeller causes an alternating displacement of the magnet and, in turn, of the barrier, which captures the passing waste when it comes out of the device and deposits the waste into a collection container when it returns to the device. Therefore, the device can only capture waste passing in its vicinity and can only deposit the waste in its container, requiring regular and frequent operations to empty the container in question. In addition, the impeller is inserted into a groove made on the device, and waste accumulates in the groove, thereby hindering the proper rotation of the impeller itself and, therefore, the efficient operation of the device.

[0021] Document CN212270875U describes a barrier made of two rotating columns, the columns are driven to rotate by an electric motor, and the rotation drives a belt equipped with blades, which intercept the waste and move it to a collection point. In order to operate efficiently, the barrier requires a continuous power supply to ensure the rotation of the columns, while not exploiting the movement of water in any way.

[0022] Also known are various types of barriers that are installed transversely on waterways in a fixed and non-detachable manner and are suitable for use primarily as dams equipped with diversion devices that have the function of conveying floating waste towards collection points. Obviously, these barriers are completely unsuitable for installation on waterways where ships pass.

[0023] The patent applicant is also the holder of a patent related to "System for cleaning rivers and watercourses in general", which is mentioned in this article. Summary of the invention

[0024] The subject of this patent is a new and improved system for cleaning rivers and waterways in general.

[0025] The main object of the present invention is to provide a system that ensures proper positioning of floating or non-floating modules along the waterway of floating or non-floating modules designed to release water from waste.

[0026] Another important object of the invention is to provide a system that ensures that floating or non-floating modules follow the movement of the water surface, adapting to wave or tidal movements while maintaining correct positioning, essentially along a line transverse to the waterway, for example along a straight line.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to provide a system that allows for the rapid and orderly movement of said floating or non-floating modules, for example to allow the passage of ships or in the event of exceptional flooding, and for the subsequent rapid repositioning of the modules.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that reduces the risk of waste becoming entangled in the modules.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that facilitates cleaning of the modules.

[0030] These and other direct and complementary purposes are achieved by a new and improved system for cleaning rivers and waterways in general, comprising as its main part a plurality of floating or non-floating modules, which are however constrained to each other in a continuous or non-continuous manner so that they are substantially aligned in at least one main direction, and wherein each of said modules comprises a body which in turn may be floating or non-floating and one or more blades constrained in any manner to said body. Said blades are configured so that when the module is correctly placed in the water, said blades cause said module or a part of it to rotate about an axis intended to be substantially orthogonal to the surface of the water, when said blades are subjected to the thrust exerted by the water. The expression "substantially orthogonal" is understood to mean that the axis of rotation forms an angle, for example between 45° and 90°, with the free surface of the water.

[0031] According to the invention, there are no fixed or movable elements between one module and the next which would prevent the normal passage of water.

[0032] For example, the module is of the type described in patent application WO2020 / 049379 filed by the present applicant.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the invention, each of the floating modules or non-floating modules may also comprise means for removing oils, or hydrocarbons or floating matter present in the water, wherein the means are, for example, pads or components made of a material capable of absorbing said matter, or compartments configured so as to collect said matter inside them. The collected matter can then be removed, for example, by removing and replacing the absorbent pads, or the compartments can be emptied periodically with the help of suction means communicating with the interior of the compartments.

[0034] The blades of each of the modules preferably rotate due to the thrust exerted by the water flow, thereby causing the module to rotate accordingly. When rotating, the module or part thereof will move the intercepted waste in a direction determined by the direction of rotation, thereby pushing it towards the adjacent module. Thus, aligning two or more modules according to at least one direction, which is generally transverse to the waterway and generally transverse to the direction of water flow, actually causes the waste to move in said direction.

[0035] Preferably, but not necessarily, the system is also provided with an accumulation point into which waste is continuously pushed by the modules and from which it can be periodically removed. For example, the accumulation point can be on the bank of a waterway.

[0036] As previously mentioned, by means of the constraining means, the modules are constrained so that they are substantially aligned along at least one main direction.

[0037] Such restraining means may be one or more beams or rigid elements and / or one or more non-rigid elements, such as chains or ropes or straps or the like.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the restraining means must ensure a minimum distance between each of the modules and the nearest module.

[0039] Thus, the floating or non-floating modules are not only kept aligned along the at least one main direction, but they are also kept at the correct distance from each other, thereby optimizing the barrier effect against waste, and in particular against floating waste.

