Electrical power generation system for river and fisheries engineering structures

Abstract

Electrical energy production system (100, 200) for a river and fishing structure (900a, 900b) mainly comprising an electrical energy production unit (10, 20) and a means (11, 21) for fixing said system to said structure, said unit comprising a water intake (101, 201), a flow conduit (102, 202), at least one hydroelectric turbine (103, 203), a water outlet (109, 209), said fixing means comprising two inserts (111, 121) intended to install the system (100, 200) in said structure without new constructions or foundations; and that said system, when in a so-called non-operational configuration, allows unhindered navigation at said structure.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of hydroelectric devices for producing electricity on watercourses.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates more particularly to a system in the form of a lock gate or floating barge comprising a turbine or a hydroelectric Archimedes screw used to produce electrical energy at the level of the locks or the various river and fishing engineering structures.

[0003] The present invention finds a direct application in the modernization of river engineering structures, and more particularly in the production of electrical energy. State of the art

[0004] Locks have played an important role in the development of river navigation in France, Europe and the world for centuries.

[0005] In France, the first known locks date back to Roman times. However, their use became widespread during the Middle Ages, particularly to facilitate the transport of goods on rivers and streams. Over the following centuries, numerous locks were built on the country's major waterways, such as the Seine, the Loire, and the Rhône.

[0006] In Europe, locks also played an important role in the development of river navigation. The first locks were built in Germany in the 13th century on the Stecknitz Canal, which connected the Baltic Sea to the city of Lübeck. Over the centuries, many other canals were built in Europe, particularly in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Great Britain, requiring the construction of a large number of locks.

[0007] Today, locks continue to be used to facilitate the transport of goods and river tourism in France and Europe. Many locks have been modernized to meet the current needs of river navigation. The installation of electrical power generation systems at dams, locks, and flushing systems has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly due to environmental issues and the need to develop renewable energy sources.

[0008] The principle of these installations is relatively simple: the potential energy of the water held back by the lock when it is upstream is converted into electrical energy when the water is released to allow the passage of boats. This energy can then be used to power the lock's own installations, or to be sold back into the electricity grid.

[0009] The history of installing electrical power generation systems at dams dates back to the late 19th century, with the establishment of hydroelectric power plants to supply cities with electricity. However, it is only more recently that this practice has become widespread at locks.

[0010] In France, for example, several electricity production systems have been installed in recent years on the country's various rivers, with installations of different sizes and capacities.

[0011] Document EP3209881A2 describes a hydraulic turbine comprising a stator and a rotor, characterized in that the stator is formed by a preferably cylindrical tube, into which at least one water inlet pipe opens, and that the rotor is formed by at least one impeller mounted in a substantially sealed manner on the outside of said tube, rotating around the axis of the latter, at least one passage window being provided through the wall of said tube and opening directly onto at least one blade of the impeller, forming, with said blade, a substantially sealed path at the transition between the stator and said blade so as to allow the flow of water in said path, from the stator to the rotor, as far as the free end of said blade.

[0012] Document EP1975404A1 describes a system for recovering hydraulic energy from at least part of a water flow passing through a dam regulating the water level of an upstream reach of a lock. This energy recovery system comprises at least one paddle wheel, at least one electric generator, and a hydraulic transmission comprising at least one hydraulic pump coupled to said paddle wheel, at least one hydraulic motor coupled to said electric generator, a hydraulic circuit connecting said hydraulic pump and motor, and speed regulation means, preferably electronic, of said hydraulic motor making it possible to maintain a constant speed of said hydraulic motor at variable speeds of the paddle wheel.

[0013] Document WO2016064209A1 discloses a floating power generation system using a floating power generation unit, which is installed on a waterway and comprises a plurality of floating power generation units, and is arranged around a bank on which a plurality of lock gates are formed and around at least one lock gate of the bank, and generating electricity by using the hydraulic pressure of water drained by passing through the lock gate, the floating power generation unit comprising: a hull part, a plurality of power generation parts, at least three anchor cables which connect the hull part to a bottom part, and an anchor member which is connected to the anchor cables and is fixed to the bottom part;a substation, a power transmission station, and a power distribution station, the power generation parts, comprising: a connecting rod, a power generation main body, a vertical vane, a horizontal vane, a screw, a working hatch, a support, and a movement passage.;

[0014] Installing electrical power generation systems at locks, and more generally at existing river engineering structures, offers numerous advantages, including the ability to produce renewable energy from local resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, these installations also present technical and financial challenges, particularly in terms of maintenance and investment costs.

