Self-sufficient updraft tower for combined energy and water supply in regions with weak infrastructure

Abstract

Self-sufficient updraft tower for combined energy and water supply, comprising a vertical tower body with at least one air inlet in the lower area and at least one rotor-generator system inside, an outer skin with flexible photovoltaic modules, an electrical control unit for intermediate storage and distribution of the generated energy, and a device for using the energy to pump water or operate other consumers.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of renewable energy technology, in particular devices for self-sufficient energy generation through thermal updrafts in combination with photovoltaic power generation. Furthermore, it relates to the use of such systems for energy and water supply in regions without existing infrastructure. State of the art

[0002] In engineering, so-called updraft towers are known, in which warm air rises and subsequently drives turbines that generate electrical energy. However, such systems usually require large-area collectors, stable foundations, and a connection to power grids or exhaust air sources. They are therefore unsuitable for mobile or remote locations. In many countries with weak infrastructure, there is an urgent need for self-sufficient systems that can provide both energy and water without relying on fossil fuels or centralized grids. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to create a compact, transportable and completely self-sufficient energy supply system based on the combination of solar and updraft energy, which can simultaneously pump water or supply other consumers. Solution to the task

[0004] The invention relates to an updraft tower consisting of modular segments, having an outer skin made of flexible photovoltaic modules, circumferential air inlets for generating an updraft current, containing at least one horizontal rotor with a generator, a control and storage unit for energy distribution and storage, and supplying an electrically operated water pump. The system is modularly combinable and designed for easy installation without heavy equipment. Advantages of the invention

[0005] The invention enables complete energy self-sufficiency in locations without infrastructure. It combines established principles (thermal and photovoltaic) in a novel, compact design. The dual use of the PV outer shell – for both power generation and heating the tower surface – significantly increases thermal efficiency. Additionally, it creates a universal supply unit: energy, lighting, communication, and water supply can all be provided from a single source. The system is particularly well-suited for development and disaster relief, research camps, military outposts, agricultural irrigation, and temporary supply stations following natural disasters. Example of implementation

[0006] Example: Tower height 10 m, diameter 1 m, outer skin with flexible photovoltaic modules, yield 2-3 MWh of PV electricity annually, additional thermal yield 5-10 MWh. An integrated DC pump can pump up to 20,000 liters of groundwater daily. The entire system is modular and transportable.

Claims

[1] Self-sufficient updraft tower for combined energy and water supply, comprising a vertical tower body with at least one air inlet in the lower area and at least one rotor-generator system inside, an outer skin with flexible photovoltaic modules, an electrical control unit for intermediate storage and distribution of the generated energy and a device for using the energy for pumping water or operating other consumers. [2] Tower according to claim 1, characterized by that the tower is built from modular segments that can be transported and connected on site without special equipment. [3] Tower according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the photovoltaic modules are flexibly designed and directly connected to the tower surface. [4] Tower according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the airflow is controlled via adjustable louvers or automatically regulated air inlets. [5] Tower according to one of the preceding claims, designed for self-sufficient operation in regions with weak infrastructure and no grid connection. [6] Tower according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several towers are coupled together to form a decentralized mini-infrastructure of energy and water supply.