[0040] Furthermore, the floating or non-floating modules are positioned such that they do not come into contact with each other, thereby reducing the risk of the modules being damaged as a result of, for example, impacts by sea waves or floating debris.

[0041] In a possible embodiment, the system comprises at least one crossbeam, ie a rigid element extending substantially in the longitudinal direction, and wherein two or more of the modules are in each case constrained to the at least one crossbeam such that they are substantially aligned and also suitably spaced from each other.

[0042] In a possible embodiment, the transverse beams are actually supported by the floating modules when the modules are floating, ie placed on and floating on a waterway, and the transverse beams are positioned so that they substantially rest on the floating modules.

[0043] The flotation module is therefore dimensioned so that it can float while also supporting a certain weight, which is calculated as a function of the weight of the crossbar. According to the invention, the crossbar may also be configured so that it can be walked on, and in this case, the flotation module may conveniently be dimensioned so that it can support a greater weight than the crossbar alone.

[0044] The system may include a plurality of said beams, wherein two or more of said beams may be rigidly constrained, aligned or at an angle to one another, or may be directly or indirectly hinged or otherwise constrained to one another so as to allow relative movement therebetween. For example, said two or more beams may be rotated relative to one another, for example in order to move them and allow a vessel to pass.

[0045] According to the invention, said displacement of one or more of said beams may also be carried out in a plane substantially parallel to the water surface and / or in a plane orthogonal to the water surface, for example in order to lift the beam and therefore the module out of the water, or to submerge the beam and therefore the module.

[0046] According to the invention, it is also possible to constrain the module to the one or more crossbars using means allowing the distance between the module and the crossbar to vary.

[0047] The system preferably also comprises anchoring means for anchoring said restraining means of the module, whether beams or ropes, to a fixed or mobile point, such as a bank close to a waterway or at the level of the bank.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring means allows relative movement between the at least one beam or cable and a fixed or movable anchoring point.

[0049] For example, the anchoring device allows at least one vertical translation of one end of the beam / rope so that the beam / rope can be raised / lowered depending on, for example, the water level and / or the inclination of the beam / rope can be changed, or the beam / rope can be raised / lowered for cleaning and / or maintenance operations and / or to free up the waterway, for example when a vessel needs to pass.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the invention, the anchoring means preferably allow a rotational movement of the beam / rope in a substantially horizontal plane, i.e. on the waterline. Such movement is particularly useful for freeing up waterways, for example, to allow free passage of ships, or in the event of a special flood or other event.

[0051] According to a possible embodiment, particularly suitable for waterways of limited width and / or waterways where ships rarely or never navigate, the system may include a single beam mounted transversely relative to the waterway, wherein the two ends of at least one of the beams are constrained to respective anchoring devices located on the banks of the waterway.

[0052] Alternatively, instead of a rigid element such as a beam, use may be made of ropes, cables or chains, or in any case, of a non-rigid element kept more or less taut between the two sides of the waterway.

[0053] According to the invention, the system may also comprise two or more of said adjacent beams / ropes aligned with each other.

[0054] For example, the system may include two beams, each beam being constrained at one end thereof directly or indirectly to a bank of the waterway and at the opposite end to another beam.

[0055] The two or more beams / ropes are preferably constrained to each other so that a certain margin of relative movement between them is allowed, so that each of the beams / ropes, and therefore the modules constrained thereto, can respond to any wave induced stresses.

[0056] One or more of the restraints between the beams / ropes are preferably also removable, that is, one or more beams / ropes may be selectively disconnected from one another and moved, for example, to allow passage of a vessel, or in response to a flood or other event.

[0057] As previously mentioned, according to the invention, the system may also be equipped with means suitable for rotating the at least one beam / rope substantially about its anchoring point on the bank. For example, the means may comprise a reel, the winding of which causes the rotation of the beam, preferably in the opposite direction relative to the direction of the water flow, so that the beam can be returned to its position transversely positioned relative to the waterway simply by releasing it under the thrust exerted by the water flow.

[0058] As already mentioned, the at least one beam / rope can also be lifted relative to the water surface, thereby also lifting the floating or non-floating module constrained to the beam itself. This operation is particularly useful, for example, to allow small boats to pass under the modules, or to perform regular and special cleaning operations on the floating or non-floating modules without requiring operators to work underwater.

[0059] According to the invention, the modules can also be configured so that they can be submerged, in this case also in order to free up the waterway and thus allow the passage of ships.

