Pressure reduction device for a hydraulic network

Abstract

A device (10) for reducing the pressure of a hydraulic network comprising a hydraulic turbine (1) defining a central axis (1a), a longitudinal plane (1b) on which the central axis (1a) lies, and a transverse axis (1c) normal to the longitudinal plane (1b) and incident with the central axis (1a); and including an annular stator body (2) centered with respect to the central axis (1a); a propeller (3) arranged within the body (2) and including a first shaft (30) developing along the central axis (1a), a plurality of blades (31) connected to the first shaft (30), distributed around the central axis (1a) and each developing radially to the central axis (1a); - two tubular conveyors (4) each including a first flange (40) suitable for being placed in fluid passage connection with an external hydraulic network and defining an outflow axis (4a) on the longitudinal plane (1b) around which the first flange (40) is centered, and a second flange (41) centered with respect to the central axis (1a) and in fluid passage connection with the body (2) at a respective side thereof; and a valve (100) in fluid passage connection with a first flange (40) and suitable for interacting with a fluid along the outflow axis (4a), wherein the valve (100) is a diaphragm hydro-valve suitable for controlling fluid pressure and arranged upstream of the turbine (1) with respect to the outflow direction along the outflow axis (4a) of the fluid when the device (10) is in use.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a pressure reduction device for a hydraulic network of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] In particular, this invention relates to a pressure reduction device for a hydraulic network that allows the water flow within the network to be stabilised, especially by avoiding large pressure surges and enabling the production of energy from said surges.

[0003] As is well known, there are numerous in-line pressure reduction points in aqueduct networks, which are necessary so that the water reaches the end user with a controlled flow and pressure.

[0004] To this end, a pressure control valve is installed at each reduction point, whose function is basically to dissipate excess pressure, and thus energy. This 'excess' is potentially convertible into electricity that can be directly exploited or sold to the electricity grid operator.

[0005] At present, this potential has already been at least partially exploited by installing at these points expensive, custom-built hydraulic turbines or pumps, which, installed in place of the turbine, have an inverse function to the conventional operation of commercial pumps and only achieve very low efficiencies.

[0006] Although solutions involving the adoption of a turbine at the reduction points allow higher efficiencies to be achieved during certain operating transients, these solutions have, like pump solutions, the great disadvantage of having a significant impact on hydraulic networks, as they can cause impulsive phenomena, such as 'water hammer', which are potentially destructive to the piping.

[0007] In this situation, the technical task underlying this invention is to devise a hydraulic network pressure reduction device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0008] In the context of said technical task, it is an important purpose of the invention to obtain a hydraulic network pressure reduction device which allows drastically reducing the formation of impulsive phenomena such as water hammers. Therefore, another important purpose of the invention is to achieve a hydraulic network pressure reduction device which allows to reduce the wear and the possibility of breakage of the pipes composing the hydraulic network.

[0009] Thus, a further purpose of the invention is to realise a hydraulic network pressure reduction device allowing to stabilise the pressure of the fluid arriving at the users. In conclusion, a further purpose of the invention is to realise a hydraulic network pressure reduction device allowing to recover energy from surges in the pressurised fluid.

[0010] The specified technical task and purposes are achieved by a hydraulic network pressure reduction device as claimed in the annexed claim 1. Preferred embodiments are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0011] The characteristics and benefits of the invention will be clarified in the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal cross-section bottom view of a hydraulic turbine according to the invention; Fig. 2a illustrates a rear perspective view of a hydraulic turbine according to the invention in which there is no alternator and only the stand is present; Fig. 2b is a front perspective view of the hydraulic turbine in Fig. 2; Fig. 3a depicts a front perspective view of a hydraulic turbine conveyor according to the invention; Fig. 3b shows a front perspective view of the conveyor in Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a illustrates a top perspective and partial section view of the rotor body (also called propeller) of a hydraulic turbine according to the invention in which only part of the shell is present and boomerang profiles of the blades are highlighted; Fig. 4b illustrates a bottom perspective and partial section view of the rotor body (also called propeller) of Fig. 4a; Fig. 5a represents a top view of a generator involving a hydraulic turbine according to the invention and also the alternator equipped with a belt; Fig. 5b shows a front view of the generator in Fig. 5a; Fig. 5c illustrates a side view of the generator in Figs. 5a-5b; Fig. 6 is a longitudinal view of a manifold and control valve of a pressure reducing device of a hydraulic network according to the invention suitable for being placed in fluid passage connection with a hydraulic turbine according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows a top view of a valve of a hydraulic network pressure reducing device according to the invention; Fig. 8a shows a perspective view of a hydraulic network pressure reduction device according to the invention; Fig. 8b shows a longitudinal view of the hydraulic network pressure reduction device in Fig. 8a.

