Suction jacket device and kinetic fluid power plant

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction shroud device for a kinetic flow power plant and a kinetic flow power plant with such a suction shroud device.

[0002] To meet the ever-increasing demand for energy, new energy generation methods are being developed worldwide. At the same time, there is a growing need to make energy production as environmentally friendly as possible so that it causes less damage to nature. Hydropower plays a significant role as a renewable energy source in meeting these requirements.

[0003] To date, electricity has been generated almost exclusively from artificially dammed water, usually in river valleys, in turbines that run fast or slow depending on the head. This represents a significant impact on nature, as, for example, the dam walls pose an almost insurmountable obstacle for fish, or aquatic animals are forced through the generators. Further expansion with such power plants is therefore no longer desirable for various reasons, or is only possible with difficulty and expense, and faces considerable resistance.

[0004] An alternative way to harness hydropower is to generate electricity in a flowing body of water without building a weir, such as a dam. This is attempted, for example, with so-called power buoys, which form a floating current power plant that converts the kinetic energy of a free-flowing, undammed river into electrical energy. The power buoy floats slightly below the water surface.

[0005] For example, EP 1 747 373 A1 describes a free-flow turbine system for generating electrical energy in free-flowing waters with slow-running, axially loaded turbine wheels and a generator in an annular floating body. Furthermore, WO 2012 / 135638 A1 describes a shrouded fluid turbine in which the inclination of at least part of the shroud is variable or adjustable.

[0006] However, known kinetic hydropower plants require a relatively high flow velocity of around two meters per second to achieve significant power and to be economically viable.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a suction shroud device which increases the application possibilities for a kinetic flow power plant.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a suction shroud device for a kinetic flow power plant according to claim 1 is provided.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a kinetic flow power plant is provided. The flow power plant comprises a flow generator and a raking device, which is arranged upstream of a flow inlet of the flow generator along a flow direction and is designed to protect the flow generator from solid foreign bodies. Furthermore, the flow power plant comprises a suction shroud device according to the invention, which is arranged downstream of the flow generator and whose flow inlet opening corresponds to the external dimensions of the flow generator.

[0011] One idea underlying the present invention is to provide a variably adjustable suction shroud device that adjusts itself as a function of the flow velocity of the fluid flowing toward the suction shroud device such that the flow velocity inside the suction shroud device, in particular at the flow inlet opening, deviates less from a predetermined value than the flow velocity of the incoming fluid. Thus, the suction shroud device can, for example, provide the flow velocity for a flow power plant that can be arranged in the flow inlet opening within a desired velocity range, regardless of the flow velocity of the incoming fluid. In particular, this makes it possible to achieve an optimal operating point for the flow power plant.

[0012] The flow direction within the meaning of the present invention is defined as the predetermined direction of the flow of a fluid from the flow inlet opening to the flow outlet opening. This means that the flow direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the suction shroud device. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the suction shroud device corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the kinetic flow power plant, i.e., the term "longitudinal direction" within the meaning of the present invention applies to both the suction shroud device and the flow power plant.

[0013] The term "extreme position" refers to a state of the multiple casing segments in which the mobility of the relatively movable casing segments of the multiple casing segments is restricted in at least one direction of movement. This means, for example, that two casing segments pivoting toward each other are pivoted until they come into contact with each other and can therefore only pivot away from each other in this state. The extreme position also exists when the direction of movement is blocked by third components, such as the limited stroke of a damper or a spring, or other movement-blocking devices.In particular, the multiple casing segments also have an extreme position when only one degree of freedom is provided and within this degree of freedom one of the two directions of movement, for example a linear movement to the left in contrast to the linear movement to the right, is blocked.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the subclaims which refer back to the independent claims and from the description with reference to the figures.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the suction shroud device is oval, circular, or similarly shaped when viewed transversely to the flow direction. In this way, the suction shroud device has a shape suitable for compressive loads.

[0016] According to the invention, at least some of the plurality of casing segments are made of an elastic material, wherein the elastic casing segments are increasingly elastically deformed with an increasing flow velocity and reversibly reshape themselves with a decreasing flow velocity. The degree of deformation can be determined by the properties of the material composition and the dimensions, in particular by the material thickness, at predetermined flow velocities.

