Water energy recovery system as well as computer program product and use

Abstract

Water energy recovery system (100) configured for temporarily buffering / storing kinetic energy of water (1) held in a preferably rotationally symmetric basin (10) of the system (100), wherein the system (100) is coupled to an energy network (3) and is configured to set the water in motion in a first time window (t1) by means of energy input in the basin, in particular by means of at least one pump / conveyor device (13) and / or by means of a rotor (15) of the system (100), and in a subsequent second time window (t2) to convert the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin to recover energy and optionally also to feed the recovered energy back into the energy network (3) or at least into a / the system's own energy storage device (40);characterized in that the system (100) is configured to recover energy by means of at least one rotor (15) of the system which is immersible in the moving water within a water volume (11) provided for this purpose in the basin (10) and / or which can be switched on in a torque / load-reducing manner and which is coupled / coupled to an energy generator unit (17) of the system (100) configured for conversion into electrical energy.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a water energy recovery system for temporarily buffering / storing kinetic energy of water held in a preferably rotationally symmetrical basin of the system, wherein the system is coupled to an energy network and is configured to set the water in motion, in particular rotational motion, in a first time window by means of energy input, optionally from the energy network or directly from system-owned energy generation means or indirectly from a system-owned energy storage device, in the basin, in particular by means of at least one pump / conveyor device and / or by means of a rotor, and in a subsequent second time window to convert the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin to recover energy and optionally also to feed the recovered energy back into the energy network or at least into a system-owned energy storage device.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding computer implementation for realizing a method for recovering energy from moving water, in particular using such a water energy recovery system. Finally, the present invention also relates to the use of such a water energy recovery system for balancing grid fluctuations in at least one power grid. In particular, the invention relates to a system and a computer program product according to the respective independent claim. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Pumped storage power plants can utilize fluctuating load levels in energy grids to temporarily store energy (especially energy in other forms, such as potential energy) and then convert this stored energy back into power and feed it back into the grid. This not only allows for the balancing of significant grid fluctuations but can also potentially generate a financial advantage, depending on the degree of energy price volatility. However, the primary motivation for undertaking the comparatively high costs typically associated with pumped storage power plants is often the desired energy independence and the avoidance of grid overload.

[0003] Pumped-storage power plants are a classic example of storage power plants, where water is moved over relatively large differences in elevation and potential energy can be spontaneously released on demand. However, such pumped-storage power plants are comparatively expensive to invest in and can only be built at select locations.

[0004] Furthermore, the expansion of pumped storage power plants may be severely limited, particularly from a geographical perspective, for example in Germany. Therefore, there is interest in alternative options that can be implemented for energy storage in a highly variable / flexible manner, ideally independent of location.

[0005] An example is the publication DE 10 2022 131 342 A1, which describes a machine unit for an underwater pumped storage power plant reservoir.

[0006] Based on the current state of the art, there is a need for a technology that can be implemented as independently of location as possible, with maximum system flexibility, variability, and scalability, particularly with the option of realizing synergies with existing infrastructure, ideally without specific topological requirements. Last but not least, especially with regard to short-term grid fluctuations, for example, weather-related fluctuations in energy grids with a high proportion of photovoltaic energy feed-in, there is also interest in a technology with short response times or minimal inertia. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The task is to provide a system or computer implementation for the temporary storage of energy from moving water, enabling the kinetic energy of water to be stored and recovered at more or less arbitrary locations, largely independent of weather conditions and with the shortest possible system response times, for at least a short period. This is particularly important for providing electrical energy to consumers and / or for grid feed-in. Furthermore, the task is to design such a system or corresponding computer implementation in such a way that the stored energy, whether surplus energy or energy recovered through system-side energy conversion, can be used and made available for various purposes as responsively as possible, i.e., with minimal response times, especially for short-term load balancing.

[0008] This problem is solved by a system according to claim 1, by a computer implementation according to the dependent computer program claim, and by uses according to the corresponding dependent use claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained in the respective dependent claims. The features of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with one another unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0009] A water energy recovery system (“system”) is provided for the temporary buffering / storage of kinetic energy of water held in a preferably rotationally symmetrical basin of the system, wherein the system is coupled to an energy network and is configured to set the water in motion, in particular rotational motion, in a first time window by means of energy input, optionally from the energy network or directly from system-owned energy generation means or indirectly from a system-owned energy storage device, in the basin, in particular by means of at least one pump / conveyor device and / or by means of a rotor, and in a subsequent second time window to convert the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin to recover energy and optionally also to feed the recovered energy back into the energy network or at least into a system-owned energy storage device;According to the invention, it is proposed that the system is configured to recover energy by means of at least one rotor that can be immersed in the moving water within a designated water volume of the basin and / or whose torque / load can be engaged and disengaged, and which is coupled / connectable to an energy generator unit of the water energy recovery system designed for conversion into electrical energy. This provides, in particular, short response times, system flexibility, location independence, and, not least, variability with regard to the intensity of energy extraction.

[0010] Storage refers specifically to the temporary storage of energy over a relatively long period. Buffering refers specifically to the temporary storage of energy over a relatively short period, whether in the range of minutes, hours, or (a few) days. The present invention offers advantages, particularly with relatively short buffer / storage times. When storage is mentioned generally, it refers specifically to temporary storage and buffering.

[0011] For the sake of simplicity, the water energy recovery system described here will also be referred to simply as "the system." It can also be called a water kinetic energy recovery system; however, since the form of energy recovered from the kinetic energy of the water does not necessarily have to be predefined, the more general term "water energy recovery system," referring to energy in general, may be more appropriate here.

