Hydropower system and method for operating a hydropower system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydropower plant (100) and a method for operating a hydropower plant (100). The hydropower plant (100) comprises at least three intermediate storage tanks (120), each of which has a closure element (122) to the upstream water (2) and a closure element (124) to the downstream water (4), as well as a storage area (128), at least one generator module (170), and a control and / or regulating device (180). The intermediate storage tanks (120) and the generator module (170) are fluidically connected via at least two manifolds (110, 112). In intended operation, at any given time at least one of the at least three intermediate storage tanks (120) is in a first phase in which it is open to the upstream water (2). Simultaneously, at least another of the at least three intermediate storage tanks (120) is in a second phase in which it is open to the downstream water (4).At least one third of the at least three intermediate storage locations (120) is in the first or second phase or in a transition between the phases.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a hydropower plant and a method for operating a hydropower plant.

[0002] Flowing waters such as rivers are only partially permeable to organisms or sediments due to transverse structures such as dams.

[0003] It is known to create fishways around the transverse structure that impedes river flow. Such bypasses exist in various designs, for example, as slotted passages, bypass channels, or near-natural basin passages.

[0004] EP 3156546 A1 discloses a fish lock for overcoming differences in elevation in such bodies of water, allowing organisms to migrate in both directions. The fish lock consists of two chambers, each equipped with closure elements for the upstream and downstream waters. The closure elements are controlled so that one chamber is always open to the upstream water and the other to the downstream water. After a certain time interval has elapsed, or depending on the number of organisms in the chambers, the closure elements are reactivated, so that the chamber previously open to the upstream water is now open to the downstream water, and the second chamber to the upstream water.

[0005] To attract the organisms, an attractant current is provided, which enters from the upstream water, flows through a channel, and then exits into the downstream water. The channel contains a generator drive that provides electrical energy or limits the flow. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a hydropower plant which allows the passage of organisms and / or sediment in the water during continuous or at least quasi-continuous operation of a generator.

[0007] A further task is to provide a method for operating such a hydropower plant.

[0008] The objects are achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and advantages of the invention emerge from the further claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0009] A hydropower plant is proposed which is designed for arrangement in a body of water with a gradient in a direction of gravity between the upstream and downstream waters of the body of water. The hydropower plant comprises at least three intermediate storage units, each of which has a closure element for the upstream water and a closure element for the downstream water, as well as a storage area. The hydropower plant further comprises at least one generator module which has a working chamber in which a drive for a generator is arranged. The hydropower plant additionally comprises a regulating and / or control device for, in particular cyclically, opening one of the closure elements and closing the other of the closure elements of each of the intermediate storage units.

[0010] The intermediate storage tanks and the generator module are fluidically connected via at least two manifolds. One of the manifolds supplies water from the upstream water to the working chamber. The other manifold drains water from the working chamber to the downstream water.

[0011] During normal operation, at least one of the at least three intermediate storage units is in a first phase at any given time, in which said at least one intermediate storage unit is open to the upstream water and one of the collecting lines between said intermediate storage unit and the generator module is disconnected. At the same time, at least one other of the at least three intermediate storage units is in a second phase, in which said at least one intermediate storage unit is open to the downstream water and one of the collecting lines between the generator module and said intermediate storage unit is disconnected, while at least a third of the at least three intermediate storage units is in the first or second phase or in a transition between the phases.

[0012] The regulating and / or control device is designed to cyclically switch the at least three intermediate storage devices between the two phases and to adjust the power of the generator module accordingly so that a critical flow rate is not exceeded.

[0013] The storage area of ​​the intermediate storage unit advantageously serves for the temporary storage of aquatic organisms and / or aquatic sediment that enters the intermediate storage unit from the upstream or downstream water through open closure elements. Because a flow path between the upstream and downstream waters is always present through the generator module, the generator can be operated continuously or at least quasi-continuously, particularly at reduced power for short periods.

[0014] At the same time, however, aquatic organisms can always enter from the upstream water and be released into the downstream water when the closure element of the respective intermediate storage is open, or vice versa. Advantageously, at least one valve is provided between the storage area of ​​the respective intermediate storage and the collecting lines, which can be designed, for example, as a check valve.

[0015] A plurality of intermediate storage units can be provided. With a sufficient number, the generator can operate continuously, preventing interruptions in operation. Advantageously, the intermediate storage units can be arranged parallel to each other, with their longitudinal extension between the closure elements at the upstream and downstream sides.

[0016] The collecting lines can advantageously comprise segments of the intermediate storage device, which can be formed by a respective region of the intermediate storage device between the storage region and at least one or more openings in a side wall of the respective intermediate storage device. If the intermediate storage devices are arranged next to one another, in particular parallel to one another, such that the openings in adjacent intermediate storage devices overlap, in this case the collecting lines are formed which extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the intermediate storage devices. If an intermediate storage device is arranged between further intermediate storage devices or an intermediate storage device and, for example, the generator module, this intermediate storage device has corresponding openings on both side walls. An intermediate storage device as an end piece expediently has openings only on one side wall, or is otherwise closed at the free end.