[0017] According to a further development of the suction jacket device, the material composition and / or geometry of the elastic jacket housing segments changes along their extension such that the spring constant of these elastic jacket housing segments varies along their extension. In this way, the deformation of the elastic jacket housing segments can be optimized such that certain sections deform more significantly or less significantly compared to other sections of the jacket housing segments.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, the suction shroud device further comprises a spring device and / or an actuator for supporting the mobility of the plurality of shroud housing segments between the first and second extreme positions, wherein the spring device and / or the actuator couples at least some of the plurality of shroud housing segments to one another. Thus, for example, the actuator can actively move the shroud housing segments independently of the flow velocity. Furthermore, certain movements of the shroud housing segments depending on the flow velocity can be reduced, for example, by the spring device, since the spring device, starting from an optimal position, counteracts deviations from the optimal position with its spring force.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of the suction shroud device, the plurality of shroud housing segments are provided so as to be movable relative to one another essentially along the flow direction. Thus, the suction shroud device can extend longer or shorter in the longitudinal direction. Starting at an intermediate position of the plurality of shroud housing segments of the suction shroud device, recesses / gaps can be provided between the shroud housing segments, wherein the recesses are designed to allow flow through them.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the suction shroud device, the plurality of shroud housing segments are provided so as to be movable relative to one another essentially transversely to the flow direction. Thus, the suction shroud device can extend wider or narrower transversely to the longitudinal direction. In particular, the size of the flow outlet opening is influenced.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the suction shroud device, the size ratio of the flow inlet opening to the flow outlet opening is variable. This size ratio corresponds to the mathematical notation as a fraction (size ratio = flow inlet opening : flow outlet opening). In this way, a fluid-dynamic suction effect inside the suction shroud device can be varied. This particularly influences the ratio of the flow velocity at the flow inlet opening to the flow velocity at the flow outlet opening.

[0022] According to a further development of the suction shroud device, the size ratio is at a minimum in the first extreme position and at a maximum in the second extreme position. Thus, the first extreme position exhibits the smallest difference in flow velocities between the flow inlet and the flow outlet. The second extreme position exhibits the greatest difference in flow velocities between the flow inlet and the flow outlet.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the suction shroud device, the flow inlet opening is smaller than the flow outlet opening to create a fluid-dynamic suction effect inside the suction shroud device. Thus, the suction shroud device operates according to the principle of a diffuser.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the suction shroud device, the plurality of shroud housing segments partially overlap in an overlap region and touch each other in the overlap region. Thus, the shroud housing segments can move relative to each other within a defined range without creating undesirable recesses / gaps in the shroud body through which a fluid could flow. Furthermore, the stability of the suction shroud device can be increased in this way.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the suction shroud device, at least one of the plurality of shroud housing segments has a flow deflection device on its outer side, which is designed to increase the fluid-mechanical resistance to a fluid flowing past. In this way, the fluid flowing past the outer side can be slowed down. This can lead to the fluid attempting to choose a path with lower fluid-mechanical resistance, increasing the flow velocity at the flow inlet opening.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the kinetic flow power plant, the operating voltage is a maximum of 60 V. This reduces the cost of electronic components and reduces electrical hazards caused by defects.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the kinetic current power plant further comprises an adjustable depth control for regulating the floating depth in the water, which is arranged in a peripheral region relative to the longitudinal direction of the current power plant. This allows for response to changing environmental conditions. In particular, damage or operational disruptions can be reduced in exceptional circumstances such as flooding or icing.