[0015] Furthermore, these new solutions will meet the growing need for sustainable renewable energy for decades to come, while respecting ecological guidelines and ensuring the proper functioning of waterways. Finally, regulations prohibit any new fixed construction with a new right-of-way in the riverbed. This is the case, for example, of certain waterways classified as Natura 2000 zones, whose purpose is to ensure the good conservation status of certain habitats and species (animal and plant) that are considered threatened, vulnerable or rare. Presentation of the invention

[0016] The present invention then proposes a solution for an electrical energy production system comprising at least one hydroelectric turbine or Archimedes screw which easily adapts to a river structure without requiring new constructions.

[0017] The present invention then relates to an electrical energy production system for a river and fisheries engineering structure mainly comprising an electrical energy production unit and a means for fixing said system to said structure, said unit comprising a water intake, a flow conduit, at least one hydroelectric turbine, a water outlet. The electrical energy production system is remarkable in that the fixing means comprises two inserts intended to install said system in the river and fisheries engineering structure without new constructions or foundations; and that said system, when in a so-called non-operational configuration, allows unhindered navigation at said structure.

[0018] Advantageously, the water intake of the production system includes a filtration system.

[0019] Advantageously, the filtration system is rotary or translative.

[0020] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the water intake further comprises a valve.

[0021] According to another particular characteristic of the invention, the electrical energy production unit is a lock gate.

[0022] Advantageously, a bottom of the fixing means comprises a notch in which there is a movable shutter resting on a spring system. Advantageously, a vertical pivot connection of the unit comprises at least one wheel resting on a corner having a slope.

[0023] Advantageously, the production unit further comprises at least one scoop valve.

[0024] Advantageously, the electrical power generation unit is a floating barge.

[0025] Finally, the present invention also relates to a river engineering structure comprising an electrical energy production system as described previously.

[0026] The fundamental concepts of the invention having been set out above in their most basic form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly upon reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings. Presentation of the drawings

[0027] The figures are provided for purely illustrative purposes to facilitate understanding of the invention without limiting its scope. The various elements may be represented schematically and are not necessarily on the same scale. Throughout the figures, identical or equivalent elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0028] It is thus illustrated in: [ Fig. 1 ]: a downstream and perspective view of an electrical energy production system installed on a river structure, according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2]: a downstream and perspective view of the electrical energy production system installed on a river structure, according to the first embodiment of the invention, and in production configuration; [ Fig. 3A ]: a rear and perspective view of the electrical energy production system, according to the first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3B ]: a rear view of a production unit of the electrical energy production system, according to the first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3C ]: a front view of the production unit of the electrical energy production system, according to the first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 4 ]: a sectional view of a bottom of a means of fixing the energy production system according to an embodiment, in (A) without the production unit, in (B), with the production unit; [ Fig. 5]: three partial views of the energy production system according to another embodiment, in (A) side view when the system is open, in (B) perspective view when the system is half-open, in (C) side view when the system is closed; [ Fig. 6 ]: a side and perspective view of an electrical energy production system installed on a river structure, according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 7 ]: a front and perspective view of the electrical energy production system, according to the second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 8 ]: a downstream and perspective view of the first electrical energy production system installed on another type of river engineering structure; [ Fig. 9 ]: a downstream and perspective view of the second electrical energy production system installed on another type of river engineering structure. Detailed description of embodiments

[0029] It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to those skilled in the art are described herein to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

[0030] In the embodiment described below, reference is made to an electrical energy production system installed on a river engineering structure comprising at least one hydroelectric turbine. The electrical energy production system is installed directly on the frame of the river engineering structure, thus limiting the work related to its integration.

[0031] Advantageously, the river energy production system is suitable for installation on different types of river engineering structures such as locks, bridges, dams and reaches.

[0032] Its installation is greatly facilitated, because the system reuses elements already present in the frames of river engineering structures in order to be fixed, in comparison with other types of equipment which require new fixed constructions in order to be installed in waterways.

[0033] In addition, the installation is implemented quickly, limiting the lock's downtime to two or three days maximum.

[0034] There Figure 1 represents a downstream and perspective view of an electrical energy production system 100 installed on a river structure 900a, according to a first embodiment of the invention. In the Figure 1 , the system 100 is in non-operating configuration, that is to say that it does not produce electrical energy.