[0017] Conveniently, the respective area can be separated from the storage area by at least one shielding arrangement. This shielding arrangement ensures that no organisms or sediment can enter the collection lines.

[0018] One manifold forms an inlet manifold for water to the respective working chamber. At the same time, this inlet manifold forms an outlet manifold for the respective intermediate storage tanks, whereby the water from the intermediate storage tanks can be fed to the respective working chamber. The other manifold forms an outlet manifold for water that is discharged from the respective working chamber. At the same time, this outlet manifold forms an inlet manifold for the respective intermediate storage tanks, whereby the water from the working chamber is fed to the respective intermediate storage tanks. The inlet manifold to the working chamber can be arranged above the outlet manifold from the working chamber in the direction of gravity. Alternatively, the inlet manifold to the working chamber can be arranged at the same height as the outlet manifold from the working chamber.Advantageously, the working chamber can be flowed through by water in the preferred direction; here the preferred direction is aligned so that the water reliably drives a generator in the working chamber.

[0019] Advantageously, the manifolds on the side of the respective intermediate storage device can be provided with valves, in particular check valves. The valves can advantageously be arranged between the shielding arrangement and the opening. The closure elements of an intermediate storage device and the two valves for the two manifolds form a switching group.

[0020] The flow rate of the water in the collecting line to the working chamber is advantageously dependent on the number of intermediate storage tanks in the first phase. This allows the flow rate of the water in the collecting line to the working chamber and the power of the generator coupled to the corresponding generator module to be easily adjusted as needed.

[0021] In this case, the water flow velocity in the respective storage areas of the intermediate storage tanks remains constant. This advantageously allows for different water flow velocities in the intermediate storage tanks and the collecting line to the working chamber.

[0022] As a result, when a plurality of intermediate storage units are operated, an optimized flow velocity for the generator on the one hand and the respective storage area of ​​the intermediate storage units, which forms the passage path for the organisms that have entered the storage area through the intermediate storage unit, can be optimized independently of one another by further parallelizing the closure elements and any valves, in particular check valves, in the intermediate storage units.

[0023] The flow velocity of the water in the intermediate storage tanks can therefore be favorably adapted to the survival conditions of existing aquatic organisms.

[0024] The flow velocity of the water in the collecting line to the working chamber can be adjusted to the currently required power of the generator.

[0025] If at least three of the buffer storage units are connected to the same generator module, continuous operation of the generator can be achieved. At least two buffer storage units each establish a connection between the working chamber of the generator module and the downstream or upstream water at all times via corresponding manifolds.

[0026] A generator drive, which extends into the working chamber of the generator module, can absorb energy from the water flow through the working chamber. The drive can be a turbine or a propeller, particularly with rotating and / or adjustable blades. The direction of rotation of the drive and thus of the generator remains constant.

[0027] The manifolds and the presence of at least three intermediate storage units ensure a consistent flow direction in the working chamber. The flow rate in the manifolds depends on the number of coupled intermediate storage units. The manifolds and the closure elements of the intermediate storage units allow the working chamber to be divided into two flow paths, each of which then has only one preferred direction of flow. Additional parallel paths of the valve groups, particularly check valves, in the intermediate storage units or upstream or downstream of the manifolds allow continuous operation. The further conversion into electrical energy corresponds to the state of the art.

[0028] A shielding arrangement, such as a fine screen, net, grid, or the like, can be used to prevent living organisms from entering the working chamber. The flow velocity through the shielding arrangement can advantageously be below a critical value when water is flowing toward the working chamber. The total area of ​​the shielding arrangement can be selected to be at least large enough so that the flow cross-section corresponds to that of the inlet pipe into the intermediate storage tank.

[0029] According to a favorable design of the hydropower plant, a valve, in particular a check valve, can be arranged between the storage area and the collecting line. The valve can advantageously prevent a backflow of water against the intended flow direction. This can, for example, effectively prevent a backflow from the collecting line into one of the storage areas. Furthermore, the valve can be easily opened by a water flow in the intended flow direction without the need for additional technical elements such as sensors.

[0030] According to a favorable embodiment of the hydropower plant, the storage area can be formed between the closure elements and separated from the collecting lines by at least one water-permeable shielding arrangement which shields aquatic organisms and / or aquatic sediment from the at least one working chamber.

[0031] Advantageously, aquatic organisms can safely reside in the storage area, and the at least one shielding arrangement can effectively prevent aquatic organisms from entering the collection lines and working chambers, which are dangerous for them. Furthermore, the sediment can be transported through the storage area, so that the transport of sediment downstream, as occurs in natural waters, can also be enabled despite the hydropower plant. The at least one shielding arrangement can prevent sediment from entering the collection lines and / or working chambers, settling there, and / or clogging the collection lines.

[0032] Furthermore, the at least one shielding arrangement can prevent sediment from damaging the generator in the respective working chamber. Furthermore, cleaning of the manifolds and / or working chambers can be eliminated, or the cleaning interval can be extended if sediment does not enter the manifolds and / or working chambers.

[0033] According to a favorable embodiment of the hydropower plant, a common shielding arrangement for two valves, in particular check valves, of at least one of the intermediate storage tanks can be provided, in particular when the collecting lines connected or connectable to the upstream and downstream water are arranged at the same height.