[0012] In this document, when measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) are associated with words like "approximately" or other similar terms, such as "almost" or "substantially", they shall be understood as except for errors of measurement or imprecisions due to errors of production and / or manufacturing and, above all, except for a slight departure from the value, measurement, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, if associated with a value, such terms preferably indicate a departure of no more than 10% of the value itself.

[0013] Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components.

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, as reflected in the following discussions, terms such as "processing", "computing", "determination", "computation", or the like are considered to refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical, such as electronic quantities of records of a computer system and / or memories, in other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, records, or other information storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0015] Unless otherwise stated, the measurements and data reported in this text shall be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0016] With reference to the figures, the hydraulic turbine according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.

[0017] The hydraulic turbine is designed to react to the passage of a fluid inside it, preferably liquid.

[0018] Turbine 1 defines, therefore, at least one central axis 1a.

[0019] The central axis 1 a is the axis along which the fluid flows inside turbine 1 interacting with it. Therefore, it is a virtual axis designed to determine an indicative spatial reference for turbine 1.

[0020] Turbine 1 defines also a longitudinal plane 1b. Longitudinal plane 1b is also a virtual plane. In addition, the longitudinal plane 1b is the plane on which the central axis 1a lies.

[0021] Turbine 1 also defines at least one transverse axis 1c. The transverse axis 1c is normal to the longitudinal plane 1b. In addition, the transverse axis 1c is incident the central axis 1a. Thus, the transverse axis 1c is also a virtual axis that with the central axis 1a can, for example, form part of a set of coordinate reference system of turbine 1. So both central axis 1a and transverse axis 1c can be central or barycentric axes of turbine 1.

[0022] Thus, turbine 1 also includes one body 2.

[0023] Body 2 is essentially annular. Moreover, it is statoric in the sense that it is a part of turbine 1 intended to remain stationary.

[0024] Body 2 is centered with respect to central axis 1a.

[0025] Body 2 basically defines a casing, having two entrances at opposite sides, designed to enclose, in detail surround, the rotor part of turbine 1.

[0026] In fact, turbine 1 also includes a propeller 3 or rotor.

[0027] Propeller 3 is arranged at least partially in body 2. In addition, propeller 3 is designed to move relative to the movement of the fluid transiting within body 2 along the central axis 1a, or at least parallel to it.

[0028] Thus, propeller 3 includes at least a first shaft 30.

[0029] The first shaft 30 is developed along the central axis 1a. Thus, the first shaft 30 is intended to move integrally with the overall rotation of propeller 3 around the central axis 1a.

[0030] Specifically, the first shaft 30 is the transmission organ responsible for transmitting the rotation determined by the fluid on propeller 3 to other apparatuses better described below.

[0031] Propeller 3 comprises also a plurality of blades 31.

[0032] The blades 31 are appropriately integrally connected to the first shaft 30. Thus, blades 31 can be directly constrained to the first shaft 30, or indirectly constrained to it via an additional element.

[0033] For example, in fact, propeller 3 might include a shell 32.

[0034] If present, shell 32 is basically a stubby element, or core, bound preferably to the first shaft 30. Thus, shell 32 is integral to the first shaft 30 and rotates around the central axis 1a with it.

[0035] In addition, shell 32 preferably includes a plurality of parts 32a.

[0036] Parts 32a are basically portions of shell 32 that, when paired, form shell 32. Thus, parts 32a are mutually connected. In addition, they each include at least a plurality of blades 31.

[0037] Each part 32a, therefore, includes blades 31 distributed around a respective part 32a.