[0012] Where water is mentioned in the present disclosure, this shall also be understood to mean a reference to a comparably readily available fluid with comparable properties.

[0013] Insofar as the present disclosure refers to “(intermediate) storage of kinetic energy”, this is to be understood synonymously as the holding of kinetic energy of water masses in a designated water volume of a basin of the system.

[0014] Where the present disclosure refers to energy of motion, this is to be understood as a synonym for kinetic energy.

[0015] Where the present disclosure refers to a rotor, this is to be understood synonymously as a reference to the rotor's blades, at least insofar as the interaction between the rotor and water is discussed.

[0016] Personalized terms, unless explicitly formulated in the neuter gender, may refer to all genders within the context of this disclosure. Any foreign-language expressions or abbreviations used here are standard industry terms and are familiar to those skilled in the art. Any synonymous German terms used / available may be indicated here in parentheses for the sake of completeness, or vice versa.

[0017] Of course, computer-implemented artificial intelligence (AI) tools can also be used within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the implementation of AI models within the scope of the present invention, e.g., for energy efficiency optimization, can include a computer infrastructure or data processing architecture, particularly at the core of at least one computing unit or similar computer data processing unit, which facilitates and / or makes the execution of machine learning algorithms more powerful or faster (up to real-time processing) and / or more energy-efficient, or at least partially enables it in the first place. In this way, decision-making processes of neural AI networks can be implemented comparatively quickly and (energy) efficiently, especially in end devices (edge ​​devices) such as...in the sensor technology described here, for example also in the context of data processing and data storage, for example for energy-optimized data storage, and / or in connection with the use of spin losses or in combination with so-called spintronic measures, especially also in the case of particularly small and energy-saving semiconductor components.For example, the computer-based and chip-based tools described here include at least one of the following components: photonic AI chips, especially those with silicon photonic structures (a combination of electronic and optical data processing), spintronic semiconductor devices, optical waveguides at least partially replacing or supplementing electronic semiconductors, as well as multiplexing components, photon modulators, photodetectors, ring resonators, at least one dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) component for the simultaneous processing of multiple data channels, at least one optical circuit integrated into at least one neural network (NN) or deep neural network (DNN), and at least one photonic processor. For example, at least one NN and / or DNN is executed directly at the hardware level. As a result, particularly large datasets can be analyzed very quickly.For example, at least one photonic component is present in form printed directly onto a wafer, in particular at least one of the following photonic components: optical amplifiers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), polarization converters, splitters, optical waveguides, phase modulators. It should be understood that, in addition to such data processing infrastructure specialized for AI applications, an implementation of so-called Neural Architecture Prediction (NAP) methods can also be used alternatively or additionally; AI models based on these can, for example, also be combined with AI architectures such as transformers, LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory), GNN (Graph Neural Network), etc.The data processing components described here can be combined with a neural network (specialized for processing information based on graphics and charts) and / or an RNN (recurrent neural network), particularly for implementing AI measures even on hardware that is at least partially older and not necessarily designed at the hardware level for optimized application of AI measures. In this respect, the data processing components described here can each also be configured to implement AI-supported measures.

[0018] The pool can have the following dimensions, for example: diameter 50 meters (50m), height 25m or 30m. The inner surfaces of the pool can be provided with a friction-reducing coating, e.g. lined with a sharkskin surface film or similar friction-reducing surface structure or texture.

[0019] For example, the energy input efficiency is comparable to that of conventional jet or waterjet propulsion systems. For example, the efficiency of energy conversion from kinetic to electrical energy is around 90 percent. For example, the difference in energy costs between the first and second time windows is a factor of 1.5, 2, or 2.5, or even a more significant difference.

[0020] The system described here, which can also be called a vortex storage power plant, is advantageously implemented for short-term energy storage. Unlike a conventional pumped storage power plant, it has a significantly lower system inertia, allowing, for example, switching between the first and second time windows and their respective operating modes several times a day.

[0021] Advantageously, the system described here results in only comparatively small hydraulic losses, primarily due to the relatively low fluid velocities. While the efficiencies of conventional pumped-storage power plants may be around 75%, the system described here promises even higher efficiencies, particularly thanks to the sophisticated technology of the components used, such as the pumping / conveying equipment, rotor, and energy generator units. Depending on the implementation and the duration of energy buffering / storage, efficiencies exceeding 80% are potentially achievable in the future.

[0022] It is understood that the system described here, or the corresponding computer implementation, preferably provides hydraulic energy buffering, i.e., by supplying (kinetic) energy to a medium or fluid such as water. Based on the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can also design systems, computer implementations, or methods in which non-hydraulic energy buffers or energy storage devices are provided, which are configured to be set in motion and to release the kinetic energy back to the generator train of the system in a timely manner. For example, movable weights or massive bodies are provided in the basin, e.g., on sliding bearings or rolling bearings, and (kinetic) energy can be supplied to these masses in the first time window, and the energy can be released again in the second time window.For example, the weights / masses are arranged on a disc or similar wheel or rotatable frame connected to the rotor, in the manner of a flywheel, and can be accelerated and decelerated. The skilled person understands that the hydraulic implementation is preferred, particularly since water is readily available and, even when in motion, exhibits little frictional loss, no vibrations, imbalances, or similar disadvantages inherent in massive bodies and high inertial forces. Nevertheless, applications are conceivable in which energy storage can be achieved by masses in a solid state (for example, frozen water, distributed in individual chambers, containers, or trays), perhaps even in a combined system with both a hydraulic implementation and solid masses.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the system is configured to specify a time window with absolutely low energy consumption and / or absolutely high energy feed-in to the grid for the first time window, in particular based on a grid utilization parameter evaluated by the system. This also promotes a particularly positive economic balance in the operation of the system described here. The specification of the time window can optionally be based on a forecast or empirical data on grid utilization, or optionally on current measured values, i.e., actual utilization states.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the system is configured to specify a time window with absolutely low energy feed-in to the power grid and / or absolutely high energy consumption for the second time window, in particular based on a power grid utilization parameter evaluated by the system. This also promotes a reduction in peak loads in the grid.