[0034] This advantageously saves costs for additional shielding arrangements. Furthermore, the shielding device can be cleaned by alternating the flow direction. Furthermore, the net or fine screen can have a sufficiently large surface area, making it difficult for aquatic organisms to develop a flow velocity critical to the shielding arrangement.

[0035] Furthermore, one shielding arrangement can prevent aquatic organisms from flowing out of the storage area through the valves, especially check valves. Furthermore, the shielding arrangement can prevent sediment from flowing out of the storage area through the valves.

[0036] According to an alternative embodiment of the hydropower plant, a separate shielding arrangement can be provided for each valve, in particular a check valve, of at least one of the intermediate reservoirs, particularly when the collecting lines connected or connectable to the upstream and downstream waters are arranged with a height offset. Advantageously, by assigning a shielding arrangement to a valve, it is possible to easily prevent aquatic organisms from the reservoir area from flowing or swimming through the corresponding valve without any design effort. Furthermore, the respective shielding arrangement can prevent sediment from the reservoir area from flowing through the respective valves, in particular check valves.

[0037] Depending on the hydropower plant's favorable design, the valves can include passive flaps that can be opened or closed by water pressure. These types of valves are advantageously easy and inexpensive to obtain in various designs. Furthermore, their maintenance requirements are low.

[0038] According to a favorable design of the hydropower plant, the collecting lines can be arranged transversely to the intermediate storage units, in particular by forming segments of adjoining intermediate storage units separated from the storage area of ​​the respective intermediate storage unit by at least one shielding device, provided the openings in the respective side walls are positioned congruently and overlapping. This arrangement enables the collecting lines to be implemented in a way that saves space and building materials. Furthermore, the hydropower plant can be easily expanded using such a structure if the width of the corresponding body of water permits.

[0039] According to a favorable embodiment of the hydropower plant, a shut-off module, such as a contactor housing module, can be arranged between the intermediate storage unit adjacent to the generator module and the generator module. This shut-off module has closure elements for shutting off and releasing the collecting lines. Advantageously, the closure elements of the shut-off module assigned to a generator module can have a shut-off state, preventing water from flowing into or out of the generator module. This advantageously enables maintenance of the corresponding generator module and / or the connected collecting lines and / or intermediate storage unit. The closure elements can have the release state during normal operation.

[0040] According to a favorable embodiment of the hydropower plant, the intermediate storage units can be of identical design, with a closure element facing the upstream water, a closure element facing the downstream water, a storage area between the closure elements, and two openings in at least one side wall. Advantageously, a similar design of the intermediate storage units can facilitate the construction of the hydropower plant and / or the expansion of a hydropower plant and / or the upgrading of a hydropower plant with intermediate storage units. If an intermediate storage unit is arranged between further intermediate storage units or between an intermediate storage unit and, for example, the generator module, this intermediate storage unit can have corresponding openings on both side walls. An intermediate storage unit as an end piece can expediently have openings on only one side wall, or can be closed in some other way at the free end or its free side wall.

[0041] With a favorable hydropower plant design, the intermediate reservoirs can each have a supply line at their inlet, extending upwards from the shut-off element to the headwater. This has the advantage that the hydropower plant can be adapted to different total head heights.

[0042] According to a favorable design of the hydropower plant, the at least one generator module can be arranged between a plurality of intermediate storage units. This enables, for example, operation in which the pressure drop in the collecting lines can be reduced or even minimized by alternating the operating phases along the collecting lines. The transitions to different phases can be staggered in time, allowing continuous operation.

[0043] Other phase distributions are also conceivable. The manifolds allow flow through the generator module in the preferred direction, regardless of the arrangement of the buffer storage units and the phase distribution of the respective buffer storage units.

[0044] In an alternative design of the hydropower plant, the generator module can be arranged on one side of a plurality of intermediate storage tanks. The manifolds allow flow through the generator module in the preferred direction, regardless of the arrangement of the intermediate storage tanks and the phase distribution of the respective intermediate storage tanks. This allows continuous operation even with a one-sided arrangement of the intermediate storage tanks.

[0045] In a favorable design of the hydropower plant, at least two generator modules can be coupled to a plurality of intermediate storage units. This can increase the output of the hydropower plant. Furthermore, operation can be enabled even if one of the generator modules is defective or undergoing maintenance. Additional generator modules can advantageously increase the reliability of the hydropower plant. Furthermore, this approach can enable simple standardization of the plant, since the number and / or size of the intermediate storage units and the generator modules can be optimized independently of one another.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for operating a hydropower plant is proposed, wherein a regulating and / or control device operates at least three intermediate storage tanks, each of which has a closure element to the upstream water and a closure element to the downstream water, as well as a storage area. During normal operation, at least one of the at least three intermediate storage tanks is kept open to the upstream water at all times in a first phase, and water flows between this intermediate storage tank and the generator module via a collecting line. Simultaneously, at least one other of the at least three intermediate storage tanks is kept open to the downstream water in a second phase, and water flows between the generator module and that intermediate storage tank via a collecting line, while the third of the at least three intermediate storage tanks is kept open in the first or second phase, or a transition between the phases is carried out.