[0028] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention not explicitly mentioned above or described below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1A, 1B schematic plan views of a suction jacket device with jacket housing segments according to embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic rear view of a suction jacket device in the second extreme position according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1A ; Fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D schematic rear view of a suction jacket device in the first extreme position according to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 , whereby the restoring force is controlled by spring-elastic casing segments ( Fig. 3A ), a spring device ( Fig. 3B ), two actuators ( Fig. 3C ) or an actuator ( Fig. 3D ) is supported; Fig. 4A, 4B schematic plan views of a suction jacket device with pivotable jacket housing segments according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the jacket housing segments are in Fig. 4A in the second extreme position and in Fig. 4B in the first extreme position; Fig. 5A, 5B schematic rear views of the suction jacket device according to the embodiment according to Fig. 4A or 4B; Fig. 6A, 6B schematic plan views of a suction jacket device with extendible jacket housing segments according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the jacket housing segments are in Fig. 6A in the first extreme position and in Fig. 6B in the second extreme position; Fig. 7 a schematic rear view of the suction jacket device according to the embodiment according to Fig. 6A ; and Fig. 8A, 8B, 8C schematic views ( Fig. 8A : side view; Fig. 8B : top view; Fig. 8C : isometric view) of a kinetic flow power plant according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally identical and acting elements, features and components are provided with the same reference symbols, unless otherwise stated.

[0031] Although specific embodiments and modifications are illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of alternative and / or similar embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is generally intended to cover all modifications or variations of the specific embodiments described herein.

[0032] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the noted advantages will be apparent upon review of the drawings. The drawings are merely schematic, and elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "above," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," "rear," and similar terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments shown in the figures.

[0033] Fig. 1A und 1B show schematic plan views of a suction shroud device 10 with a plurality of shroud housing segments 13. The suction shroud device 10 further comprises a flow inlet opening 11 and a flow outlet opening 12. With respect to a flow direction A, the flow outlet opening 12 is arranged downstream of the flow inlet opening 11. The plurality of shroud housing segments 13 extend between the flow inlet opening 11 and the flow outlet opening 12 substantially in the flow direction A. Deviations of this extension of the shroud housing segments 13 of up to approximately 40°, in particular up to approximately 25°, from the flow direction A are provided. Furthermore, the plurality of shroud housing segments 13 are provided such that the plurality of shroud housing segments 13 together form a conically shaped shroud body.The plurality of jacket housing segments 13 are continuously movable relative to one another between a first and a second extreme position in such a way that the flow velocity inside the suction jacket device 10 can be regulated in comparison to the ambient flow.

[0034] For example, the suction jacket device in Fig. 1A und 1B further comprises a joint device 19. The joint device 19 supports the pivoting of the casing segments 13. As shown in Fig. 1A As shown, for example, two of the four casing segments 13 can be connected via the joint device 19. The joint device 19 is arranged in the region of the flow inlet opening 11, in particular with a pivot axis perpendicular to the flow direction A. Alternatively, Fig. 1B For example, four casing segments 13 are articulated to the joint device 19. Otherwise, this joint device 19 has essentially the same features as described above with reference to Fig. 1A have already been described. Even though in these exemplary embodiments the suction jacket device 10 comprises four jacket housing segments 13, the invention is not limited to four jacket housing segments 13, but can comprise any desired plurality of jacket housing segments 13.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic rear view of a suction jacket device 10 in the second extreme position according to the embodiment according to Fig. 1A . The second extreme position can, for example, define a state in which the suction jacket device 10 is present when it is not exposed to any fluid flow and resulting forces and / or moments.

[0036] Furthermore, the suction jacket device 10 is optionally oval when viewed transversely to the flow direction A. Alternatively, or in combination, the suction jacket device can be circular or similar when viewed transversely to the flow direction A. In addition to curved sections, straight sections can also be included in some areas.

[0037] The flow inlet opening 11 is, as shown in Fig. 2 is illustrated by way of example, is designed smaller than the flow outlet opening 12 in order to generate a fluid-dynamic suction effect in the interior of the suction jacket device 10.

[0038] The Fig. 3A , 3B, 3C und 3D each show a schematic rear view of a suction jacket device 10 in the first extreme position according to the embodiment according to Fig. 2 . The plurality of casing segments 13 are provided, for example, to be movable relative to one another substantially transversely to the flow direction A. It is not necessary for all casing segments 13 to be movable relative to one another; rather, individual casing segments 13 of the plurality of casing segments 13 can be rigidly constructed and / or connected to one another.