[0035] In this preferred embodiment, the river structure 900a is a lock allowing the navigation of boats on a watercourse 800, without this presenting a limit to the present invention.

[0036] In this first embodiment, the system 100 mainly comprises an electrical energy production unit 10, fixed to a frame 90a of the river engineering structure 900a using a fixing means 11, partly taking place in cofferdam grooves 93a located at the level of the frame, on either side of the channel 80 of the watercourse 800, that is to say on each of the banks 81.

[0037] As shown in the Figure 3A , the electrical energy production unit 10 is preferably rotary.

[0038] In another embodiment, the electrical energy production unit 10 is sliding vertically or horizontally and its fixing means 11 is also maintained at the level of the river engineering structure by means of the cofferdam grooves 93a or at least one slide-type anchor (not shown here). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the electrical energy production unit 10 replaces a so-called "guillotine" lock gate. Preferably, and for this particular embodiment, the electrical energy production unit 10 comprises a vertical sliding system housed in the at least one slide-type anchor. The vertical sliding system is capable of vertically translating the electrical energy production unit 10: either from a so-called “closed” position in which said unit carries out partial water retention while allowing the production of electrical energy; or from a so-called “open” position in which said unit presents no resistance to the flow of water and does not produce electrical energy.

[0039] The person skilled in the art is also able to adapt the electrical energy production unit 10 to other configurations of river engineering structures 900a.

[0040] Again, the system 100 is therefore installed without requiring new fixed constructions, said system reusing elements of the frame 90a for fixing, in particular the cofferdam grooves 93a or any other type of frame already present.

[0041] There Figure 2represents a downstream and perspective view of the electrical energy production system 100 installed on a river structure 900a, according to the first embodiment of the invention, said system this time being in operating configuration.

[0042] The electrical energy production unit 10 being locked in the fixing means 11, the water level of the channel 80 is then higher upstream of said door. The electrical energy production unit 10 comprises a water intake (not visible here) through which the water from the channel 80 enters and is then evacuated at a water outlet 109.

[0043] There Figure 3Arepresents a rear and perspective view of the electrical energy production system 100, according to the first embodiment of the invention. The electrical energy production system 100 therefore comprises the unit 10 as well as the fixing means 11, maintaining said system in the river engineering structure 900a.

[0044] The electrical energy production unit 10 comprises a water intake 101, a flow conduit 102, a hydroelectric turbine 103, a vertical pivot connection 105, at least one shovel valve 107 and the water outlet 109 to meet the needs of the operation of the lock.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, the water intake 101 comprises a filtration system 1011 which is adapted according to the installation sites of the system 100 and which depends on the technical or environmental constraints of said site.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the filtration system 1011 is rotatable or translative in order to automatically clear objects which are carried into the channel 80.

[0047] In another particular embodiment, the system 100 comprises a valve (not shown here) in particular to facilitate the passage of flood water or partially drain the water contained upstream of said system, but also to evacuate objects of large volume (trees, tree trunks, etc.).

[0048] Finally, in a particular embodiment, the water intake 101 does not include a filtration system 1011.

[0049] Once the water has entered the water intake 101, it is channeled into the flow conduit 102. The kinetic energy and potential energy contained in the water flow thus created will be partly converted into electrical energy by means of the hydroelectric turbine 103. The water flow is then discharged via the water outlet 109 located at the rear of the unit 10.

[0050] The person skilled in the art is able to size and integrate the hydroelectric turbine 103 which is best suited to the energy potential of the installation site. The sizing is carried out in particular by means of charts which provide the energy potential of a site, as a function of the flow rate of the channel 80 as well as the drop height between the water intake 101 and the water outlet 109.

[0051] The shovel valves 107 are closed when the river engineering structure 900a does not require the passage of a boat. The opening of the shovel valves 107, on the other hand, allows the emptying and balancing of the lock to allow and facilitate its maneuverability when a boat passes through said structure. The shovel valves 107 are either hydraulically, mechanically and / or electrically controlled, by means of a translational movement carried out from bottom to top along a vertical axis.

[0052] The fixing means 11 comprises two notches 111 which fit into the cofferdam grooves 93a of the frame 90a of the river engineering structure 900a, force-recovery elements 112, as well as a bottom 113, providing sealing at the bottom of the unit 10.

[0053] Advantageously, in an embodiment not shown here, the unit 10 also locks at the bottom 113 of the fixing means 11, this locking allows the unit 10 to withstand higher water pressure applied to its front face.