[0025] The manner in which the recovered energy is used can also be specified according to the situation; in particular, based on one or more parameters, the system can determine whether the recovered energy is made available to a consumer and / or fed into an energy grid and / or into an external energy storage system and / or the system's own energy storage system. Such a decision can also be made by the system with regard to economic efficiency.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one pump / conveyor device is implemented within the basin, particularly in the form of a jet drive (or water jet drive) at multiple delivery points. This also facilitates direct energy input into the water without piping / supply losses and without requiring high fluid velocities within comparatively small / narrow piping systems. A so-called rim drive, in which a propeller component is guided radially outside a ring, can also be used as the jet / water jet drive. In other words, the present invention is not limited to a specific type of pump / conveyor device; rather, novel or conventional propeller drives can also be implemented.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the at least one pump / conveyor device is implemented in the basin, acting at a plurality of pumping points (or energy input points), wherein the pumping points are arranged in an area radially spaced from the basin's outer surfaces, in particular at a radial distance of at least 5% of the radius intended for the water volume. This also promotes energy-efficient energy input, especially at radial distances from adhesion conditions on the outer surfaces, so that energetically detrimental effects such as viscosity forces and shear flows can also be minimized.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rotor blades extend in a radial section that is at least 10% smaller than the radius intended for the water volume. This allows for optimization of the relative arrangement of the blades in a region of the water volume where the water has the highest possible kinetic energy, i.e., where the water movement is at its maximum speed. Depending on the geometry of the basin, this may be a region that is far removed from the basin's outer surfaces.

[0029] These measures for locally specified energy input and output also increase efficiency, particularly since the kinetic energy of the water can be temporarily stored and recovered even at comparatively high rotational speeds. A negative braking effect due to adhesion at the edges of the surface and bottom can thus be largely eliminated. Depending on whether a laminar flow profile or a predominantly turbulent flow profile is generated (which can be set by controlling the pump / conveyor system), the edge zone of slow flow (low flow velocities) is larger or smaller. The engineer can also specify the required distance to the edge depending on the selected flow profile, for example, setting it at least 20% smaller than the radius intended for the water volume.Optionally, the rotor's blade surfaces can be designed to be adjustable in size along their radial dimensions, for example, by means of overlapping surface elements that can be telescopically shifted relative to each other in the radial direction. This also allows the rotor to be configured depending on the respective operating mode, i.e., not only by specifying its immersion depth, but also, alternatively or additionally, by adapting the size of the rotor blade surface.

[0030] It is understood that for the energy input into the water, i.e., to set the water in motion, at least one rotor can optionally be used, either alone or in combination with at least one pumping / conveying device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the system is configured to engage at least one rotor to transmit torque / load and to transfer energy into the water via this rotor. In other words, energy can be transferred either by pumps and / or by rotor. This provides even greater process flexibility. The generator unit can also function as a motor. Optionally, a separate drive is provided for energy transfer via the rotor.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the at least one pump / conveyor device is implemented acting on or at least in the area of ​​at least one outer and / or inner surface of the basin, advantageously also at several circumferential positions (e.g., at two, three, or four circumferential positions). This also facilitates a symbiosis of an advantageous arrangement of device components for energy input into the water on the one hand and an advantageous arrangement of device components for energy extraction from the water on the other.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the at least one pump / conveyor device is implemented in the bottom region of the basin, in particular distributed at several points in the radial direction, advantageously also at several circumferential positions (e.g., at two circumferential positions offset by 180°, or at three circumferential positions each offset by 120°, or at four circumferential positions each offset by 90°). This also facilitates the implementation of comparatively large pump / conveyor devices that protrude into the water volume without adversely affecting the way in which energy is extracted by the rotor.

[0034] Optionally, the corresponding pump / conveyor device is equipped with an outlet that is adjustable at least in its orientation and optionally also in its size, so that the pumping / conveying of the water can be controlled / regulated depending on a current flow situation in the pool.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the at least one rotor comprises an inner rotor, in particular a paddle ring guided on a first shaft, and an outer rotor, in particular a paddle ring guided on a second shaft, wherein the inner and outer rotors can be controlled independently of each other and switched on and off depending on the torque / load. This enables even more precise control, particularly with regard to energy input and output at different intensities. In particular, the outer paddle ring can be used for large loads to be transmitted, and the inner paddle ring can be used for small loads to be transmitted.

[0036] A paddle ring is understood to be a ring-shaped unit on which individual rotor blades are provided and can optionally be adjusted in rotational position and / or radial position.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the blades of at least one rotor, in particular both the inner and the outer rotor, are adjustable with respect to their hydraulically effective area, especially by varying the blade position and / or blade area. This also allows for adjustment of the load-bearing behavior or the manner of energy input while maintaining the same height position of the respective rotor, i.e., while the rotor remains unchanged within the basin or water volume.