[0039] Furthermore, the suction jacket device 10 in the first extreme position, viewed transversely to the flow direction A, can be designed similarly to or differently from the second extreme position. This means that the suction jacket device 10 can, for example, be oval in the first extreme position and round in the second extreme position. Other shapes or mixed shapes are conceivable.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the size ratio of the flow inlet opening 11 to the flow outlet opening 12 is variable between the first and second extreme positions. This means that the quotient of the flow inlet opening 11 and the flow outlet opening 12 changes due to the movement of the plurality of jacket housing segments 13 between the first and second extreme positions. Thus, either the flow inlet opening 11 or the flow outlet opening 12 can retain its size, while the corresponding other opening 11; 12 increases or decreases, or the sizes of the flow inlet opening 11 and the flow outlet opening 12 change in parallel, but in a different ratio. In particular, the size ratio has a minimum in the first extreme position and a maximum in the second extreme position.Accordingly, the size of the flow outlet opening 12 in the illustrated embodiments is reduced according to . Fig. 3A , 3B, 3C und 3D , while the size of the flow inlet opening 11 remains almost constant.

[0041] In the first extreme position, the suction jacket device 10 is, for example, elastically deformed compared to the second extreme position. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3A At least some 13A of the plurality of jacket housing segments 13 are made of an elastic material. The so-called elastic jacket housing segments 13A exert a spring-elastic restoring force on the jacket housing segments 13, which are coupled to the respective elastic jacket housing segments 13A. The spring-elastic restoring force or the spring-elastic deformation resistance can be determined as a spring constant. The spring constant for the elastic jacket housing segments 13A can be constant in each case. Alternatively or additionally, the material composition and / or the geometry of the elastic jacket housing segments 13A can change along their extension such that the spring constant of these elastic jacket housing segments 13A varies along their extension.For example, the thickness of an elastic jacket housing segment 13A decreases in the direction of flow A so that the elastic jacket housing segment 13A has an increasing deformation when viewed in the flow direction A.

[0042] Fig. 3B shows, by way of example, a suction jacket device 13 with a spring device 14. The spring device 14 is arranged, in particular, within the suction jacket device 10. For example, the spring device 14 couples two of the multiple jacket housing segments 13 that are opposite one another. Thus, the spring device 14 can support or inhibit the movements of the multiple jacket housing segments 13 depending on the intended stress state. Optionally, the spring device 14 can be coupled to a damper.

[0043] In Fig. 3C For example, two actuators 15 are included in the suction shroud device 10 to support the mobility of the plurality of shroud housing segments 13 between the first and second extreme positions. The actuators 15 are arranged, in particular, outside the suction shroud device 10. For example, the actuators 15 each couple two transition points between the elastic shroud housing segments 13A and the remaining shroud housing segments 13. Thus, the actuator 15 can support the movements of the plurality of shroud housing segments 13 depending on data measured by a sensor, in particular turbine performance data and / or weather data.

[0044] The design variant according to Fig. 3D shows, by way of example, a suction jacket device 13 with an actuator 15, which is arranged within the suction jacket device 10. The actuator 15 couples two elastic jacket housing segments 13A. Thus, the movement of the elastic jacket housing segments 13A can be directly supported.

[0045] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that an actuator 15 can be used at any location where a spring device 14 is provided. The reverse principle also applies, as does any combination of spring device 14 and actuator 15 in the same suction jacket device 10.

[0046] Fig. 4A und 4B show schematic plan views of a suction jacket device 10 with pivotable jacket housing segments 13. Optionally, the jacket housing segments 13 are each rigid. In particular, two lateral jacket housing segments 13 are pivotally connected to at least two central jacket housing segments 13. In Fig. 4A In particular, the casing segments 13 are illustrated in the second extreme position. In Fig. 4B the jacket housing segments 13 are in the first extreme position.