[0054] Advantageously, the 100 electrical energy production system is autonomous in its maneuvers in order to guarantee the passage of boats at all times.

[0055] Furthermore, the closing and opening of the unit 10 are carried out equally well by means of an electric motor, a hydraulic motor (not shown here) or manually, and installed at the level of the vertical pivot connection 105. Communication of the system 100 with the Vigicrues device for monitoring the risk of flooding of the main watercourses makes it possible to put the unit 10 in the parking position in order to let the flood pass, and to protect said unit from possible damage.

[0056] Furthermore, the latches locking unit 10 in production configuration, as shown in Figure 2 , are either remotely controllable or manually maneuverable.

[0057] There Figure 3B and the Figure 3C respectively represent a rear view and a front view of the unit 10 of the electrical energy production system 100, according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0058] There Figure 4 represents a particular embodiment in which the bottom 113 comprises a notch 1133, shown in dotted lines, and in which the unit 10 is housed when it is in the closed position. Thus, the forces which are applied at the level of the unit 10 are better absorbed, and we obtain better sealing in this part of the system 100. In order to limit the obstruction of the notch 1133 when the unit 10 is not in the closed position ( Figure 4in (A)), a movable shutter 1131 resting on a spring system 1132 is positioned inside said notch. The presence of the movable shutter 1131 thus prevents the deposit of branches, stones and other debris in the notch 1133, while allowing the insertion of the unit 10 ( Figure 4 in (B)).

[0059] There Figure 5 represents another particular embodiment in which the vertical pivot connection 105 of the unit 10 comprises at least one wheel 1052 which rests on a corner 1051 having a slope P, shown in dotted lines. When the unit 10 is in motion, due to the slope P of the corner 1051, the vertical position of said unit is modified so that said unit can rest directly on the bottom 113 when said unit is in the closed position (see Figure 5 in (C)), but also to facilitate the rotation of said unit so that it is in the open position (see Figure 5in (A)). In other words, depending on its angular position a (see Figure 5 in (B)), the vertical position h of unit 10 varies from a height of a few centimeters when in the open position, to a few millimeters when in the closed position.

[0060] Advantageously, this embodiment combines with that described previously.

[0061] There Figure 6 represents a side and perspective view of an electrical energy production system 200 installed on the river engineering structure 900a, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0062] The electrical energy production system 200 comprises an electrical energy production unit 20, a means of attachment 20 to the frame 90a of the river engineering structure 900a.

[0063] In this embodiment, the electrical energy production unit 20 is a floating barge which ballasts or unloads water in order to modify its waterline depending on the use made of it.

[0064] As shown in the Figure 6 , the electrical energy production unit 20 is installed and maintained in the channel 80 of the watercourse 800 by means of the fixing means 21, which connects said unit by means of at least one cable 212a-b to two notches 211 inserted in the cofferdam grooves 93a of the frame 90a.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the electrical energy production unit 20 is positioned on one of the edges of the channel 80, being held by the two cables 212a-b, the lengths of which differ.

[0066] Thus, when the electrical power production unit 20 is stopped, the said unit does not prevent boats from navigating on canal 80.

[0067] There Figure 7represents a front and perspective view of the electrical energy production system 200, according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0068] The electrical energy production unit 20 comprises a water intake 201, a flow conduit 202, a hydroelectric turbine 203, a water outlet 209, two sealing joints 24.

[0069] Preferably, the hydroelectric turbine 203 is an Archimedean screw turbine because the head between the water intake 201 and the water outlet 209 is low, in comparison with those of the electrical energy production system 100 shown in figures 1, 2 And 3A-C .

[0070] Thus, the present invention adapts to the majority of watercourses 800 to produce electricity regardless of the flow and depth conditions of said watercourses.

[0071] In a particular embodiment, the water intake 201 comprises a filtration system 2011 which is adapted according to the installation sites of the system 200 and which depends on the technical or environmental constraints of said site.

[0072] In a particular embodiment, the filtration system 2011 is rotatable in order to automatically clear objects which are carried into the channel 80.

[0073] The seals 24 are static or their volume is adjusted by inflation of air to adapt the pressure that said seals exert on the notches 211 when said unit is in the position for producing electrical energy.

[0074] Furthermore, and in a particular mode of this embodiment, the notches 211 also include sealing joints along their height in order to obtain a stronger seal.

