Regenkraftanlage

Abstract

The invention relates to a rain power plant, in particular a rain power plant for electricity generation. The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a rain power plant that utilizes all the rain falling on a defined area for electricity generation. It takes advantage of the specific properties of rain, which differ significantly from those of wind and solar power, and makes them usable for energy production. This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rain power plant, in particular a rain power plant for electricity generation.

[0002] The importance of renewable energies is steadily increasing. Fossil fuels must be avoided because, firstly, fossil fuel reserves are likely to last for a maximum of about 200 years. Besides this limited lifespan, an important factor is the point at which production can no longer be increased and begins to decline (peak oil production). Since this alters the supply and demand balance, it can lead to sharply rising prices. The resulting supply gap can be bridged by lower consumption and alternatives such as renewable energies or nuclear power. Secondly, the combustion of fossil fuels is the primary source of the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the Earth's atmosphere and thus of human-induced global warming.

[0003] Therefore, renewable energies such as solar, wind and rainwater energy are being developed and used, which have become an important means of solving the fossil energy crisis and alleviating air pollution around the world.

[0004] Renewable energies, also known as regenerative energies, are energy sources that are practically inexhaustible or regenerate relatively quickly, thus ensuring a sustainable energy supply. This distinguishes them from fossil fuels, which are finite or take millions of years to regenerate. Alongside efficient energy use, renewable energy sources are considered a key pillar of sustainable energy policy and the energy transition. These include bioenergy (biomass potential), geothermal energy, hydropower, marine energy, solar energy, and wind energy. By far the most important renewable energy sources are solar and wind power.

[0005] A wind turbine converts the energy of the wind into electrical energy, which is then fed into a power grid. A wind turbine essentially consists of a rotor with a hub and rotor blades, as well as a nacelle that houses the generator and often a gearbox. Gearless systems also exist. The nacelle is mounted on a tower, the foundation of which provides the necessary stability. Monitoring, control, and regulation systems, as well as grid connection technology, are located in the nacelle and either at the base or outside the tower. By far the most dominant design is the three-bladed lift rotor with a horizontal axis and the rotor on the upwind side. Its nacelle is mounted on a tower and actively tracks the wind direction. A number of other designs, particularly those with different rotor constructions, have not yet become established.

[0006] One disadvantage is the considerable height required for wind turbines, which is necessary to effectively convert horizontally moving wind into electrical energy and entails corresponding installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, wind turbines are preferably erected in flat terrain, which is not always available in sufficient quantities or is used for other purposes, such as food production.

[0007] A hydroelectric power plant, also known as a hydropower facility, is a power plant that converts the potential energy of water into mechanical or electrical energy. This makes hydropower usable for human purposes. This can be achieved, among other things, through turbines on rivers or reservoirs, or through run-of-river and tidal power plants at sea.

[0008] For example, CN 1 09 185 033 B discloses an offshore tidal wind power plant and a method for generating electricity.

[0009] One disadvantage is that the necessary geological structures are not available everywhere and / or cannot be easily accessed.

[0010] In view of the aforementioned shortcomings, a rain-powered electricity generation plant was developed, which is disclosed in publication DE 10 2020 130 443 B3.

[0011] A disadvantage of this design is that the disclosed rain power plant can only operate efficiently in areas with high rainfall, because only raindrops that fall or flow directly into a rainwater inlet exert sufficient weight on the corresponding rain bucket, which acts as leverage to drive the rain power plant. Raindrops that do not directly enter the rain bucket have no effect.

[0012] It is therefore desirable to have a suitable rainwater harvesting system with increased efficiency. Description of the invention

[0013] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a rain power plant that utilizes all the rain falling on a defined area for electricity generation. It takes advantage of the specific properties of rain, which differ significantly from those of wind and solar power, and makes them usable for energy production.

[0014] Because rain is a solid, not volatile substance. Depending on the amount, rain has a considerable weight. Rain tends to fall vertically and is easy to collect and store. Rain is liquid and therefore easily directed to the point of greatest force.