[0060] It is also possible to implement a hybrid solution, that is to say that embodiments of the different solutions described above can be combined together in the same system.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the invention, one or more of the floating or non-floating modules can be equipped with sensors capable of detecting whether the blades of the module are rotating. In fact, if the blades are not rotating, it is likely that waste or branches are preventing the rotation. Thus, in the event that one or more sensors detect the absence of rotation, immediate intervention can be made in order to clean and free the blocked module.

[0062] The one or more modules may also be provided with sensors adapted to detect the position of the module itself, for example relative to other modules and / or one or more reference points. These indications of position can thus help detect any problems related to the positioning of the module itself. As a result, it can therefore be decided to carry out appropriate maintenance activities.

[0063] According to the invention, the new system may also comprise means for recovering the mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the blades of the module, induced by the thrust exerted by the water flow, for example by converting it into electrical energy.

[0064] For example, one or more generators or other similar devices may be mounted on the at least one beam / rope, preferably placed out of the water, and connected to one or more of the modules, for example between the module and the beam / rope.

[0065] The device is configured and dimensioned to ensure a minimum rotation of the module blades in any case.

[0066] The energy generated can be accumulated and reused, for example, for cleaning operations on the module, for example, rotating the module in the opposite direction to its normal rotation to dislodge any waste or debris stuck in the blades, and / or to lift the beams, and / or for other purposes.

[0067] In the event that the module is not buoyant, the system may include means suitable for supporting the module at a desired height relative to the water surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] The characteristics of the new system are better clarified by the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are annexed hereto by way of non-limiting example.

[0069] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the new system (100) is shown in an embodiment of a single beam.

[0070] The new system (100) is particularly, but not exclusively, intended to be installed on a waterway (F) and comprises at least one beam (10), preferably rectilinear or in any case extending mainly in one main direction. Floating or non-floating modules (20) are constrained to the underside of the beam (10).

[0071] The floating or non-floating modules (20) are therefore all substantially aligned along the longitudinal direction (X) defined by the cross beams (10) and are spaced from each other to such an extent that they do not contact each other during normal operation of the system.

[0072] For example, but not exclusively, the module (20) is of the type described in previous patents and patent applications filed by the same applicant.

[0073] For example, each module (20) may include a floating or non-floating body (21) and one or more blades (22) mounted on the body (21).

[0074] The blades (22) will be subjected to the thrust (W) exerted by the water flow, causing the module (20) to rotate about an axis (Z) intended to be substantially orthogonal to the water surface, or in any case forming an angle between 45° and 90° with the water surface.

[0075] For example, the blades (22) are distributed along the circumference.

[0076] The body (21) and the blades (22) of the module (20) are configured so that when the module (20) is floating or partially immersed in water, the blades (22) are preferably, but not necessarily, at the height of the water surface. The rotation of the blades (22), which preferably and at least occurs due to the thrust (W) exerted by the water, causes the module (20) to strike floating waste while rotating and push the waste laterally, i.e. towards nearby modules and gradually towards the bank (F2) of the waterway, where the system preferably has at least one point (30) for collecting the waste.

[0077] The crossbeam (10) is intended to be positioned along a direction (X) generally transverse to the direction (Y) of the waterway (F). In particular, the crossbeam (10) is oriented so as to form an angle (A) greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the direction (Y) of the waterway (F). Preferably, the angle (A) is sandwiched between 0° and 70°, and more preferably equal to 35°. In fact, with this specific inclination, it is possible to separate the modules (20) so that floating waste is less likely to pass between one module and another without being hit by the blades (22) of one of the modules. Therefore, the modules (20) are arranged along the crossbeam (10), which rests on the modules (20) themselves. However, according to the invention, the crossbeam (10) can be constrained behind the sides of the modules (20) or at the sides of the modules (20) without changing the innovative concept introduced herein.

[0078] At least one end (11) of the crossbeam (10) is constrained to an anchor point (50) located at or near a bank (F1) of a waterway (F) by means of an anchoring device (40). The same inventive concept applies even if the anchoring device (40) constrains the crossbeam (10) to any other point, which may be fixed or movable, such as on a ship or the like.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the two opposite ends (11, 12) are constrained by anchoring means (40) to corresponding anchoring points (50) located on two opposite banks (F1, F2) of the waterway (F).

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring means (40) comprises, for example, a rope allowing relative movement between the beam (10) and the anchoring point (50).

[0081] In particular, it is preferred to allow the ends (11, 12) of the crossbeam (10) to translate in the vertical direction Z.