[0047] The control and / or regulation device switches the at least three buffers cyclically between the two phases.

[0048] Advantageously, aquatic organisms and / or aquatic sediment are temporarily stored in the storage area of ​​the intermediate storage facility, which enter the intermediate storage facility from the upstream or downstream water through open closure elements. Because a flow path between the upstream and downstream waters is always present through the generator module, the generator can be operated continuously or at least quasi-continuously, particularly at reduced power for short periods. At the same time, however, aquatic organisms can always enter from the upstream water and be released into the downstream water when the closure element of the respective intermediate storage facility is open, or vice versa.

[0049] One manifold can form an inlet manifold for water from the respective intermediate storage tank. The other manifold can form an outlet manifold for water discharged from the respective intermediate storage tank.

[0050] Advantageously, the collecting lines on the side of the respective intermediate storage device can be equipped with valves, in particular check valves. The closure elements of an intermediate storage device and the two valves for the collecting lines form a switching group.

[0051] The flow velocity of the water in the collecting line to the working chamber is advantageously dependent on the number of intermediate storage tanks in the first phase. This allows the flow velocity of the water in the collecting line to the working chamber and the output of the generator coupled to the corresponding generator module to be easily adjusted as needed. The flow velocity of the water in the respective storage areas of the intermediate storage tanks does not change. This advantageously allows for different flow velocities of the water in the intermediate storage tanks and the collecting line to the working chamber.

[0052] As a result, when a plurality of intermediate storage units are operated, an optimized flow velocity for the generator on the one hand and the respective storage area of ​​the intermediate storage units, which forms the passage path for the organisms that have entered the storage area through the intermediate storage unit, can be optimized independently of one another by further parallelizing the closure elements and any valves, in particular check valves, in the intermediate storage units.

[0053] The flow velocity of the water in the intermediate storage tanks can therefore be favorably adapted to the survival conditions of existing aquatic organisms.

[0054] The flow velocity of the water in the collecting line to the working chamber can be adjusted to the currently required power of the generator.

[0055] If at least three of the buffer storage units are connected to the same generator module, continuous operation of the generator can be achieved. At least two buffer storage units each establish a connection between the working chamber of the generator module and the downstream or upstream water at all times via corresponding manifolds.

[0056] A generator drive, which extends into the working chamber of the generator module, can absorb energy from the water flow through the working chamber. The drive can be a turbine or a propeller, particularly with rotating and / or adjustable blades. The direction of rotation of the drive and thus of the generator remains constant.

[0057] The manifolds and the presence of at least three intermediate storage units ensure a consistent flow direction in the working chamber. The flow rate in the manifolds depends on the number of coupled intermediate storage units.

[0058] The manifolds and the closure elements of the intermediate storage tanks allow the working chamber to be divided into two flow paths, each of which then carries only one preferred direction of flow. Additional parallel paths of the valve groups, particularly check valves in the intermediate storage tanks or upstream or downstream of the manifolds, allow continuous operation. Further conversion into electrical energy is state-of-the-art.

[0059] In the case of a high proportion of suspended matter, a purely time-based switching can be advantageous, thus avoiding the potentially difficult detection of loading in the intermediate storage tanks. During times of intensive fish migration, for example, it may be advisable to switch each individual intermediate storage tank at intervals of a few minutes, for example every 5 minutes. If no large migrations of living organisms are expected, switching each individual intermediate storage tank at longer intervals, for example hourly, may be sufficient. This value can be adjusted if necessary if the water has a high particle load. Optionally, the operational management of individual intermediate storage tanks can advantageously be adapted so that changes in sediment load across the flow direction can be taken into account.

[0060] With a low level of suspended matter, it may be appropriate to detect incoming or outgoing organisms using sensors, such as light barriers or ultrasonic sensors. Detected objects within the hydropower plant could therefore trigger a switchover within the next few minutes, for example, within the next three minutes. If no objects are detected, a switchover at longer intervals, such as hourly, may also be sufficient.

[0061] According to a favorable design of the process, the closure elements can be switched cyclically within minutes. This advantageously reduces the residence time of aquatic organisms and / or sediments in the respective intermediate storage areas. drawing

[0062] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The figures, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0063] Examples include: Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a hydroelectric power plant according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an intermediate storage of a hydroelectric power plant according to an embodiment of the invention in a first phase in connection with an upstream water; Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the intermediate storage Figure 2 in a first phase; Fig. 4 as a sectional view of the buffer after Figures 2 and 3 in a second phase in connection with an underwater; Fig. 5in isometric view the buffer from the Figures 2 to 4in a second phase; Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a generator module of a hydroelectric power plant according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the generator module in Figure 6 ; Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a hydroelectric power plant according to an embodiment of the invention with two generator modules with shut-off modules and with a plurality of intermediate storage units connected in parallel; Fig. 9 is a front view of a shut-off module according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 is an isometric view of the shut-off module from Figure 9 ; Fig. 11 a circuit diagram of a hydroelectric power plant according to a further embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 a sectional view of an intermediate storage of a hydroelectric power plant according to an embodiment of the invention in a first phase in connection with an upstream water; Fig. 13 a sectional view of the intermediate storage according to Figure 12in a second phase in connection with a subsea; Fig. 14 in isometric view a hydroelectric power plant according to a further embodiment of the invention with a generator module and with a plurality of parallel connected intermediate storage units; Fig. 15 a side view of the generator module from Figure 14 ; Fig. 16 a flowchart of a method for operating a hydropower plant. Embodiments of the invention