[0015] This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

[0016] The problem is solved by a rainwater harvesting system, which comprises a support structure, at least one impeller, and a rainwater collection reservoir. The impeller has a hub and at least three blades. The impeller is mounted on the support structure so that it can rotate freely. The hub is operatively connected to an electric generator. The rainwater collection reservoir is located above the impeller and is funnel-shaped. An outlet of the rainwater collection reservoir is located above a plane of rotation of the impeller. The outflow of rainwater through the outlet of the rainwater collection reservoir causes the hub of the impeller to rotate.The outflow of the rainwater collection reservoir is arranged decentrally above a distal end of one of the at least three rain vanes in relation to the rainwater collection reservoir, such that rainwater flowing out of the rainwater collection reservoir is directed specifically onto rain vanes that are in downward rotational motion and there exerts a lever force on the wheel hub through its weight.

[0017] According to various embodiments, the support structure consists of two towers. At least one impeller is arranged to rotate between the two towers.

[0018] The outflow is preferably designed in the form of a gap. The gap through which the water flows is preferably fitted with a cover, for example a slide valve, which regulates the amount of rain directed onto the rain vanes and, if necessary, can also retain it completely, thus ensuring uniform movement of the rain vanes and therefore more continuous power generation. The fact that rain has weight and can be collected, directed, or diverted also offers advantages over a wind turbine.To actuate the valve, the rainwater harvesting system can include a control, regulation, and sensor unit. This unit uses measurement results, such as the torque of the impeller or the fill level of the rainwater collection reservoir, to determine a setpoint and / or manipulated variable. This variable is then used to adjust, for example, the torque of the impeller and / or the fill level of the rainwater collection reservoir, thereby actuating the valve via the control unit. The use of other measured variables to determine setpoints and manipulated variables is also conceivable.

[0019] The valve, which regulates the size of the discharge opening—for example, the length of an elongated opening gap located above the downward-moving rain vanes—preferably opens from the outside in. With a small opening, only a small amount of water is directed onto the rain vanes on the outside (far from the center of the "funnel"). The wider the valve opens, the longer the gap through which the water reaches the rain vanes. This allows for a certain degree of energy storage (unlike in a wind turbine) by releasing the collected rainwater from the reservoir to the rain vanes only when needed, for example, at a time when other energy sources are unavailable, such as during a period of low wind and solar output.This is particularly advantageous for locations where an autonomous, off-grid energy source (island solution) is needed in facilities that are only temporarily operated or used (mountain huts, research stations, etc.).

[0020] According to various embodiments, the at least three rain blades each have a rainwater inlet. In cross-section, each of the at least three rain blades has the shape of an isosceles triangle with a base, two legs, and an apex. When one of the at least three rain blades moves downwards, the apex points downwards. The base of the isosceles triangle points upwards during this downward movement. The base contains the rainwater inlet. The length of one of the legs of the isosceles triangle is shortest at the basal end of the at least three rain blades and increases towards the distal end. A water reservoir is arranged at the distal end of each of the at least three rain blades.The water reservoir is designed in such a way that, when the rain blades move downwards, the rainwater which enters a rain blade via the rainwater inlet accumulates in the water reservoir, and when a rain blade moves upwards, the rainwater is released again via the rainwater inlet.

[0021] According to various embodiments, the at least three rain blades have a rounded or pointed end at the distal end.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the rainwater harvesting system also includes a rainwater collection tank. The rainwater collection tank is designed to collect rainwater that leaves the water reservoir via the rainwater inlet during the upward movement of a rain paddle.

[0023] The operating principle of the rain power plant according to the invention is based on the fact that rainwater is directed onto and / or into a concave side of at least one of the at least three rain vanes. The weight of the water then acts as a lever force on the wheel hub, which is thus set in rotation. The wheel hub, which can be considered a rotor or be connected to one, transfers the kinetic energy, directly or indirectly, to the electric generator, which converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. The electric generator can be arranged in a nacelle or machine house, as in a wind turbine, to which the wheel hub can be connected.