[0075] In order to position itself in the channel 80, the unit 20 comprises a motor 215 which winds and unwinds the cables 212a-b.

[0076] Advantageously, the 100 and 200 systems are also suitable for watercourses or similar water flows that do not have river engineering structures as previously mentioned. In this case, preparation work is necessary but entirely feasible.

[0077] There figure 8 represents a perspective view of the electrical energy production unit 10 installed on a river structure 900b, according to another embodiment of the invention. In the figure 8 , unit 10 is in production configuration, and the facility has three of them.

[0078] In this particular embodiment, the river engineering structure 900b is a canal bridge. In addition to the electrical energy production units 10, four flap doors 30 are installed at the river engineering structure 900b, without this being a limit to the invention.

[0079] To maintain the units 10 and the flap doors 30, the pillars of the frame 90b of the river engineering structure 900b are surrounded by hoops 95b on which cofferdam grooves 93b are provided.

[0080] The person skilled in the art will be able to adapt the shape and dimensions of the 95b hoops.

[0081] As previously, the 100 electrical energy production systems are installed at the level of the 900b river engineering structure by connecting directly to its 90b frame, and without building a new foundation.

[0082] In this embodiment, and in order to allow the watercourse 800 to flow during flooding in particular, the units 10 and the flap doors 30 can perform, in whole or in part, a rotation of the order of 90° by means of a pivot connection (not shown here, but similar to that shown in FIG. Figure 3A ).

[0083] In the closed position, units 10 and flap gates 300 then form a hydroelectric dam at the level of river engineering structure 900b.

[0084] In addition, and upstream of units 10 and flap gates 30, this new water reservoir can create a body of water for nautical activities and / or swimming, for example.

[0085] There Figure 9 represents a perspective view of the electrical energy production system 200 installed on the river engineering structure 900b, according to another embodiment of the invention. In the Figure 9, the 200 system is in production configuration, and the installation has three of them.

[0086] In order to create a water reservoir upstream of the 900b river engineering structure, 400 flap barges are also installed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9 , four flap barges are present, without this being a limit to the present invention.

[0087] The systems 200 and the barges are held at the level of the river structure 900b by means of the fixing means 21 and 41 which are inserted into the cofferdam grooves 93b. The systems 200 and the barges are then connected to the fixing means 21 and 41 by the cables 212a and 212b, said cables being wound and unwound by the motor 215 (not shown here but visible at Figure 7). The flap barges 400 also include cables and a motor similar to those of the systems 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that the flap barge 400 is in all respects similar to the system 200, except that said barge is not intended to produce electrical energy and therefore does not include a water intake 201, a flow conduit 202, a hydroelectric turbine 203, or a water outlet 209. Advantageously, and in particular during floods, the systems 200 and the flap barges 400 are arranged on either side of the river engineering structure 900b thanks to the motors 215 which will automatically or manually unwind the cables 212a-b of said systems, as well as thanks to the motors and cables of said barges.

Claims

1. System (100, 200) for producing electrical energy for a river and fishing structure (900a, 900b) mainly comprising a unit (10, 20) for producing electrical energy and a means (11, 21) for fixing said system to said structure, said unit comprising a water intake (101, 201), a flow conduit (102, 202), at least one hydroelectric turbine (103, 203), a water outlet (109, 209), said system being characterized in that said fixing means comprises two inserts (111, 121) intended to install the system (100, 200) in said structure without new constructions or foundations; and that said system, when in a so-called non-operational configuration, allows unhindered navigation at said structure.

2. System (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the water intake (101, 201) comprises a filtration system (1011, 2011).

3. System (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein the filtration system (1011, 2011) is rotary or translational.

4. System (100, 200) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the water intake (101, 201) further comprises a valve.

5. System (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the unit (10) for producing electrical energy is a lock gate.

6. System (100) according to claim 5, in which a bottom (113) of the fixing means (11) comprises a notch (1133) in which there is a movable shutter (1131) resting on a spring system (1132).

7. System (100) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a vertical pivot connection (105) of the unit (10) comprises at least one wheel (1052) resting on a corner (1051) having a slope (P).

8. System (100) according to claim 5, wherein the production unit (10) further comprises at least one scoop valve (107).

9. System (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical energy production unit (20) is a floating barge.

10. River engineering structure (900a, 900b) characterized in that it comprises a system (100,200) for producing electrical energy according to any one of the preceding claims.

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