[0038] According to one embodiment, one or more blades of the at least one rotor span the basin in the radial direction by at least 45% and / or a maximum of 75%, optionally with a radially scalable size or adjustable relative position of the rotor blades. This also allows for a relative arrangement of the blade in a radial section of the stored water volume where the water has a comparatively high kinetic energy.

[0039] According to one embodiment, one or more rotor blades have a greater axial extent (depth) than a greater radial extent. This can further increase the achievable efficiency.

[0040] It is advantageous to adapt the size of the rotor in the radial direction to a radial section of the basin or water volume where the water can be set in motion at comparatively high speeds with minimal viscous forces. For example, in rotationally symmetrical basins, it can be advantageous if the rotor has the narrowest possible blades in the radial direction, but can be inserted as deeply as possible into the basin in the axial direction. This allows the energy extraction to be focused on a radial section where the greatest kinetic energy per unit mass is present.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the basin has a central recess (cavity), in particular a cylindrical or conical recess, wherein the rotor is preferably axially displaceable along a rotor axis running centrally in the recess, i.e., by means of apparatus / device equipment (e.g., bearings, bushings) which can be arranged outside the water volume. Such a design can also facilitate the guidance of the water along a designated movement path within the basin, in particular such that the at least one blade of the rotor is moved by the water as far as possible where the relative movement of the water is maximal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the at least one rotor can be moved continuously or in discrete steps between different positions within the water volume in the vertical direction (in particular through appropriate control engineering implementation), for torque / load-reducing operation with a rotating / moving water mass. This allows the energy extraction to be controlled particularly flexibly, especially with minimal response times.

[0043] For the vertical positioning of the rotor or at least of rotor blade components, and optionally for the radial positioning of rotor blade components, the system preferably includes suitable drives, e.g., linear drives or drives equipped with traction elements. Depending on the desired design of the system components, a person skilled in the art can provide such drives as further system features.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the system comprises a control unit and is configured to immerse the rotor in the water volume held by the basin to a predefined / predefinable percentage, depending on the current load state of the power grid, for example, by 50% when half of the maximum available power is required. This also facilitates a particularly dynamic operating mode, especially for the purpose of optimally adapting the operating behavior to a current grid load state or energy demand, or to current energy costs.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the basin is a retention basin installed at least substantially underground or completely underground, in particular a retention basin for excessive rainfall or a retention basin integrated into conduits leading to bodies of water, especially a basin with at least one inlet and / or outlet coupled to / connectable to existing infrastructure. This also facilitates a synergistic linking of existing infrastructure with the system described here, in particular by introducing water already imbued with kinetic energy.

[0046] For example, the basin can be connected to drainage pipes or similar water management infrastructure, such as conduits to bodies of water. This allows for the input of external energy into the water retained within the basin, particularly in a way that supports the (rotational) movement of the water without requiring any active energy input. In this way, further energy-related synergies with existing infrastructure can be achieved.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the moving water is kept at a constant level, namely at the level of the basin, without the input of potential energy. Operating without changes in elevation also allows for a systematic increase in energy efficiency and a minimal response time, especially since, unlike conventional pumped-storage power plants that operate with potential energy, no minimum volume of water needs to be released over a predefined height difference.

[0048] The aforementioned task is also solved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform steps for controlling / regulating a process for recovering energy from moving water according to the following characteristics on or by means of the computer, namely a process for recovering energy from moving water.Water is set in motion, wherein the water is held at least temporarily in a basin and, in a first time window, is set in motion by energy input into the basin to temporarily buffer / store kinetic energy, in particular into rotational motion, wherein in a subsequent second time window the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin is converted to recover energy; wherein the energy recovery is effected by means of at least one rotor that is immersible in the moving water within a designated water volume of the basin and / or can be switched on in a torque / load-reducing manner, which is coupled / connectable to an energy generator unit, in particular also when / by using a previously described device combination of basin and rotor and pumping / conveying devices. This results in the aforementioned advantages.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a time window with absolutely low energy consumption and / or absolutely high energy feed-in to the energy grid (positive energy balance, energy surplus within the energy grid) is specified for the first time window.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the second time window is defined as a time window with absolutely low energy feed-in to the energy grid and / or absolutely high energy consumption (negative energy balance within the energy grid).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second time window (particularly through appropriate control engineering implementation) follows the first time window within a period of less than five hours, optionally within less than one hour, for example even after just a few minutes, particularly depending on at least one energy parameter (e.g., grid load parameter, energy cost parameter, parameter for energy currently generated by the system itself, e.g., from photovoltaics or wind power, state-of-charge parameter of, for example, a system-integrated energy storage device). This also facilitates a particularly short response time and the ability to react quickly to changing energy-related boundary conditions.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the operating mode is switched between the corresponding first and second time windows several times throughout the day (particularly through appropriate control engineering implementation, for example, depending on a power grid utilization parameter and / or energy cost parameter). This also facilitates the consideration of fluctuations in a power grid that may only occur locally due to weather phenomena, especially thanks to the system's ability to react as quickly as possible in setting the optimal operating mode.

[0053] According to one embodiment, at least one operating parameter from the following group is controlled / regulated: height position or immersion depth of the rotor, radial position and / or radial extent of one or more rotor blades in the water volume, power consumption of the at least one pump / conveyor unit, instantaneous load resistance of the energy generator unit, type of energy source (external, internal) for energy input into the water, and operating mode of the rotor as a drive component or as a generator component. These control / regulation parameters, either individually or in at least partial combination, can ensure both high flexibility and a particularly precise and versatile energy management method with minimal response times.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the rotor is controlled / regulated to a predefined / predefinable extent in the water volume held by the basin, particularly depending on the current load state of the energy grid, especially by displacing at least the rotor blades or blade components axially downwards along the rotor axis. This also facilitates particularly short-term, rapid control / regulation depending on current load states and short-term expected energy demand.