[0064] In the figures, components of the same type or function are designated by the same reference numerals. The figures are merely examples and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0065] Before describing the invention in detail, it should be noted that it is not limited to the specific components of the device and the specific method steps, as these components and methods may vary. The terms used herein are intended solely to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, when the singular or indefinite articles are used in the description or claims, this also refers to the plural of these elements, unless the overall context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0066] The directional terminology used below, including terms such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "before," "behind," "after," and the like, is intended solely to enhance understanding of the figures and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention. The components and elements depicted, as well as their design and use, may vary according to the considerations of a person skilled in the art and may be adapted to specific applications.

[0067] The Figures 1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention as well as detailed representations of intermediate storage units 120, generator modules 170 and shut-off modules 160 of the first embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention. This embodiment is suitable for generating electrical power in the range of advantageously 10 - 500 MW.

[0068] The Figures 11 to 15show a second embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention, as well as detailed representations of intermediate storage devices 120 of the second embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention. This embodiment is suitable for generating smaller electrical outputs of advantageously 500 kW to 5 MW.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment not shown, combinations of the illustrated embodiments are possible. Furthermore, additional components not shown are possible.

[0070] As can be seen from the Figures 1 to 5 , 8 , and 10 to 13 As can be seen, the illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention are each designed for arrangement in a body of water with a gradient in a direction of gravity between the upstream water 2 and downstream water 4 of the body of water.

[0071] The illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention each comprise at least three intermediate storage units 120 ( Figures 8 and 14 ).

[0072] Each of the intermediate storages 120 has a closure element 122 to the upper water 2 and a closure element 124 to the lower water 4 as well as a storage area 128 ( Figures 1 to 5 and 11 to 13 ), which extends between the closure elements 122, 124.

[0073] The illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention further comprise at least one generator module 170, which has a working chamber 130 in which a drive 134 of a generator 132 is arranged ( Figure 7 ). The drive 134 can be, for example, a turbine or a propeller.

[0074] The first in Figure 8The illustrated embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention comprises two generator modules 170, but a design with only one generator module 170 or with more than two generator modules 170 is also conceivable.

[0075] The second in Figure 14 The illustrated embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention comprises a generator module 170, but an embodiment with more than one generator module 170 is also conceivable.

[0076] The illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention further comprise a regulating and / or control device 180 for, in particular cyclically, opening one of the closure elements 122, 124 and closing the other of the closure elements 122, 124 of each of the intermediate storage units 120 ( Figures 1 and 11 ).

[0077] In the illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention, the intermediate storage units 120 and the generator module 170 are fluidically connected via at least two collecting lines 110, 112. One of the collecting lines 110 supplies water from the upstream water 2 to the working chamber 130, and the other of the collecting lines 112 supplies water from the working chamber 130 to the downstream water 4 ( Figures 1 to 8 and 11 to 15 ). The collecting lines 110, 112 extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the intermediate storage units 120 through areas of the intermediate storage units 120. Furthermore, the collecting lines 110, 112 open into the respective working chamber 130.

[0078] During normal operation, at least one of the at least three intermediate storage units 120 is in a first phase at any given time. In the first phase, the corresponding intermediate storage unit 120 is open to the upstream water 2, and one of the collecting lines 110 between this intermediate storage unit 120 and the generator module 170 is disconnected ( Figures 1 to 3 and 11 to 12 ). The flow direction 118 of the water (symbolized by block arrows with solid lines) in the first phase runs within the intermediate storage 120 from the closure element 122 in the region of an inlet 102 of the intermediate storage 120 to the released collecting line 110. From there, the water flows to the working chamber 130 of the generator module 170 coupled to this collecting line 110.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, a collecting line 110 is formed by segments of several intermediate storage devices 120 and is thus fluidically coupled to several inlets.

[0080] At the same time, at least one other of the at least three intermediate storage units 120 is in a second phase, in which it is open to the underwater 4 and one of the collecting lines 112 between the generator module 170 and that intermediate storage unit 120 is activated ( Figures 1 , 4 , 5 , 11 and 13). The water flows from the working chamber 130 of a corresponding generator module 170 into a collecting line 112 coupled to the generator module 170. From there, the water can flow into the intermediate storage units 120 in the second phase. In the illustrated embodiment, a collecting line 112 is formed by segments of a plurality of intermediate storage units 120 and is thus fluidically coupled to a plurality of intermediate storage units 120. The flow direction 119 of the water (symbolized by block arrows with broken lines) in the intermediate storage unit 120 in the second phase runs from the coupling to the collecting line 112 in the direction of the closure element 124 in the region of an outlet 104 of the intermediate storage unit 120. In this case, a collecting line 112 or the working chamber 130 is fluidically coupled to a plurality of intermediate storage units 120 and thus to a plurality of outlets 104.