[0047] In the first and second extreme positions, the flow inlet opening 11 is smaller than the flow outlet opening 12 in order to generate a fluid-dynamic suction effect inside the suction jacket device 10. The size of the flow inlet opening 11 is, according to the embodiments according to Fig. 4A und 4B constant. Since the second extreme position has a larger flow outlet opening 12 than the first extreme position, the second extreme position causes a stronger suction effect than the first extreme position.

[0048] Furthermore, the suction jacket device 10 has, for example, two spring devices 14. The spring devices 14 have an effective direction transverse to the flow direction A.

[0049] Fig. 5A und 5B show schematic rear views of the suction jacket device 10 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 4A or 4B. In particular, the two lateral jacket housing segments 13 are shown, which partially overlap with the central jacket housing segments 13 in an overlap region 16 and touch in the overlap region 16. By way of example, the spring devices 14 are arranged outside the suction jacket device 10, but are not limited to this arrangement, but can also be arranged within the suction jacket device 10 or in a different orientation.

[0050] Fig. 6A und 6B show schematic plan views of a suction jacket device 10 with extendable jacket housing segments 13. The jacket housing segments 13 are located in Fig. 6A in the first extreme position and in Fig. 6B in the second extreme position. In particular, the plurality of casing segments 13 are provided so as to be movable relative to one another essentially along the flow direction A. The three casing segments 13 shown are coupled to one another, for example, by two spring devices 14 each. Each of the three casing segments 13 has, for example, a conical basic shape.

[0051] The size ratio of the flow inlet opening 11 to the flow outlet opening 12 is, for example, variable. This means that the quotient of the flow inlet opening 11 and the flow outlet opening 12 changes due to the movement of the multiple casing segments 13 between the first and second extreme positions. Thus, either the flow inlet opening 11 or the flow outlet opening 12 can retain its size, while the corresponding other opening 11; 12 increases or decreases, or the sizes of the flow inlet opening 11 and the flow outlet opening 12 change in parallel, but in a different ratio. In particular, the size ratio has a minimum in the first extreme position and a maximum in the second extreme position. Accordingly, the size of the flow inlet opening 11 increases in the illustrated embodiments according to Fig. 6A und 6B from the first to the second extreme position, while the size of the flow outlet opening 12 remains constant.

[0052] In Fig. 6A The flow inlet opening 11 is, for example, smaller than the flow outlet opening 12 in order to generate a fluid-dynamic suction effect inside the suction jacket device 10. In particular, the flow inlet opening 11 forms a continuous surface. For example, the three jacket housing segments 13 partially overlap in an overlap region 16, wherein the overlap regions correspond, for example, to the edge regions of the jacket housing segments 13. In addition, the jacket housing segments 13 touch each other in the overlap region 16 so that the overlap region 16 is fluid-tight. Optionally or additionally, the overlap region 16 can have sealing elements, such as rubber lips, sealing rings, or the like.

[0053] Fig. 6B shows the suction shroud device 10, particularly in the second extreme position. In the second extreme position according to this exemplary embodiment, the three shroud housing segments 13 are displaced relative to one another in the flow direction A such that additional flow inlet openings 11 are provided between the shroud housing segments 13. A fluid can flow into the suction shroud device 10 from the side through the additional flow inlet openings 11. This reduces the suction effect. As the flow velocity of the fluid decreases, the additional flow inlet openings 11 also decrease until they are closed at a certain value.

[0054] Fig. 7 shows a schematic rear view of the suction jacket device 10 according to the embodiment according to Fig. 6A . For example, the cross-section of the casing segments 13 is essentially identical in the first and second extreme positions.

[0055] Fig. 8A , 8B und 8C show schematic views of a kinetic flow power plant 1. The flow power plant 1 comprises a flow generator 2, a computing device 20 and a suction shroud device 10.

[0056] The flow generator 2 has, for example, a rotor 3 whose rotational axis approximately corresponds to the flow direction A or the longitudinal axis of the flow power plant 1. The rotor 3 can be partially surrounded by the suction shroud device 10.

[0057] The rake device 20 is arranged along a flow direction A upstream of a flow inlet 4 of the flow generator 2 and is designed to protect the flow generator 2 from solid foreign bodies. The flow inlet 4 is in particular Fig. 8C shown.