[0055] According to one embodiment, during the first time window, kinetic energy is introduced into the water by means of at least one wind turbine coupled to the rotor, or at least energy is provided for introducing kinetic energy into the water. This can further improve the energy balance and also promote a certain degree of energy system self-sufficiency, thereby enabling further variations regarding the operating modes of the system.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the water held in the volume is subjected to (kinetic) energy in such a way that the resulting water movement is caused by a Coriolis force opposing a centrifugal force. For a system location in the Northern Hemisphere, the water is preferably driven clockwise, and for a system location in the Southern Hemisphere, preferably counterclockwise. The person skilled in the art can specify the operating mode of the implemented pumping / conveying devices or their orientation accordingly, either statically or dynamically controlled / regulated via the control unit.

[0057] It is understood that the Coriolis force, acting to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, can influence the moving water masses; to increase energy efficiency, the system is advantageously implemented in such a way that the Coriolis force supports the movement of the water and does not impede it. An inlet for water from outside the system, which already possesses kinetic energy (e.g., because it flows in from higher elevations), can also be advantageously coupled to the basin in such a way that the inflow momentum supports the desired direction of movement of the water contained within the basin volume. This means that in the Northern Hemisphere, the water flows radially outwards, particularly tangentially to the right, into the basin, thus promoting clockwise movement.

[0058] The aforementioned task is also solved by a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform steps for controlling a process according to the present disclosure on or by means of the computer, in particular with the computer program product configured to control the relative position of the rotor or components of the rotor or of a rotor blade. Based on the aforementioned advantages, this also enables comparatively simple control of energy to be provided in a time-dependent manner, even within relatively small time windows, with minimal reaction times.

[0059] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using at least one pump / conveyor device for introducing kinetic energy into water in a first time window and at least one rotor for converting the generated kinetic energy of the water into electrical energy in a second time window, wherein kinetic energy of the water is temporarily stored in a preferably rotationally symmetrical basin, and the energy recovered from the kinetic energy is fed into a power grid, wherein the at least one rotor is immersed in the water and / or its torque / load is reduced to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy, and wherein the first and second time windows are predetermined depending on a time-dependent power grid utilization parameter and / or a time-dependent energy cost parameter. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be realized.

[0060] The aforementioned problem is also solved by using a water energy recovery system according to the present disclosure to compensate for grid fluctuations in at least one energy network, wherein the moving water is kept at a constant level between the first and second time windows, namely at the level of the basin, particularly in a method according to the present description. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be realized, especially with regard to the synergistic use of the available resources or infrastructure of existing energy networks.For example, in regions with a large share of renewable energies that generate energy unpredictably and unevenly over time, the system described here can make an important contribution to managing load changes and meeting current energy demand inhomogeneities with comparatively low investment costs in the grid infrastructure, especially when there are multiple changes between the operating modes of the system or between the first and second time windows throughout the day.

[0061] It is understood that, based on the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can conduct investigations and further developments to optimize the method of energy input into the water contained within the water volume, as well as the method of energy extraction for the purpose of converting kinetic energy into electrical energy or other types of energy, including, in particular, experimental investigations and / or modeling and simulation. In doing so, the person skilled in the art can also utilize common methods for computer-aided generation of action options and / or for computer-aided identification of optimization potential. Specifically within the scope of the present invention, a person skilled in the art is considered to be an engineer with several years of professional experience in the field of systems for buffering / intermediately storing energy for relatively short periods.

[0062] Summary: In many cases, storage power plants are comparatively inflexible in operation and can only be installed selectively depending on the location, especially pumped storage power plants.A water energy recovery system is provided for the temporary buffering of kinetic energy from water held in a basin of the system, wherein the system is coupled to an energy grid and is configured to set the water in motion in a first time window by introducing energy into the basin and, in a subsequent second time window, to convert the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin to recover energy; wherein the system is configured to carry out the energy recovery by means of at least one rotor that can be immersed in the moving water within a designated water volume of the basin and / or that can be switched on in a torque / load-reducing manner, which is coupled / connectable to an energy generator unit configured for conversion into electrical energy.This allows for the implementation of a very fast and situationally optimizable method of energy recovery. The present invention also relates to a computer implementation for a corresponding energy recovery method and related uses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] The invention is described in more detail in the following drawings, whereby reference numerals not explicitly described in a particular drawing are made to the other drawings. They show: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, or components of the system; Fig. 2. A schematic side view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, or components of the system; Fig. 3. A schematic side view of a system according to an exemplary embodiment, or components of the system; Fig. 4. A system according to an exemplary embodiment, or components of the system, in a top view; Fig. 5 in a cutaway side view a system according to an exemplary embodiment, or components of the system; Fig. 6 steps of a procedure according to computer implementations according to embodiments; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0064] The invention will first be explained with general reference to all reference numerals and figures. Specific features or individual aspects, or aspects of the present invention that are clearly visible / representable in the respective figure, will be addressed individually in connection with that figure.