[0081] While two of the at least three intermediate storage units 120 are in the first and second phases, a third of the at least three intermediate storage units 120 is in the first or second phase or in a transition between the phases. This ensures that at least one fluid path is available from the upstream water 2 through the working chamber 130 of the generator module to the downstream water 4.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiments, the collecting lines 110, 112 are formed in that the intermediate storage areas 120 each have two opposing openings 114, 116 in at least one side wall and at least one region between the openings 114, 116 and the storage area 128, which is separated from the storage area 128. The openings 114 are assigned to the collecting line 110, and the openings 116 are assigned to the collecting line 112. A collecting line 110, 112 is formed in the illustrated embodiment by arranging several intermediate storage areas 120 in parallel next to one another, with the openings 114, 116 congruently overlapping one another.

[0083] The respective generator module 170 in the first and second embodiments as well as the respective shut-off module 160 also have such openings 114, 116 in their side walls, adjacent to the intermediate storage devices 120, so that the openings 114, 116 each overlap congruently.

[0084] This shows Figure 8 as a front view of a barrier module 160 according to an embodiment of the invention, while Figure 9 in isometric view the barrier module 160 from Figure 8 shows. With the shut-off module 160 arranged between the intermediate storage 120 adjacent to the generator module 170 and the generator module 170, the generator module 170 can be decoupled from the collecting lines 110, 112, for example for maintenance purposes.

[0085] For this purpose, it has corresponding closure elements 162, 164 for blocking and releasing the collecting lines 110, 112. The closure elements 162, 164 allow isolation of sub-areas and enable operation at at least half power in the event of single faults or during maintenance work on the hydropower plant 100 or the generator module 170.

[0086] The control and / or regulation device 180 is configured to cyclically switch the at least three buffers 120 between the two phases.

[0087] Due to the alternating operation of the closure elements 122, 124 of the buffer storage 120 for the corresponding phases, continuous operation of the generator 132 is possible with appropriate switching.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiments, the collecting line 110 is always flowed through by the intermediate storage devices 120 in the direction of the corresponding working chamber 130.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the collecting line 112 is always flowed through by the corresponding working chamber 130 in the direction of the intermediate storage 120.

[0090] In an alternative embodiment of the hydropower plant 100, further collecting lines 110, 112 are also conceivable.

[0091] The constant flow direction in the working chamber 130 can be achieved through the collecting lines 110, 112. The flow strength in the collecting lines 110, 112 depends on the number of coupled intermediate storage devices 120. The collecting lines 120 and the closure elements 122, 124 can divide the working chamber 130 into two turbine paths, which then only flow in the respective preferred direction, i.e., in the flow directions 118, 119.

[0092] The first embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention differs, among other things, from the second embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 according to the invention in that the collecting lines 110, 112 in the first embodiment have a height offset 129 (only in Figure 4 This height offset 129 can be used in the generator module 170 to reduce cavitation risks when converting the kinetic and potential energy of the water into rotational energy of the corresponding generator 132 or its drive 134. The rotational energy is converted into electricity in a known manner.

[0093] The manifolds 110, 112 of the second embodiment ( Figures 11 to 15are arranged essentially at the same height. The conversion of the water's vertical energy into kinetic energy is ultimately implemented in the respective intermediate storage units 120 due to the height offset between inlet 102 and outlet 104. The intermediate storage units 120 have a corresponding gradient in the storage area 128. The kinetic energy of the water conducted via the corresponding collecting line 110 to the working chamber 130 is also converted into rotational energy of the corresponding generator 132 or its drive 134. The rotational energy is converted into electricity in a known manner.

[0094] As can be seen from the Figures 1 to 5 and 11 to 13As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100, a valve 125, 225, in particular a check valve, is arranged between the storage area 128 and the collecting line 110, 112. The valve 125 prevents water from flowing counter to the preferred direction (corresponding to the flow direction 118) from the collecting line 110 into the intermediate storage 120.

[0095] Valve 225 prevents water from flowing from intermediate reservoirs 120 into collecting line 112 in the opposite direction to the preferred direction (corresponding to flow direction 119). In the illustrated embodiments, valves 125 comprise passive flaps that can be opened or closed by water pressure. Other designs are also conceivable.

[0096] As can be seen from the Figures 2 to 5 , 12 and 13As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiments of the hydropower plant 100, the storage area 128 of the respective intermediate storage units 120 is formed between the closure elements 122, 124 and separated from the collecting lines 110, 112 by at least one water-permeable shielding arrangement 126, 226, such as a fine screen, a net, a sieve, or the like. The at least one water-permeable shielding arrangement 126, 226 keeps aquatic organisms and / or aquatic sediment away from the at least one working chamber 130.

[0097] In this case, the flow velocity through the at least one shielding arrangement 126, 226 should be below a critical value when water flows towards the working chamber 130. For this purpose, the total area of ​​a barrier of the shielding arrangement 126, 226 is expediently selected in the illustrated embodiments to be at least large enough that the flow-through cross-section corresponds to that of the minimum cross-section of the intermediate storage 120.