[0024] Preferably, the rain power plant has three or four rain vanes. It is advantageous to arrange three rain vanes opposite each other in such a way that, in the horizontal orientation of the three opposing rain vanes, the concave side of one rain vane faces upwards (towards the sky) and the concave side of the other rain vane faces downwards (towards the ground).

[0025] Preferably, the concave side of the rain vanes, corresponding to the distal end, is designed as a kind of watertight pocket, for example with a rounded or pointed end. This maximizes the weight of the water, which acts as a lever force on the wheel hub. Because the water reservoir is located at the distal end, and thus at the end of the rain vanes furthest from the wheel hub, the weight of the water acts on the wheel hub with the greatest leverage. Gravity causes the amount of accumulated water to set at least one impeller in motion. Additional impellers can be provided, which can be arranged side by side.

[0026] To further maximize the force acting on the wheel hub, according to the invention, the rainwater is not directed drop by drop, but rather in a waterfall-like manner to the distal end of at least one of the at least three rain vanes, which advantageously have a water reservoir at their distal end. For this purpose, the rain power system has a rainwater collection reservoir with an outlet.

[0027] The funnel-shaped structure (rainwater collection reservoir) with a base of any desired shape, which can be, for example, round or square, is located above the rotating rain vanes. The funnel is shaped such that its lowest point, the outlet, is advantageously not located in the center of the base, but rather along the plane of rotation of the at least one impeller on the side of the base on which the rain vanes move downwards. Furthermore, the outlet of the rainwater collection reservoir is advantageously arranged such that rainwater flowing out through it impinges on the water reservoirs of the at least three rain vanes at the highest possible point of their downward rotation, allowing a corresponding weight force to act early on.For this purpose, the outflow of the rainwater collection reservoir can have a channel for the targeted drainage of rainwater, whereby the outflow can be angled in order to transfer the kinetic energy of the flowing water to the at least three rain vanes without slowing down the rain vane(s) opposite in upward motion.

[0028] The area where rainwater is collected is not bound to the footprint of the rainwater harvesting system or its foundation, but can be of any size. Therefore, the amount of water transported to the downward-moving rain vanes for maximum efficiency of the rainwater harvesting system can theoretically be increased indefinitely.

[0029] Advantageously, the collected water, after dripping / flowing to the ground due to gravity during the upward movement of at least three rain paddles, can be collected in a rainwater collection container. The collected rainwater can then be used for irrigating surrounding vegetation, as a water reserve, or for other purposes, such as firefighting.

[0030] In simplified terms, the solution to the problem is advantageously achieved by a rainwater collection reservoir in the form of a very shallow funnel with a circular or square base, mounted above the rainwater harvesting system. The funnel's volume must be large enough to accommodate all the rainwater accumulating on its base, even during heavy rainfall. The outlet from the funnel is not a central point, but rather a slot on the side above the at least three rotating rain vanes located vertically below the funnel, as they move downwards. The wheel hub is operatively connected to an electric generator.The flow of rainwater over the downward-moving rain vanes causes the rotation of the rain vanes and the wheel hub, which are connected to the wheel hub. This rotation then transfers, directly or indirectly, the kinetic energy of the rainwater to the electric generator, which converts it into electrical energy. The shallow funnel rests on two robust towers, between which the at least three rain vanes rotate vertically to the ground. The closed sides of the rain vanes are at the bottom during the downward movement and at the top during the upward movement, as described in patent 10 2020 130 443 9.

[0031] The energy yield of a rain power plant according to the invention can be increased by adjusting the length of the at least three rain vanes, with longer rain vanes resulting in increased energy yield.

[0032] The rain power plant according to the invention represents an efficient further development of the prior art, in that the rain power plant uses all the rain falling on a defined area for electricity generation. Implementation of the invention

[0033] The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, we will show... Fig. 1A Rainwater harvesting plant in lateral view, Fig. 1B Rainwater harvesting system in frontal view, Fig. 2A Rain bucket of the rain power plant in frontal view, Fig. 2B Rain bucket of the rain power plant in lateral view.

[0034] The description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the arrangement according to the invention can be implemented. In this respect, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the described drawings. This directional terminology serves for illustrative purposes and is in no way restrictive.