[0065] A water energy recovery system 100 is provided for the temporary buffering or storage of kinetic energy of water 1 held in a preferably rotationally symmetric basin 10 of the system (water energy recovery system), wherein the system 100 is coupled to an energy network 3 and is configured to set the water in motion in a first time window t1 by means of energy input in the basin, in particular by means of at least one pump / conveyor device 13 and / or by means of a rotor 15 of the system 100, and in a subsequent second time window t2 to convert the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin to recover energy and optionally also feed the recovered energy back into the energy network 3 or at least into a system-owned energy storage device 40;wherein the system 100 is configured to recover energy by means of at least one rotor 15 of the system which is immersible in the moving water within a designated water volume 11 of the basin 10 and / or which can be switched on in a torque / load-reducing manner and which is coupled / connectable to an energy generator unit 17 of the system 100 which is configured to convert energy into electrical energy.

[0066] The preferably rotationally symmetric basin 10 has at least one outer surface 10.1 and at least one inner surface 10.3, on each of which the at least one pump / conveying device 13 can advantageously be implemented, optionally also in the bottom region 10.5 of the basin. According to one variant, the basin can have a central recess (cavity) 10.7 radially inside, in particular a cylindrical or conical recess, through which the water volume 11 acquires an annular cylindrical geometry.

[0067] Examples of suitable pumping / conveying equipment include jet-driven pumps and / or propeller drives.

[0068] The rotor 15 preferably has several blades or paddles 15.1, the blades optionally being implemented as pairs. The blade surface 15.3 of each blade or paddle 15.1 can, for example, be designed as a radially and / or axially (top / bottom) bounded bulkhead, i.e., also flat without any significant airfoil, particularly since a high relative movement of the blade / paddle through the water is neither expected nor desirable. The blades or paddles 15.1 can be held relative to the water volume by a blade holder 16 connected to the rotor shaft, optionally adjustable, wherein the blade holder 16 has, for example, a radial guide 16.1 (in particular with a sliding bearing for translational relative movement in the radial direction) and / or a rotary bearing for each blade.

[0069] An energy generator unit 17 can also be implemented as a motor 18 and is operatively connected to the rotor shaft. The system includes a control unit 20, by means of which at least one operating parameter BP can be set, both for the step of energy input into the water volume and for the step of energy conversion. The system 100 also includes at least one sensor unit 25, in particular comprising sensors for flow and / or throughput and / or velocity and / or torque on the rotor shaft Z15 and / or relative position (axial and / or radial). The desired computer implementation and execution can be supported by a computing / logic unit 99 or a similar computer data processing unit of the system, e.g., provided as a component of the control unit 20.

[0070] Alternatively, on-site energy generation equipment 30 can be provided, e.g., in the form of a wind turbine 31 and / or a photovoltaic system 33. In this case, an on-site energy storage system (first type energy source) 40 is also advantageous, which can be charged with energy from the energy generation equipment 30. This increases the degree of self-sufficiency and the possibilities for optimizing the operating mode depending on energy and cost parameters. Likewise, the generated energy can be fed directly into the grid 3 or, optionally, into an external energy storage system (second type energy source) 50, or optionally into the on-site energy storage system 40, depending on the energy and / or cost situation.

[0071] The procedure described here can be roughly subdivided into the following steps: S1 Energy input into the water volume; S2 Energy conversion; S3 Adjustment of the rotor; S4 Control / regulation (with respect to) at least one operating parameter; S4.1 Adjustment of at least one operating parameter depending on a utilization parameter and / or cost parameter.

[0072] The following section explains special features of the invention with reference to individual figures or embodiments.

[0073] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a basin 10 of a system 100 with a rotor 15 installed in / on it. Energy input can be achieved at the pumping points (or delivery points) P, for example, by means of jet-like pumping devices. The water moved within the water volume is directed particularly into the Fig. The indicated rotational movement (M) is offset. The indicated direction of movement M may be particularly advantageous for implementation in the Southern Hemisphere. The injection points P are advantageously located on the lateral surfaces and also in the base area, e.g., distributed at several circumferential positions and / or at several radial positions and / or at several vertical positions. In this way, energy input can occur at multiple locations in the most efficient manner possible.

[0074] In Fig. Figure 1 further indicates a central recess 10.7, which may be optionally implemented, for forming an annular cylindrical water intake volume, wherein the rotor axis is arranged separately from the water volume, and the blades are advantageously held by means of a blade holder (not shown) spanning the annular cylindrical area above the water volume.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 2 shows further system components, in particular system-owned energy generation equipment 30 (especially wind turbine 31 and / or photovoltaic system 33) and system-owned energy storage 40.

[0076] In Fig. Figure 3 indicates that the entire rotor 15 can be designed to be displaceable in the vertical direction, e.g. by a translational actuation along the rotor axis Z15. Alternatively or additionally, the blades 15.1 of the rotor can be adjustable, e.g. with regard to relative position, inclination, or angle of rotation.

[0077] In Fig. Figure 3 indicates the radial direction (r) with respect to the basin or its center point, as well as the spatial directions x, y, z (transverse and vertical / longitudinal). Due to the preferably rotationally symmetrical geometry of the basin, reference is primarily made here to the radial direction (r) and the longitudinal direction (z) according to the rotor axis.

[0078] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a system 100 with three pairs of wings or six paddles, in which the individual wings 15.1 can be adjusted in their radial relative position and also rotatably about their respective longitudinal axes. This allows the system to be adapted very quickly and easily to a current situation with regard to energy input or load-bearing behavior, whether depending on external parameters, e.g., current energy costs, or on internal parameters, such as the rotational speed of the water held in the basin. The wing or paddle 15.1 on the right radially outward side (position 3:00) is rotated by 90°. The wing or paddle 15.1 on the left (position 9:00) is translationally displaced inward along the guide 16.1.