[0082] This movement allows both to ensure that the crossbar (10) can be raised / lowered according to changes in the water level (e.g. due to waves or tides), and to ensure that the crossbar (10) can be raised relative to the water surface in order to perform cleaning operations on the modules (20) or to allow small boats to pass under the crossbar (10) itself. According to the invention, the crossbar (10) can also be lowered below the surface of the waterway in order to immerse the modules (20) and allow boats to pass over them.

[0083] Preferably, the anchoring means (40) of at least one end (11, 12) are also capable of allowing a rotational movement of the beam (10) about the anchoring point (50) in a substantially horizontal plane, ie on the waterline.

[0084] It is obvious that according to the invention, in order to rotate the beam (10), the anchoring means (40) of at least one end (11, 12) of the beam (10) can be released to allow the beam (10) to rotate about the anchoring point (50) of the opposite end (12, 11).

[0085] The system (100) may also be provided with means suitable for rotating the at least one beam (10), preferably against the flow, so that the beam (10) can then be returned to a transverse position relative to the waterway (F) by simply releasing the beam, thanks to the thrust (W) exerted by the water flow.

[0086] In any case, the cross beam (10) can rotate in the same direction as the direction of water flow.

[0087] To rotate the crossbeam (10), a rope or chain may be used, which is anchored on one side to the free end of the crossbeam (10) and on the opposite side to a fixed or movable point.

[0088] Figure 2 It is shown how, according to the invention, a system (100') may comprise two or more of said beams (10, 10') constrained to each other, and one or more of said modules (20) being constrained to each of said beams.

[0089] like Figure 3 As shown, the beams (10, 10') are hinged together so that the second beam (10') can be rotated upward relative to the first beam (10).

[0090] Figure 4 It is shown how the first crossbeam (10) can also be rotated upwards in order to fully lift the entire row of modules (20).

[0091] Figure 5 It is shown how, in contrast, a row of modules (20) constrained to one or more transverse beams (10, 10') is rotated parallel to the water surface until it reaches a position close to the bank (F2) of the waterway.

[0092] According to the invention, the system may also comprise two or more of said beams (10, 10") which are releasable or not constrained from each other so that each beam can be moved separately and in a manner that may or may not be dependent on the other beams.

[0093] The one or more beams (10, 10") may not all be aligned with each other. For example, they may form a "V" shape, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0094] Figure 7It is shown how the one or more cross beams (10, 10') can be constrained so that at least one of its ends (11, 12) can translate in a vertical direction (Z), for example along a vertically arranged column (80). For example, the column (80) can be configured as a sliding guide on which a slider (81) integral with the cross beam (10, 10') slides.

[0095] According to the invention, the system may also comprise one or more of said beams (10), which may be movable or immovable and are combined with one or more modules which are not constrained to the beams but to other anchoring means independent of the beams themselves, such as, for example, cables anchored to the bottom of the waterway or to other fixed or movable points. For example, the modules may be anchored by means of reeled cables which allow the modules to be moved if necessary or to be lifted or submerged if necessary.

[0096] Figure 8 The above-mentioned combined embodiment is shown, in which, for example, the system (100") includes:

[0097] a first section (210) comprising a plurality of modules (20) constrained to and arranged along one or more beams (10, 10'), the first section (210) being constrained, for example, to a bank (Fl) of a waterway;

[0098] a second section (220) comprising a plurality of modules (20) constrained to and arranged along one or more transverse beams (10, 10'), the second section (220) being constrained, for example, to an opposite bank (F2) of a waterway;

[0099] A third central section (230) comprising a plurality of modules (20) constrained by means of cables (70) enabling the modules (20) themselves to move within a specific area on the waterway surface, preferably independently of each other.

[0100] As previously described, instead of being constrained to and aligned along one or more beams (10), the modules (20) may be constrained to and aligned along one or more ropes or belts, anchored, for example, between two banks of a waterway or elsewhere, and wherein the anchoring point may be moved, for example translated vertically, to compensate for changes in water level or to lift / submerge the module itself.

[0101] This solution is particularly effective when the waterway is very wide, since on the one hand it guarantees the correct distance between the modules during the operating phase and on the other hand it reduces the overall weight of the structure.

[0102] According to the invention, one or more of the modules (20) may also be provided with blades (22) which rotate because they are driven not only by the thrust of the water flow but also by means such as motors.

[0103] Conversely, as already explained, one or more of said modules (20) may be connected to means for converting the kinetic energy of the module (generated by the rotation of the blades (22)) into electrical energy which can be used for different purposes.