[0038] The first shaft 30 is constrained to at least two said parts 32a. Preferably the first shaft 30 is constrained to one of the parts 32a at least at shell end 32.

[0039] In a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the invention, the first shaft 30 is constrained at least to the end parts 32a of shell 32. Thus, the first shaft 30 passes through each of the parts 32a.

[0040] Of course, as mentioned above, it is not necessary for propeller 3 to include shell 32. Therefore, in general, the blades 31 are angularly distributed around and with respect to the central axis 1a. Thus, each blade 31 develops radially to the central axis 1a.

[0041] In addition, preferably, one or more blades 31 define a profile 31a.

[0042] Profile 31a is aerodynamic. In addition, the 31a profile is determined in section on a development surface 3a.

[0043] The development surface 3a is a virtual surface intended to cut the blades 31a in section. Preferably, the development surface 3a is developed around the central axis 1a.

[0044] Thus, the profile 31a determined therein advantageously has a boomerang shape with one end parallel to central axis 1a and one end transverse to axis 1a. Preferably, the end transverse to central axis 1a is placed downstream of the other end parallel to central axis 1a with respect to the direction of fluid flow within body 2.

[0045] Turbine 1 includes, in addition to what is described, two conveyors 4.

[0046] Conveyors 4 are basically conduits designed to channel or convey fluid into or out of body 2.

[0047] Therefore, conveyors 4 are connected to body 2 at its opposite sides in such a way that fluid entering conveyor 4 can pass through body 2, interacting with propeller 3, and exit conveyor 4 on the opposite side.

[0048] Each of the conveyors 4, in detail, includes at least one first flange 40.

[0049] The first flange 40 is designed to be bound to an external hydraulic network by arranging the conveyor 4 and then the turbine 1 in fluid passage connection to an external hydraulic network. As is well known, the first flange 40 is preferably a circular, i.e., annular, element suitable for being constrained with an external duct. In addition, the first flange 40 defines an outflow axis 4a.

[0050] The outflow axis 4a is preferably located on the longitudinal plane 1b.

[0051] In addition, the outflow axis 4a is the axis along which, or parallel to which, the incoming fluid flows through the first flange 40.

[0052] Thus, the outflow axis 4a is also the axis around which the first flange 40 is centered. Each of the conveyors 4 also includes at least one second flange 41. Second flange 41 is centered with respect to central axis 1a. Also the second flange 41 is preferably a circular, i.e., annular, element suitable for being constrained with an external duct. In addition, the second flange 41 places conveyor 4 in fluid passage connection with body 2 at one side of it.

[0053] The two conveyors 4, in detail, are constrained via their own second flanges 41 on body 2 at opposite sides.

[0054] Thus, the second flanges 41 close body 2 between them.

[0055] More specifically still, in this regard, one or more of the second flanges 41 is detachably joined to body 2 at its respective side.

[0056] In addition, the second flanges 41 are mutually constrained solidly so as to tighten and lock body 2 between them. Therefore, body 2 separates the second flanges 41. Conveyors 4 preferably define a particular shape.

[0057] In fact, advantageously, the first flange 40 is offset from the central axis 1a.

[0058] Also, preferably, the first flange 40 is placed externally to a projection 41' of the second flange 41. The projection 41' is nothing but the space bounded by the outer perimeter of the second flange 41, defined by the section of the second flange 41 along a plane normal to the central axis 1a and developing parallel to the central axis 1a.

[0059] Thus, the 41' projection develops, precisely, parallel to the central axis 1a.

[0060] In this way, the first flange 40 does not interfere with the first shaft 30 in any way. This implies that the space in front and back of body 2 along center axis 1a is not occupied by conveyor parts 4 and, therefore, these parts can be occupied by other parts of turbine 1, for example transmission components, making turbine 1 itself spatially more compact.

[0061] In addition, preferably, conveyors 4 are arranged axisymmetrically with respect to the transverse axis 1c.

[0062] Therefore, conveyors 4 are configured such that their respective outflow axes 4a are at least mutually parallel. This feature facilitates the conveyance of fluid and, more importantly, the insertion of turbine 1 within an external hydraulic network. The length of conveyors 4 or even body 2, can result in a greater or lesser offset between the outflow axes 4a. This implies that turbine 1 is nimbly adaptable even to situations where there are pipe misalignments in the same external hydraulic network.