[0035] It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be interpreted as restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0036] In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0037] The rain power plant according to the invention is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the rain power plant. It comprises a support structure 1, at least one impeller 2, and a rainwater collection reservoir 3. The impeller 2 has a hub 21 and at least three blades 22, preferably and as shown in Figure 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows four rain vanes 22. At least one of the vanes 2 is mounted on the support structure 1 so as to be rotatable. The wheel hub 21 is operatively connected to an electric generator (not shown). The rainwater collection reservoir 3 is arranged above the at least one vane 2 and is funnel-shaped. An outlet 31 of the rainwater collection reservoir 3 is arranged above a plane of rotation of the at least one vane 2. The outflow of rainwater through the outlet 31 of the rainwater collection reservoir 3 causes the wheel hub 21 of the at least one vane 2 to rotate.The outflow 31 of the rainwater collection reservoir 3 is arranged decentrally above a distal end 221 of one of the at least three rain vanes 22 with respect to the rainwater collection reservoir 3, such that rainwater flowing out of the rainwater collection reservoir 3 is directed specifically onto rain vanes 22 which are in downward rotational motion and there exerts a lever force on the wheel hub 21 by its weight.

[0038] The funnel-shaped rainwater collection reservoir 3 is preferably designed as a very shallow funnel in which the water is collected before being directed onto the rain vanes. The outflow from the funnel is preferably not a central point, but rather a slot on the side above the at least three rain vanes 22, which rotate vertically below the funnel, as they move downwards. This means that the collected water is directed to the slot via a very moderate gradient. Despite this very moderate gradient, the funnel has a large volume. The "bottom" is almost flat, but the height of the side walls is designed such that even during a heavy downpour (150 liters per hour per square meter), the funnel can absorb this water and withstand the pressure.

[0039] The holding structure 1 can, as specifically in Fig. Figure 1B shows that the turbine consists of two towers. At least one impeller 2 is rotatably arranged between the two towers. This prevents the impeller hub, a shaft located between the impeller hub and the electric generator, or other parts of the rain turbine from deforming even during heavy rainfall with correspondingly high loads.

[0040] The outflow 31 of the rainwater collection reservoir 3 is arranged decentrally with respect to the rainwater collection reservoir 3, as specifically shown in Fig. Figure 1B shows the outflow. Here, the outflow 31 of the rainwater collection reservoir 3 is arranged above a distal end 221 of one of the at least three rainwater scoops 22.

[0041] Fig.Figure 2 shows an advantageous embodiment of the at least three rain blades 22. According to various embodiments, each of the at least three rain blades 22 has a rainwater inlet 223. The at least three rain blades 22 can each have a cross-sectional shape of an isosceles triangle with a base, two legs, and an apex. When one of the at least three rain blades 22 moves downwards, the apex points downwards. When one of the at least three rain blades 22 moves downwards, the base of the isosceles triangle points upwards. The base has the rainwater inlet 223. The length of the legs of the isosceles triangle is shortest at the basal end 222 of the at least three rain blades 22 and increases towards the distal end 221 of the at least three rain blades 22. A water reservoir 224 is arranged at the distal end 222 of each of the at least three rain blades 22.The water reservoir 224 is designed such that, when the rain blades 22 move downwards, the rainwater which enters a rain blade 22 via the rainwater inlet 223 accumulates in the water reservoir 224, and when a rain blade 22 moves upwards, the rainwater is released again via the rainwater inlet 223.

[0042] The at least three rain paddles 22 can have a rounded or pointed end 221, which forms the rainwater reservoir 224.

[0043] The rainwater harvesting system can also include a rainwater collection tank 4. The rainwater collection tank 4 is designed to collect rainwater that leaves the water reservoir 224 via the rainwater inlet 223 during the upward movement of a rain paddle 22. Reference sign 1 Support structure 2 paddle wheel 21 Wheel hub 22 rain shovels 221 distal end 222 basal end 223 Rainwater inlet 224 Water reservoir 3 Rainwater Collection Reservoir 31 Drain 4 rainwater collection tanks

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