[0098] This ensures that living beings are not exposed to significantly greater stress on the shielding arrangement 126, 226 than on the other parts of the system through which they pass.

[0099] The storage areas 128 of the intermediate storage units 120 are suitable for the temporary storage of aquatic organisms and / or aquatic sediment, which can pass into and out of the intermediate storage unit 120 through the corresponding closure elements 122, 124 during the respective phase. Since the closure elements 122, 124 of the intermediate storage units open alternately at regular intervals, aquatic organisms can flow through the corresponding intermediate storage unit 120 from both end areas 102, 104. Aquatic sediment typically flows through the intermediate storage unit 120 in the flow direction from the upstream end area 102 to the downstream end area 104.

[0100] The first embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 differs, among other things, from the second embodiment of the hydropower plant 100 in that, according to the first embodiment, each valve 125, 225 of an intermediate storage 120 is coupled to a shielding arrangement 126, 226.

[0101] The shielding assemblies 126, 226 separate the storage area 128 from the valves 125, 225 and the segment of the intermediate storage 120 of the upper collecting line 110 in the direction of gravity and the segment of the intermediate storage 120 of the lower collecting line 112 in the direction of gravity. Thus, organisms located in the storage area 128 are safely contained in the storage area 128 and cannot enter the areas of the segments of the collecting lines 110, 112 in the intermediate storage 120 or the valves 125, 225.

[0102] In the first exemplary embodiment, the intermediate storage units 120 accordingly have two separate segments for manifolds 110, 112. One segment of the manifold 110 is arranged in the upper region opposite the closure element 122. One segment of the manifold 112 is arranged in the lower region opposite the closure element 124. A shielding arrangement 126, 226 is arranged in front of each valve 125, 225. This region or these regions of the intermediate storage units 120 are separated from the storage region 128 by the valves 125, 225.

[0103] In the second exemplary embodiment, the intermediate storage units 120 have an upper region divided into two segments, each separated from the storage area 128 by a valve 125, 225, in particular a check valve, with one segment forming a segment of the collecting line 110 and one segment forming a segment of the collecting line 112. A common shielding arrangement 126 is arranged in front of the valves 125, 225, which prevents sediment or living organisms from entering the collecting lines through one of the valves. The openings 114, 116 in the side wall of the intermediate storage unit 120 are arranged at the same height.

[0104] Advantageously, the intermediate storage units 120 can be constructed as similar modules, with a closure element 122 for the upstream water 2, a closure element 124 for the downstream water 4, a storage area 128 between the closure elements 122, 124, and a first opening 114 in a side wall and a second opening 116 in the same side wall. Valves 125, 225 are also provided.

[0105] In the first embodiment with vertically offset openings 114, 116, two shielding devices 126, 226 are provided, so that the storage area 128 is separated from the openings 114, 116 and the valves 125, 225 by an upper and a lower shielding device 126, 226.

[0106] In the second embodiment with openings 114, 116 at the same height, a shielding device 126 is provided, so that the storage area 128 is separated from the openings 114, 116 and the valves 125, 225 by the upper shielding device 126.

[0107] Figure 16 shows a flow chart of an exemplary method for operating a hydropower plant according to the invention, wherein a regulating and / or control device 180 operates at least three intermediate storage units 120, each of which has a closure element 122 to the upstream water 2 and a closure element 124 to the downstream water 4 as well as a storage area 128.

[0108] In a first step S100, in a group of at least three intermediate storage devices 120, one of the intermediate storage devices 120 is in a first phase, in which the closure element 122 to the upstream water 2 is open and the closure element 124 to the downstream water 4 is closed. Another intermediate storage device 120 of the group is in a second phase, in which the closure element 122 to the upstream water 2 is closed and the closure element 124 to the downstream water 4 is open.

[0109] Each additional buffer storage 120 of the group is in the first phase or second phase, with the sum of the buffer storages opened upstream ideally being equal to or greater than the sum of the storages opened downstream.

[0110] In step S102, a check is made to determine whether switching is necessary. The query is preferably performed cyclically, with the rate depending on the number of buffers installed. The check must be performed frequently enough to allow each individual buffer to be switched every few minutes.

[0111] If no switching is required ("n" in the flowchart), the process returns to step S100.

[0112] If yes ("y" in the flow chart), the valves 122 and 124 of an intermediate storage 120 are first closed in step S104. The time of switching is selected in such a way that one of the intermediate storages 120 to the upstream water 2 and one of the intermediate storages 120 to the downstream water 4 is always open and a fluid path for the water via the generator module 170 is present.

[0113] In step S106, one of the valves 122 and 124 of the intermediate storage 120, whose valves were closed in the previous step, is now opened so that this intermediate storage 120 is in the other phase compared to the state in step S102.