[0063] In the preferred embodiment, the outflow axes 4a are mutually aligned defining one as an extension of the other. Thus, they are also incident with the transverse axis 1c.

[0064] The outflow axis 4a can lie on the longitudinal plane 1b.

[0065] In even more detail, preferably, the outflow axis 4a is inclined at an angle of between 30° and 60° to the central axis 1a (appropriately on the longitudinal plane 1b), for example inclined by 45°.

[0066] One or more among conveyors 4, in addition, preferably includes a slot 42.

[0067] Slot 42, if present, is centered with respect to central axis 1a. Thus, the first shaft 30 is housed within one or more slots 42.

[0068] The first shaft 30 preferably includes at least one transmission end 33. Transmission end 33 is configured to be coupled to a drive belt 51.

[0069] Therefore, it may simply include a roller equipped with perimeter guides to firmly maintain the connection with the belt 51.

[0070] Belt 51 is a widely known element, per se, to the skilled man in the art.

[0071] The invention also introduces a generator including turbine 1.

[0072] Of course, the generator can also include an alternator 5 transforming the mechanical energy coming out of the turbine 1 into electrical energy.

[0073] Alternator 5 is a device designed to convert the mechanical energy determined by the motion of the first shaft 30 into electrical energy. Alternator 5 is also a well-known device per se.

[0074] Thus, as already anticipated, the first shaft 30 is designed to be operationally connected to alternator 5. Consequently, the first shaft 30 can actually be operationally connected to it.

[0075] Also, in more detail, alternator 5 includes a second shaft 50 and belt 51. The latter is operationally connected to the second shaft 50 and the transmission end 33 in such a way as to transmit the motion of the propeller 3 around the central axis 1a to the alternator 5.

[0076] To make the generator more compact, turbine 1 can also include a stand 52. Stand 52 is preferably tied to one or more second flanges 41. Thus, stand 52 is configured to support alternator 5, and the latter is therefore preferably integral to stand 52.

[0077] As mentioned above, turbine 1 is designed to be placed in fluid passage connection with an external hydraulic network. In particular, turbine 1 is suitable for use within a hydraulic network pressure reduction device 10, specifically for a pressure reduction point in a hydraulic network.

[0078] Device 10 includes at least one hydraulic turbine, for example, turbine 1 or any other turbine, and a valve 100. Optionally, device 10 can include the above generator. Valve 100 is in fluid passage connection with the first flange 40. In addition, valve 100 is intended to interact with the fluid along the outflow axis 4a. Advantageously, valve 100 is a diaphragm hydro-valve. Thus, preferably, valve 100 is designed to control fluid pressure and is arranged, in this regard, downstream of turbine 1 relative to the direction of flow along the outflow axis 4a of the fluid when device 10 is in use.

[0079] This configuration offers the great advantage of maintaining high turbine efficiency downstream of valve 100.

[0080] In addition, the diaphragm hydro-valve, which is known per se, is configured to draw energy in relation to changes in fluid pressure.

[0081] Device 10, moreover, may include an additional element.

[0082] For example, device 10 may include a manifold 11.

[0083] If present, manifold 11 is placed between turbine 1 and valve 100.

[0084] Thus, manifold 11 arranges in fluid passage connection the turbine 1 and valve 100 and is, therefore, positioned between them.

[0085] In addition, device 10 preferably includes a pressure switch 11a. A pressure switch is a device in itself designed to detect the pressure of a fluid. Preferably, pressure switch 11a is configured to detect the fluid pressure in manifold 11.

[0086] Thus, pressure switch 11a is operationally connected to valve 100. In addition, it is designed to control valve 100 according to fluid pressure when device 10 is in use. The device 10 for reducing the pressure of a hydraulic network according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0087] In fact, the presence of valve 100 allows very high efficiency of turbine 1.

[0088] In addition, the hydraulic turbine 1 itself already has a high efficiency given by the conveyance of fluid, which, also by virtue of the shapes of conveyors 4 and blades 31, does not experience cavitations or other local pressure variations that alter the overall operation of turbine 1.

