Turbine unit for energy generation

Abstract

Device (100) for generating energy, comprising a plurality of turbine units (10), each comprising a turbine (14) and a generator (16) connected thereto, wherein the turbine units (10) are arranged at defined intervals adjacent to at least one lane (30) on which vehicles (20) are moving, and are designed to be acted upon by an air flow (L) generated by the vehicles (20) in order to drive the corresponding generators (16) so that they generate electrical energy.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus having a plurality of turbine units for generating energy.BackgroundThe use of air currents to generate energy is a central element of modern and sustainable energy generation. Particularly due to climate conversion and the need to replace fossil fuels, wind energy is becoming increasingly important. In technology today, wind turbines are primarily used which convert kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy via large rotors. In this case, the air flow is captured by aerodynamic wings and used for power generation via generators. In addition to classic horizontal-axis wind turbines, there are also vertical-axis concepts which can offer advantages in certain fields of application.However, despite great advances in wind energy technology, there are still significant disadvantages and challenges. An essential problem is the dependence on constant and sufficiently strong air currents. In low-wind regions or in the case of unpredictable weather fluctuations, the efficiency of such installations drastically decreases. In addition, the size of present day wind power installations leads to complicated and cost-intensive installations, which makes it more difficult to use in urban areas or areas which are difficult to access. Another problem is environmental and landscape interventions. Therefore, there is a considerable need for new, more efficient and more environmentally friendly solutions for generating energy from air currents, which can be used even in varying wind conditions and in more complex environments.There are numerous patent applications describing this situation and the related art. For example, DE 10 2004 037 576A1 discloses a method for obtaining electrical energy from air flows. GB. 2 451 588 A describes the use of rail vehicle-induced pressure waves in tunnels in order to generate energy.Disclosure of the InventionIt is an object of the invention to provide an alternative solution for generating energy from air currents in order to use the existing infrastructure in such a way that continuous and reliable generation of electrical energy can be ensured. The aim is to provide a system which operates substantially independently of weather fluctuations and climatic conditions and thus enables a stable energy supply.The invention is set out in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.The object is achieved according to the features of claim 1 and in particular in that the device for generating energy comprises a plurality of turbine units with a respective turbine and a generator connected thereto, wherein the turbine units are arranged adjacent to at least one lane on which vehicles are moving at defined intervals and are configured to be acted upon by an air flow generated by the vehicles in order to drive the corresponding generators in order to generate these electrical energy.A turbine is, for the purposes of the invention, a rotating machine which can convert the kinetic energy of a flowing medium, such as air, water, steam or gas, into mechanical rotational energy. The turbine may comprise blades or rotor blades which are set into a rotational movement by the flowing medium. The rotary movement thereby arising can be transmitted via a shaft to other machines, for example a generator. Each turbine may be connected to a respective generator. It is also conceivable for a plurality of turbines to be connected to a generator.A generator is, for the purposes of the invention, a machine which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. According to the principle of electromagnetic induction, electrical voltage can be generated by a movement of conductors in a magnetic field.Each turbine converts the kinetic energy of an air flow into mechanical rotational energy, which is passed on directly to the respective generator. The respective generator converts the mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy, which can subsequently be collected, stored or used directly. The plurality of turbine units allows the energy generation to be flexibly scaled and adapted to different traffic and flow conditions.The turbines can be designed, for example, as horizontal rotors in which a rotational axis of the respective rotor runs parallel to the ground or as vertical rotors in which the rotational axis is perpendicular, such as, for example, Darrieus or Savonius rotors. The turbines can be designed as a combination of vertical and horizontal axis systems. The turbines may include air passages, nozzles, and / or vanes that selectively direct the flow of air onto the rotors and thereby accelerate the flow of air. The turbines may be formed as vibratory turbines comprising vibratory elements, such as rods or plates, that are vibrated by an air stream to generate mechanical energy.A lane is, for the purposes of the invention, a strip within a road defined by markings or structural measures, which strip is specifically provided for carrying the unidirectional traffic of vehicles.An air flow in the sense of the invention denotes a directed