[0079] The dotted line arrows in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 4 indicates the energy input caused by the pumping / conveying equipment 13 at the conveying points. The in Fig. The indicated direction of movement M may be particularly advantageous for implementation in the Northern Hemisphere. The Fig. Four dotted lines pointing tangentially to the basin (right hand) indicate an optional inlet for water from outside the system, e.g., from topographically higher regions, for the purpose of external energy input. An outlet may also be provided, shown here in Fig. 4. Left hand indicated without dotted line arrow.

[0080] In Fig. Section 5 specifically explains the aspect of adjusting individual wings or paddles by changing their radial position and / or rotation angle. An outer position (radially out) and an inner position (radially in) of each paddle are identifiable, as is the corresponding radial displacement path. The paddles are redundant in this respect. Fig. 5 is shown, although several paddles per holder and guide 16, 16.1 can also be provided, i.e., at several radial positions. The radial displacement path (on the left side of the Fig. 5 (also indicated by reference numeral 16.1) can be implemented at least approximately over the entire radial length of the rotor. The axis of the corresponding paddle or wing can therefore be actuated both rotationally and translationally (perpendicular to the axis's extension), for example by means of traction elements, rotary drives, or similar actuators. Fig. In section 5, the generator unit 17 is also designated by reference numeral 18 for a motor, to clarify that the generator unit can also be implemented and operated as a motor. This also applies to the further embodiments described here. Fig. Section 5 also indicates that sufficient clearance is provided, particularly on the inner surface of the basin and in the bottom area of ​​the basin, to implement pump / guide devices or their outlets for the energy input into the water volume.

[0081] Especially those in the Fig. 4, Fig. The five wings shown can also be described / designated as individual paddles, in particular as movable and / or rotatable paddles, e.g., paddles rotatable by 90° around the vertical axis. The design as individually adjustable paddles also enables very rapid switching between the operating modes of energy input and energy conversion (load removal).

[0082] From the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. Paragraph 5 indicates that the rotor can be designed in different configurations, either with radially elongated blades or with axially elongated blades with a high length-to-width ratio (i.e., very narrow blades). The most advantageous configuration depends on the achievable depth of the pool and on the operating mode of the rotor, for example, whether it is implemented with height adjustment and / or whether the blades / paddles themselves are adjustable.

[0083] In Fig. Figure 6 illustrates exemplary steps of a method according to computer implementations as shown in the exemplary embodiments, wherein operating parameters BP can be specified in both step S1 (energy input into the water volume) and step S2 (energy conversion), wherein step S3 (step of adjusting the rotor) can include step S4 (step of controlling / regulating at least one operating parameter), or vice versa, and wherein at least one energy network utilization parameter EP1 and / or at least one energy cost parameter EP2 can be taken into account in step S4.1 (setting at least one operating parameter BP), in particular also based on information from outside the system, especially network-related information, which can be retrieved or determined, for example, via the Internet or other online information sources.

[0084] The first and second time windows t1 and t2 are advantageous because they can be specified very spontaneously and without lengthy setup times. This means that if, in particular, the grid load and / or energy costs change significantly, the corresponding time window can be adjusted quickly by the system to set the most advantageous operating mode. The at least one operating parameter BP for each operating mode can, for example, be specified depending on a current speed of movement (or the kinetic energy content of the stored water). Unlike, for example, a classic pumped-storage power plant that operates based on elevation differences or potential energy, the system described here can be adjusted very quickly and effectively to the situation, especially based on a grid load parameter EP1 and / or an energy cost parameter EP2.

[0085] The in Fig.The six diamond-shaped fields indicated between the individual steps illustrate possible implementations of a specific operating mode or type of control / regulation for a person skilled in the art, particularly depending on current sensor measurement data and / or energy and / or cost parameters. Steps S1 to S4.1 are not to be understood chronologically, but can overlap in time; only the first time window t1 is reserved for step S1, however, adjustments according to step S3 and / or control / regulation according to steps S4 and S4.1 can also take place within time window t1. Reference symbol list 1 Water 3 Energy network 10 basins, preferably rotationally symmetrical 10.1 Outer shell area 10.3 Inner surface area 10.5 Floor area 10.7 central recess (cavity), especially cylindrical or conical 11 Water volume for water absorption 13 Pump / conveyor equipment 15 Rotor 15.1 single wing (or paddle), or pair of wings 15.3 Wing surface, especially in the form of a bulkhead 16 wing holders 16.1 Radial guidance 17 Energy generator unit 18 engine 20 Control / regulation unit 25 sensor units 30 system-integrated energy generation resources 31 Wind turbine 33 Photovoltaic system 40 system-integrated energy storage (first type of energy source) 50 external energy storage devices (second type of energy source) 99 Computing / logic unit or similar computer data processing unit 100 Water energy recovery systems (“System”) P Funding point (or funding agency) t1 first time window t2 second time window M motion, especially rotational motion BP operating parameters EP1 Energy network utilization parameter EP2 Energy cost parameters r radial direction in relation to the pelvis or its center point S1 Step of energy input into the water volume S2 step of energy conversion S3 Step of adjusting the rotor S4 Step of controlling / regulating at least one operating parameter S4.1 Step of setting at least one operating parameter Z15 Rotor axle / rotor shaft x, y, z Spatial directions, especially longitudinal, transverse, vertical QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2022 131 342 A1

[0005]