[0089] In addition, the hydraulic turbine 1 allows to work even with counter-blowing discharge section, without causing fluid flow rejection in escape velocities and thus avoiding water hammer formation.

[0090] Therefore, the valve 100 makes it possible to recover a large amount of energy from a common water network.

[0091] In conclusion, given its conformation, turbine 1, and / or the generator, is adaptable to any local water supply system and is also easily integrated there due to its versatility, being able to connect even to misaligned pipes, and reduced size.

[0092] In particular, the structure of turbine 1, and / or the generator, allows it to be nimbly and quickly assembled or disassembled on site.

[0093] Variations may be made to the invention that fall within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims.

[0094] In this context, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and any materials, shapes and dimensions can be used.

Claims

1. Device (10) for reducing the pressure of a hydraulic network comprising: - a hydraulic turbine (1) defining: - a central axis (1a), - a longitudinal plane (1b) on which said central axis (1a) lies, and - a transversal axis (1c) normal to said longitudinal plane (1b) and incident with said central axis (1a) and including: - an annular stator body (2) centred with respect to said central axis (1a); - a propeller (3) arranged within said body (2) and comprising: - a first shaft (30) extending along said central axis (1a), and - a plurality of blades (31) connected to said first shaft (30), distributed about said central axis (1a) and each blade radially extending along said central axis (1a); - two tubular conveyors (4) each including - a first flange (40) suitable for being placed in fluid passage connection with an external hydraulic network and defining an outflow axis (4a) on said longitudinal plane (1b) around which said first flange (40) is centred, and - a second flange (41) centred with respect to said central axis (1a) and in fluid passage connection with said body (2) at a respective side thereof; and - a valve (100) in fluid passage connection with said first flange (40) and suitable for interacting with a fluid along said efflux axis (4a), and characterised in that - said valve (100) being a diaphragm hydro-valve suitable for controlling the pressure of said fluid and arranged upstream of said turbine (1) with respect to the flow direction along said flow axis (4a) of said fluid when said device (10) is in use.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a manifold (11) placed between said turbine (1) and said valve (100) arranging them in fluid passage connection, and a pressure switch (11a) configured to detect a pressure of said fluid in said manifold (11), operatively connected to said valve (100) and suitable for controlling said valve (100) according to said pressure of said fluid when said device (10) is in use.

3. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said first flange (40) is offset with respect to said central axis (1a) and is placed externally to a projection (41') of said second flange (41) parallel to said central axis (1a) in such a way as not to interfere with said first shaft (30), and said conveyors (4) are arranged axially-symmetrically with respect to said transverse axis (1c) in such a manner that said respective discharge axes (4a) are at least reciprocally parallel.

4. Device (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein said respective efflux axes (4a) are mutually aligned and incident upon said transverse axis (1c).

5. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more of said conveyors (4) comprise a slot (42) centred with respect to said central axis (1a) and said first shaft (30) is housed within one or more of said slots (42) and comprises at least one drive end (33) configured to be coupled to a drive belt (51).

6. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said propeller (3) comprises a shell (32) including a plurality of parts (32a) mutually connected to each other and each including at least one plurality of said blades distributed around a respective one of said parts (32a) and said first shaft (30) is coupled to at least two of said parts (32a) at ends of said shell (32) by passing through each of said parts (32a).

7. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more of said second flanges (41) is removably bound to said body (2) in correspondence with a respective said side thereof.

8. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein one or more of said blades (31) defines an aerodynamic cross-sectional profile (31a), on a development surface (3a) extending around said central axis (1a), having a boomerang shape with an end parallel to said central axis (1a).

9. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, comprising a generator comprising said turbine (1) and further an alternator (5) operatively connected to said shaft (30) and suitable for converting mechanical energy determined by the motion of said first shaft (30) into electrical energy.

10. Device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein said alternator (5) comprises a second shaft (50) and said belt (51) operatively connected to said second shaft (50) and to said transmission end (33) so as to transmit the motion of said propeller (3) around said central axis (1a) to said alternator (5).

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