movement of air masses which is generated by natural influences such as wind or by external influences such as the movement of vehicles. It has a certain speed and direction and can transmit mechanical energy, which can be used, for example, by turbines for driving a generator for generating energy.In embodiments, the turbine units are disposed adjacent to at least one lane extending within a tunnel.A tunnel denotes, in the sense of the invention, a structurally limited space for traffic guidance, which extends in the longitudinal direction along a lane and which specifically serves to direct the traffic flow of vehicles. The tunnel can be designed, for example, as an underpass, a covered road section, gallery, noise protection covering or a covered bridge section. The tunnel may be configured to partially or fully enclose and thereby selectively steer and boost the airflow created by the movement of vehicles to efficiently utilize it for generating energy with wind generators.It is also conceivable for the turbine units to be arranged above a respective lane. Further, turbine units may be disposed between lanes in which vehicles are moving in opposite directions of travel.In embodiments, the air flow is discharged through a duct arranged in each case on an output side of the turbine unit which is subjected to loading and in the tunnel wall. In other words, a channel is formed in the tunnel wall on the output side of a respective turbine unit. After loading a respective turbine unit, the air flow is discharged through the corresponding duct arranged on the output side.In embodiments, the device comprises an energy store for storing the generated electrical energy.An energy store in the sense of the invention can be a technical system which is configured to temporarily store the electrical energy generated by the turbine units in order to be able to retrieve and use them in a time-flexible manner.The energy storage device may be, for example, an accumulator, a supercapacitor, a flywheel storage device, or any other form of electrical or mechanical storage media capable of efficiently receiving, storing, and releasing the generated energy as needed to compensate for variations in power generation or consumption.In embodiments, the turbine units are connected together in a parallel or series connection. The turbine units may be connected in parallel to add the current generated while the voltage remains constant. Thus, a higher total power can be achieved when multiple generators with the same voltage cooperate. The turbine units may be connected in series to add the generated voltage while the current remains constant. This variant is therefore suitable when a higher voltage is required for specific loads or for energy transmission.Brief Description of the DrawingsThe invention is explained below with reference to the illustrative drawings. They show FIG. 1 a shows a schematic longitudinal view of a tunnel with turbine units arranged adjacent to the lanes; FIG. 1 b shows a schematic side view of a tunnel with a turbine unit arranged adjacent to a lane.Detailed Description of EmbodimentsFIG. 1 ashows a longitudinal view of a tunnel 40 with turbine units 10, 12 arranged adjacent to the lanes 30 and a vehicle 20 moving along the arrow in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel 40. The movement of the vehicle causes an air flow to propagate in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel 40. The air flow acts on a turbine 14 of the turbine unit 10, whereby the generator 16 connected to the turbine 14 is driven. The generator 16 converts the kinetic energy of the air flow into electrical energy.FIG. 1 bshows a schematic side view of a tunnel 40 along the section line I-II from FIG. 1 awith a turbine unit 10 arranged adjacent to a lane 30. the vehicle 20 moves along the arrow direction in the longitudinal direction of the tunnel 40 and displaces an air mass, whereby an air flow L is generated. The air flow L acts on a turbine 14 of the turbine unit 10, whereby the turbine 14 is set into a rotational movement. A generator 16 connected to the turbine 14 converts the kinetic energy of the turbine 14 into electrical energy. On the output side of the turbine unit 10, a channel 42 is formed in the tunnel wall 40. After the turbine 14 of the turbine unit 10 has been acted upon, the air flow L is discharged through the duct 42.References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedDE 10 2004 037 576A1

[0004] GB 2 451 588 A

[0004]

Claims

Device (100) for generating energy, having a plurality of turbine units (10), comprising a respective turbine (14) and a generator (16) connected thereto, wherein the turbine units (10) are arranged adjacent to at least one lane (30) on which vehicles (20) are moving at defined intervals and are configured to be acted upon by an air flow (L) generated by the vehicles (20) in order to drive the corresponding generators (16) in order to generate these electrical energy.The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the turbine units (10) are disposed adjacent to at least one lane (30) extending within a tunnel (40).Device (100) according to Claim 2, wherein the air flow (L) is discharged through a duct (42) arranged in the tunnel wall (40) on an output side of the respectively acted-on turbine unit (10).Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an energy store for storing the generated electrical energy.The apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the turbine units (10) are connected to each other in a parallel or series connection.

Images