Claims

Water energy recovery system (100) configured for temporarily buffering / storing kinetic energy of water (1) held in a preferably rotationally symmetric basin (10) of the system (100), wherein the system (100) is coupled to an energy network (3) and is configured to set the water in motion in a first time window (t1) by means of energy input in the basin, in particular by means of at least one pump / conveyor device (13) and / or by means of a rotor (15) of the system (100), and in a subsequent second time window (t2) to convert the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin to recover energy and optionally also to feed the recovered energy back into the energy network (3) or at least into a / the system's own energy storage device (40);characterized in that the system (100) is configured to recover energy by means of at least one rotor (15) of the system which is immersible in the moving water within a water volume (11) provided for this purpose in the basin (10) and / or which can be switched on in a torque / load-reducing manner and which is coupled / coupled to an energy generator unit (17) of the system (100) configured for conversion into electrical energy. Water energy recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to specify for the first time window a time window with absolutely low energy consumption and / or absolutely high energy feed-in to the energy grid, in particular based on an energy grid utilization parameter evaluated by means of the system. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured to specify for the second time window a time window with absolutely low energy feed-in to the energy grid and / or absolutely high energy consumption, in particular based on an energy grid utilization parameter evaluated by means of the system. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pumping / conveying device is implemented acting in the basin, in particular in the manner of a jet drive at a plurality of conveying points. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pumping / conveying device is implemented in the basin acting at a plurality of conveying points, wherein the conveying points are arranged in an area radially spaced from the lateral surfaces of the basin, in particular at a radial distance of at least 5% of the radius provided for the water volume. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotor blades extend in a radial section which is at least 10% smaller than the radius provided for the water volume. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured to switch on the at least one rotor in a torque / load-inducing manner and to carry out the energy input into the water by means of the at least one rotor. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pump / conveying device is implemented acting on or at least in the area of ​​at least one outer and / or inner surface of the basin. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pump / conveying device is implemented acting in the bottom area of ​​the basin, in particular distributed at several points in the radial direction, advantageously also at several circumferential positions. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rotor comprises an inner rotor, in particular a paddle ring guided on a first shaft, and an outer rotor, in particular a paddle ring guided on a second shaft, wherein the inner and outer rotors can be controlled independently of each other and switched on in a torque / load-dependent manner. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blades of the at least one rotor, in particular both the inner and the outer rotor, are adjustable with respect to the hydraulically effective area, in particular by varying the blade position and / or the blade area size. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more blades of the at least one rotor span the basin in the radial direction to at least 45% and / or to a maximum of 75%, optionally with a radially scalable size or adjustable relative position of one or more blades of the rotor. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the rotor blades has a greater extent in the axial direction, i.e. in depth, than in the radial direction. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the basin has a central recess, in particular a cylindrical or conical recess, wherein the rotor is preferably axially displaceable along a rotor axis running centrally in the recess. Water energy recovery system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one rotor can be moved continuously or in discrete steps in the vertical direction between different positions within the water volume, for torque / load reducing operation with rotating / moving water mass. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform steps for controlling / regulating a process for recovering energy from moving water (1) according to the following features on or by means of the computer, wherein the water is held at least temporarily in a basin (10) and is set in motion by energy input into the basin (10) for the purpose of temporarily buffering / storing kinetic energy in a first time window (t1), wherein in a subsequent second time window (t2) the generated kinetic energy of the water held in the basin is converted to recover energy;wherein the recovery of energy is effected by means of at least one rotor (15) which is immersible in the moving water within a designated water volume (11) of the basin and / or which can be switched on in a torque / load-reducing manner and which is coupled / coupled to an energy generator unit (17). Computer program product according to the preceding claim, wherein the computer program product is implemented in such a way that for the first time window a time window with absolutely low energy consumption and / or absolutely high energy feed-in to the power grid is specified. Computer program product according to one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the computer program product is implemented in such a way that for the second time window a time window with absolutely low energy feed-in to the power grid and / or absolutely high energy consumption is specified. Computer program product according to one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the computer program product is implemented such that the second time window follows the first time window within a period of less than five hours, or optionally within less than one hour. Computer program product according to one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the computer program product is implemented in such a way that the operating mode is switched between the corresponding first and second time windows several times during the day. Computer program product according to one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the computer program product is implemented in such a way that control / regulation of at least one operating parameter from the following group is carried out: height position or immersion depth of the rotor, radial position and / or radial extent of one / the rotor blade in the water volume, power consumption of the at least one pump / conveyor device, instantaneous load resistance of the energy generator unit, type of energy source for the energy input into the water, operating mode of the rotor as a drive component or as generator components. Computer program product according to one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the computer program product is implemented in such a way that the rotor is controlled / regulated to a predefined / predefinable proportion in the volume of water received by the basin, in particular depending on a current load state of the power grid, in particular by displacing at least blades or blade components of the rotor axially downwards along the rotor axis. Computer program product according to one of claims 16 to 22, wherein the computer program product is implemented in such a way that the water held in the water volume is subjected to energy in such a way that the Coriolis force counteracts a centrifugal force in the resulting water movement. Use of at least one pump / conveyor device (13) for introducing kinetic energy into water (1) in a first time window (t1) and at least one rotor (15) for converting the generated kinetic energy of the water (1) into electrical energy in a second time window (t2), wherein kinetic energy of the water is temporarily stored in a preferably rotationally symmetric basin (10), wherein the energy recovered from kinetic energy is fed into an energy network (3), wherein the at least one rotor (15) is immersed in the water and / or switched on with decreasing torque / load, for converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy, wherein the first and second time windows (t1, t2) are specified depending on a time-dependent energy network utilization parameter (EP1) and / or time-dependent energy cost parameter (EP2).

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