[0104] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, in a possible embodiment, all or part of said modules (20) are connected to each other by means of belts, chains or strips (60), so that the rotation of the blades (22) or modules (20) generally causes the belts (60) to slide.

[0105] The belt can in turn be connected to means suitable for accumulating the electrical energy generated by the movement of the belt. In this way, energy can be generated, which can be used, for example, to lift the module in case of high water level, to allow self-cleaning of the module, or to rotate the module if the water flow velocity is low or too low to rotate the blades.

[0106] For example, the belt (60) helps synchronize the movement of the modules (20).

[0107] Therefore, according to the above embodiment, all or part of the modules (20) belonging to the system can be moved on the waterway, at least within a limited range, so as to selectively allow ships or large floating bodies to pass through.

[0108] Therefore, with reference to the preceding specification and appended drawings, the following claims are made.

Claims

1. A system (100) for cleaning rivers and waterways (F) in general, It is characterized in that The system comprises: A plurality of floating or non-floating modules (20), wherein each of said modules (20) comprises a floating or non-floating body (21) and one or more blades (22) mounted directly or indirectly on said body (21), and wherein said modules (20) are configured to rotate about an axis (Z) as a result of the rotation of said blades (22) at least due to the effect of the thrust (W) exerted by the water, said axis (Z) being intended to be substantially orthogonal to the water surface when said module (20) is correctly positioned in the water, wherein the term "orthogonal" means that the angle formed by said axis (Z) with the water surface is substantially comprised between 45° and 90°; a constraining device (10) configured to constrain two or more of the modules (20) so that they are substantially aligned with each other along at least one main direction (X); And wherein the restraining device (10) is configured to ensure that a minimum gap is provided between each module in the modules (20) and an adjacent module, so that the modules (20) do not contact each other during their normal operation, and each module in the modules (20) pushes waste towards one of the adjacent modules (20) by its own rotation.

2. The system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The restraining means comprises one or more beams (10) or rigid elements having a shape that develops substantially according to the main direction (X).

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The beams (10) are positioned on the modules (20), and wherein the modules (20) are dimensioned such that they float and support the beams (10).

4. The system (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The crossbeam (10) is configured so that walking on it is possible.

5. The system (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that One or more of the modules (20) include means for collecting and, if necessary, removing oil, hydrocarbons or floating pollutants present in the water.

6. The system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The restraining means comprises one or more non-rigid elements, such as chains or ropes or straps or the like.

7. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that All or some of the modules (20) are connected to each other by means of straps, chains or belts (60) so that rotation of the blades (22) or of the modules (20) generally causes sliding movement of the belts (60), and wherein the belts (60) are in turn connected to means for storing electrical energy generated by the movement of the belts (60).

8. The system (100) according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The system comprises an anchoring device (40) adapted to constrain one or more of the beams (10) and / or ropes to at least one fixed or movable anchoring point (50), and wherein the anchoring device (40) is configured to allow relative movement of the one or more beams (10) and / or ropes relative to their respective anchoring points (50) at least in a vertical direction (Z), and / or to allow rotational movement of at least one beam (10) in a substantially horizontal plane, i.e., on the waterline.

9. The system (100) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that The anchoring means (40) is configured to allow rotational movement of the at least one beam (10) in a substantially vertical plane, ie a plane orthogonal to the waterline.

10. System (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The system comprises two or more said cross beams (10) which are directly or indirectly constrained to each other by means of constraining means allowing relative movement between the cross beams (10).

11. The system (100) according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The restraining means for the two or more adjacent beams (10) are releasable.

12. System (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that One or more of the modules (20) include one or more sensors suitable for detecting the rotation of the blades (22) and / or the position of one or more of the modules (10) relative to other modules (20) and / or relative to one or more reference points.

13. System (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The restraining means and anchoring means are configured such that they can lift and / or lower one or more of the modules (20).

14. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The system comprises means or devices adapted to convert the mechanical energy of the rotating blades (22) into electrical energy and, if applicable, one or more electrical energy accumulators.

15. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The system comprises: one or more of said movable or immovable beams (10), to which one or more of said modules (20) are constrained; One or more modules (20) are not constrained to the beam (10) but are constrained to other anchoring means, such as cables (70) or other means, independently of the beam (10).

16. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that One or more of the modules (20) are directly or indirectly constrained to an anchor point by means of a furling cable.

17. System according to one or more of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The module (20) is restrained by means of one or more ropes or straps, for example anchored between two banks of a waterway or elsewhere, and wherein the anchoring point is movable, for example displaced vertically, to compensate for changes in water level or to raise / sink the module itself.

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