[0058] For example, the computing device 20 can comprise a plurality of grid elements 21, which extend along the flow direction A from a first body 5 to a second body 2; 10. For example, the plurality of grid elements 21 are each attached with a first end 22 to the first body 5 and with a second end 23 to the second body 2; 10. In addition, the grid elements 21 can be provided in a bent manner such that, together with the first and second bodies, they surround a cavity 24, as shown in particular in Fig. 8C is shown.

[0059] In this way, the flow inlet 4 of the flow generator 2 can be protected from foreign bodies by the raking device 20 in such a way that, in addition to damaging solids, aquatic life, such as fish, which could be drawn through the flow inlet 4 of the flow generator 2, is reduced. The raking device 20 can be configured to allow a sufficient fluid flow in the flow direction A to pass through and provide it to the flow generator 2 so that it can operate at an optimal operating point.

[0060] The grid elements 21 are not limited to a specific material, shape, or cross-section. The grid elements 21 can comprise any desired material, shape, or cross-section: metal, light metal, plastic, wood, or similar materials, or composite materials. Furthermore, the grid elements 21 can have a polygonal, round, oval, tubular, or similar cross-section. Individual grid elements 21 of the plurality of grid elements can differ in their design from the other grid elements 21 and / or vary in material and / or shape or cross-section along their longitudinal extent. The grid elements 21 can preferably be formed as sheet metal strips, rods, or the like.

[0061] The cavity 24 in the sense of the present invention refers to a volume space which is surrounded by the plurality of grid elements 21 and optionally additionally by the first and / or second body in such a way that this cavity / volume space 24 can be flowed through by a fluid in the flow direction A, wherein solid foreign bodies above a certain size are prevented by the computing device 20 from penetrating into the cavity 24.

[0062] The suction jacket device 10 is arranged downstream of the flow generator 2. In addition, its flow inlet opening 11 corresponds to the external dimensions of the flow generator 2. The suction jacket device 10 essentially corresponds to the suction jacket device according to the embodiment according to Fig. 4A , 5A or 4B, 5B. Furthermore, the suction jacket device 10 may also have features described below, for example.

[0063] Furthermore, the suction jacket device 10 has, for example, six, eight or ten jacket housing segments 13. At least one of the jacket housing segments 13 has a flow deflection device 18 on its outer side 17, as shown in particular in Fig. 8A and 8B The flow deflection device 18 is designed to increase the fluid-mechanical resistance to a passing fluid. In this way, the passing fluid is slowed down; consequently, the fluid, for example, chooses the path of lower resistance and flows through the flow generator 2 into the suction shroud device 10, which advantageously increases the power output of the flow generator 2.

[0064] Furthermore, the operating voltage can be a maximum of 60 V, for example.

[0065] In addition, the flow power plant 1 can comprise a front body 5. The front body 5 is arranged, for example, upstream of the flow generator 2 and connected to the flow generator 2. Alternatively or additionally, the front body 5 can be connected to the suction shroud device 10. Thus, the front body can increase the stability of the flow power plant. Furthermore, the front body 5 can be designed, for example, as a buoyancy body to prevent the flow power plant 1 from sinking. The front body can be made, for example, from a material or a combination of materials with a density of less than 997 kg / m 3 . Alternatively or additionally, the front body can contain gas inclusions whose buoyancy effect is large enough to compensate for the total weight of the flow power plant.

[0066] Furthermore, the current power plant 1 can have an adjustable depth control 6 for regulating the floating depth in the water. The adjustable depth control is arranged, for example, in a front region relative to the longitudinal direction A of the current power plant 1. In particular, the depth control 6 can be designed, for example, as a fin that is oriented horizontally.

[0067] Optionally, the flow power plant 1 can have a fastening device 7. The fastening device 7 is positioned, for example, in the front area, in particular on a nose, of the flow power plant 1. For example, the fastening device 7 can be designed as an eyelet, hook, loop, or the like. Thus, the flow power plant 1 can be attached to a fixed point in the surrounding area.