[0114] The frequency with which the buffers are switched can be advantageously adapted to the sediment load of the water body and / or the density of fish movements and / or other organisms in the water body. Reference symbol

[0115] 2Upstream 4Downstream 100Hydropower plant 102Inlet 104Outlet 110Collector 112Collector 114Wall breakthrough 116Wall breakthrough 118First phase flow direction 119Second phase flow direction 120 Buffer 122 Closure element 124 Closure element 125 Valve 225 Valve 126 Shielding arrangement 226 Shielding arrangement 128 Storage area 129 Height offset 130 Working chamber 132 Generator 134 Drive (propeller, turbine) 150 Dam 160 Shut-off module 162 Shut-off element 164 Shut-off element 170 Generator module 180 Regulating and / or control device

Claims

1. Hydropower system (100), which is designed to be arranged in a body of water with a gradient in a direction of gravity between upstream water (2) and downstream water (4) of the body of water, comprising at least three intermediate reservoirs (120), of which each has a closing element (122) for the upstream water (2) and a closing element (124) for the downstream water (4), as well as a storage area (128), at least one generator module (170), which has a working chamber (130), in which a drive (134) of a generator (132) is arranged, as well as a regulating and / or control device (180) for, in particular cyclically, opening the one of the closing elements (122, 124) and closing the other of the closing elements (122, 124) of each of the intermediate reservoirs (120), characterized in that the intermediate reservoirs (120) and the generator module (170) are fluidly connected via at least two collecting pipes (110, 112), wherein the one of the collecting pipes (110, 112) of the working chamber (130) supplies water from the upstream water (2) and the other of the collecting pipes (112, 110) discharges water from the working chamber (130) to the downstream water (4), wherein at any time, in normal operation, at least one of the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) is in a first phase, in which this at least one of the intermediate reservoirs (120) is open to the upstream water (2) and one of the collecting pipes (110) between this intermediate reservoir (120) and the generator module (170) is unlocked and, simultaneously, at least one other of the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) is in a second phase, in which this at least one of the intermediate reservoirs (120) is open to the downstream water (4) and one of the collecting pipes (112) between the generator module (170) and that intermediate reservoir (120) is unlocked, while at least a third of the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) is in the first or the second phase or in a transition between the phases, wherein the regulating and / or control device (180) is configured to cyclically switch the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) between the first and second phases.

2. Hydropower system according to claim 1, wherein a valve (125, 225), in particular a non-return valve, is arranged between the storage area (128) and the collecting pipe (110, 112).

3. Hydropower system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage area (128) is formed between the closing elements (122, 124) and is separated from the collecting pipes (110, 112) with at least one water-permeable shielding arrangement (126).

4. Hydropower system according to claim 3, wherein there is a common shielding arrangement (126) for two valves (125, 225), in particular non-return valves, of at least one of the intermediate reservoirs (120), in particular with an arrangement of the collecting pipes (110, 112), which are connected or can be connected to the upstream water (2) and the downstream water (4), at the same height.

5. Hydropower system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein there is a separate shielding arrangement (126) for each valve (125, 225) of at least one of the intermediate reservoirs (120), in particular with an arrangement of the collecting pipes (110, 112), which are connected or can be connected to the upstream water (2) and the downstream water (4), with a height offset (129).

6. Hydropower system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the valves (125) comprise passive flaps to be opened or closed by water pressure.

7. Hydropower system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting pipes (110, 112) are arranged transversely to the intermediate reservoirs (120), in particular are formed by continuous openings of intermediate reservoirs (120) joined to one another.

8. Hydropower system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a shut-off module (160) is arranged between the intermediate reservoir (120) adjacent to the generator module (170) and the generator module (170), which shut-off module (160) has closing elements (162, 164) for shutting off and enabling the collecting pipes (110, 112).

9. Hydropower system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate reservoirs (120) are of the same design with a closing element (122) for the upstream water (2), a closing element (124) for the downstream water (4), a storage area (128) between the closing elements (122, 124), as well as two openings (114, 116) in at least one side wall, as well as at least one region between the openings (114, 116) and the storage area (128), wherein the at least one region forms a segment of the respective collecting pipes (110, 112).

10. Hydropower system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate reservoirs (120) each have a supply line at their inlet (102), which extend upwards, in particular, from the shut-off element to the upstream water (2).

11. Hydropower system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one generator module (170) is arranged between a plurality of intermediate reservoirs (120).

12. Hydropower system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the generator module (170) is arranged on one side on a plurality of intermediate reservoirs (120).

13. Hydropower system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two generator modules (170) are coupled to a plurality of intermediate reservoirs (120).

14. Method for operating a hydropower system (100) in a body of water with a gradient in a direction of gravity between upstream water (2) and downstream water (4), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a regulating and / or control device (180) operates at least three intermediate reservoirs (120), of which each has a closing element (122) for the upstream water (2) and a closing element (124) for the downstream water (4), as well as storage area (128), at any time, in normal operation, at least one of the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) is kept open in a first phase to the upstream water (2) and water flows via a collecting pipe (110) between this intermediate reservoir (120) and the generator module (170) and, simultaneously, at least one other of the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) is kept open in a second phase to the downstream water (4) and water flows via a collecting pipe (114) between the generator module (170) and that intermediate reservoir (120), while the third of the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) is kept open in the first or second phase or a transition between the phases is performed, wherein the regulating and / or control device (180) cyclically switches the at least three intermediate reservoirs (120) between the first and second phases.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein cyclical switching of the closing elements (122, 124) takes place in minutes.

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