[0068] In the foregoing detailed description, various features have been combined into one or more examples for the sake of clarity. It should be understood, however, that the above description is merely illustrative and not restrictive in nature. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the various features and embodiments. Many other examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on their skill in the art in light of the above description.

[0069] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles underlying the invention and their possible practical applications. This will enable those skilled in the art to optimally modify and utilize the invention and its various embodiments with respect to the intended purpose. In the claims and the description, the terms "including" and "having" are used as neutral language terms for the corresponding term "comprising." Furthermore, the use of the terms "a," "an," and "an" is not intended to exclude a plurality of such described features and components. List of reference symbols

[0070] 1 Flow power plant 2 Flow generator 3 Rotor 4 Flow inlet 5 Front body 6 Depth rudder 7 Fastening device 10 Suction jacket device 11 Flow inlet opening 12 Flow outlet opening 13 Jacket segments (elastic 13A) 14 Spring device 15 Actuator 16 Overlap area 17 Outside 18 Flow deflection device 19 Joint device 20 Rake device 21 Grid elements 22 First end 23 Second end 24 Cavity 25 Distance A Flow direction / longitudinal direction

Claims

1. Suction jacket device (10) for a kinetic flow power plant (1), having: a flow inlet opening (11) and a flow outlet opening (12), which is arranged downstream of the flow inlet opening (11) along a flow direction (A); and a plurality of jacket housing segments (13), which extend between the flow inlet opening (11) and the flow outlet opening (12) essentially in the flow direction (A) and are provided in such a manner that the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) jointly form a conically formed jacket body, wherein the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) are continuously movable relative to one another between a first and a second extreme position in such a manner that the flow velocity in the interior of the suction jacket device (10) can be regulated in comparison to the ambient flow, wherein at least some (13A) of the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) are produced from an elastic material, and wherein the elastic jacket housing segments (13A) are increasingly elastically deformed as the flow velocity increases and reform themselves in a reversible manner as the flow velocity decreases.

2. Suction jacket device according to claim 1, wherein the suction jacket device (10) is oval, circular or the like, as viewed transversely with respect to the flow direction (A).

3. Suction jacket device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the material composition and / or the geometry of the elastic jacket housing segments (13A) changes along their extent in such a manner that the spring constant of these elastic jacket housing segments (13A) varies along their extent.

4. Suction jacket device according to at least one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring device (14) and / or an actuator (15) for supporting the movability of the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) between the first and the second extreme position, wherein the spring device (14) and / or the actuator (15) couples at least some of the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) to one another.

5. Suction jacket device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) are provided so as to be movable relative to one another essentially along the flow direction (A).

6. Suction jacket device according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) are provided so as to be movable relative to one another essentially transversely with respect to the flow direction (A).

7. Suction jacket device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the size ratio of the flow inlet opening (11) to the flow outlet opening (12) is variable.

8. Suction jacket device according to claim 7, wherein the size ratio comprises a minimum in the first extreme position and a maximum in the second extreme position.

9. Suction jacket device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow inlet opening (11) is smaller than the flow outlet opening (12) in order to generate a fluid-dynamic suction effect inside the suction jacket device (10).

10. Suction jacket device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) partially overlap in an overlapping region (16) and touch in the overlapping region (16).

11. Suction jacket device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the plurality of jacket housing segments (13) comprises on its outer side (17) a flow deflection device (18), which is designed to increase the fluid-mechanical resistance to a fluid that is flowing past.

12. Kinetic flow power plant (1) having: a flow generator (2); a computing device (20) that is arranged upstream of a flow inlet (4) of the flow generator (2) along a flow direction (A) and is embodied so as to protect the flow generator (2) from solid foreign bodies; and a suction jacket device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged downstream of the flow generator (2) and whose flow inlet opening (11) corresponds to the outer dimensions of the flow generator (2).

13. Flow power plant according to claim 12, wherein the operating voltage comprises a maximum of 60 V.

14. Flow power plant according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a controllable depth rudder (6) for regulating the floating depth in the body of water, which is arranged in an edge region with respect to the longitudinal direction (A) of the flow power plant (1).