Energy conversion plant

Abstract

An energy conversion plant (1) interacting with a reservoir is provided, wherein the reservoir includes water (10) defining a wave motion and a bottom (11); and wherein the plant (1) comprises a float (2) configured to capture the wave motion, a chamber (3) immersed in water (10), defining a containment volume (30) including at least one gas (12) and comprising an access (31) facing towards the bottom (11), a reel (4) including a first shaft (40) housed in the containment volume (30) and rotating around a first axis of rotation (4a), opposition means (41) configured to oppose to the rotation of first shaft (40), and a rope (42) constrained between float (2) and first shaft (40) and configured to rotate the first shaft (40) around the first axis of rotation (4a) in proportion to the wave motion in opposition to the opposition means (41), a rotary electric power generator (5) housed in the containment volume (30) and including a second shaft (50) rotating around the axis of rotation (5a), transmission means (6) housed in the containment volume (30), operatively connected to the shafts (40, 50), configured to move the second shaft (50) in response to a movement of the first shaft (40), and including a flywheel (60) integral with the second shaft (50), and conversion means (61) configured to convert the alternating circular motion of the first shaft (40) in a continuous circular motion of the flywheel (60) in such a manner that the second shaft (50) can rotate in proportion to the first shaft (40) in a mono-direction manner.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ENERGY CONVERSION PLANT

[0003] The present invention relates to an energy conversion plant of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to an energy conversion plant suitable to store energy from the wave motion of the sea or the oceans.

[0005] As it is known, the motion of the free surface of seas and oceans is often involved by reduced frequency phenomena such as tides and higher frequency phenomena such as, for example, the wave motion.

[0006] Currently, the sea wave motion is used to produce energy, typically of electrical type, through plants known as “Oscillating Water Columns” integrated within breakwater barriers.

[0007] A plant example known in the current state of art is described in the patent EP2029889B1.

[0008] It describes a plant for producing electric energy from the motion of waves which comprises an offshore dam, a submerged portion including a plurality of ducts, nonreturn valves installed on the ducts, a turbine which can be powered through the duct and pumping means inside which a piston follows the sea level so as to pump sea water alternatively in separated ducts.

[0009] The patent further has other configurations wherein one can note the mechanism for moving the piston through the cylinder by pumping sea water inside the ducts themselves.

[0010] The described know art comprises some important drawbacks.

[0011] In particular, most plants present in the current state of art have at least a portion, generally the pumping means, in contact with the sea water. As it is known, the sea water, in contact with metal surfaces, has a high corrosive impact and then the plants in the current state of art are subject to wear.

[0012] Consequently thereto, longevity and efficiency of the above-mentioned plants are strongly limited, unless punctual, constant and expensive cycles are provided.

[0013] In conclusion, the known plants have the drawback of being expensive.

[0014] In order to obviate to such drawbacks submerged energy conversion plants were implemented, for example described in the patent applications US-A-2005121915 and US-A-2009200806.

[0015] The application US-A-2005121915 substantially described a unit for the production of energy from waves equipped with a floating body and a rotary electric generator, mechanically connected to the floating body, a mechanical motion transmitter arranged to transmit the vertical motions of the floating body to the rotary motions of a rotor for generating energy.

[0016] The document US-A-2009200806, instead, describes a system for generating energy from waves consisting of a buoy or float retained by a cable that enters an underwater energy generation station through an inverted U-tube, provided with tilted inlet and outlet doors which prevent water from entering the housing; then, the buoy cable passes over a group of inlet pulleys arranged within the U-tube and its free end is fixed to a reel until reaching one driver pulley mounted on a shaft coaxial with a take-up shaft. The rotation of the driver pulley is coupled to a spring pulley and to a toothed pulley through an idler pulley; moreover, a main spring is compressed by the rotation of the main pulley until a cam wheel coaxial with the toothed wheel releases a brake, by causing the main spring to expand and the rotation of a generator shaft to produce electricity.

[0017] Therefore, the plants described by the documents US-A-2005121915 and US-A- 2009200806 include energy conversion devices which are mostly separated from sea water.

[0018] However, even the just described known art comprises some important drawbacks. In particular, the plant described by the patent application US-A-2005121915 comprises a reel which remains exposed to the marine environment and can be easily corroded. Moreover, the shaft movement bearings are also used to isolate the chamber for containing the conversion devices, but since they are devices in which relative motions are concentrated, they can hardly guarantee a long-lasting sealing and they can be themselves subject to corrosion.

[0019] The plant described by the patent application US-A-2009200806, instead, allows to keep the chamber isolated from water only temporarily. In fact, the air inside the chamber can disperse in water by reducing the internal pressure of the chamber and, then, by allowing the water to leach inside the chamber. Moreover, since the gases are compressible, if the device is positioned on deep bottom, the high pressure of water can overcome the gas barrier and involve the flooding of the chamber in which the conversion devices are positioned.

[0020] In this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise an energy conversion plant capable of substantially obviating at least part of the mentioned drawbacks.

[0021] Within said technical task an important object of the invention is to obtain an energy conversion plant, whose main energy conversion components remain always isolated from sea water.

[0022] Another important object of the invention is to implement an energy conversion plant which keeps always high effectiveness and longevity.

[0023] In conclusion, an additional task of the invention is to implement a conversion plant which can be adapted to any bottom, independently from the depth of the latter.

[0024] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by an energy conversion plant as claimed in the enclosed claim 1 .

[0025] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the depending claims.

[0026] The features and advantages of the invention are explained hereinafter from the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an energy conversion plant according to the invention;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of an example of transmission means con double bevel gear structure of an energy conversion plant according to the invention wherein the slider is in a first position;

[0029] Figure 3 is a front view of an example of transmission means with oscillating glyph structure of an energy conversion plant according to the invention wherein the slider is in a first position; and

[0030] Figure 4 represents the transmission means of Figure 3 wherein the slider is in a second position.

[0031] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometrical references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated to words such as “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be meant as excluding measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometrical reference thereto it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated to a value, preferably designate a deviation not higher than 10% of the value itself. Moreover, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “higher”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not identify necessarily an order, a relation priority or relative position, but they can be simply used to distinguish more clearly components different from each other.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, as it results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as "treatment", "computer science", "determination", "calculation", or the like, relate to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic calculation device which manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical data, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information .

[0033] The measurements and data reported in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0034] With reference to the Figures, the energy conversion plant according to the invention is designated as a whole with number 1 .

[0035] The plant 1 is substantially suitable to generate energy of electric type by exploiting the wave motion of a reservoir. The reservoir, then, is preferably determined by a topographic area delimited by watershed, whether they are natural or artificial, in which water is collected.

[0036] Therefore, the reservoir includes at least water 10. Water 10 can be fresh or salt water, depending upon the type of reservoir. For example, water 10 can be marine, that is generally salt, and can be actually marine or oceanic.

[0037] Moreover, water 10 is the reservoir portion which defines the wave motion. The latter can be given, for example, by slow natural phenomena such as tide or simply by the natural formation of waves.

[0038] The wave motion through which the plant 1 generates most energy is preferably determined by a plurality of wave crests and wave bellies.

[0039] Of course, the wave motion of water 10 is a three-dimensional motion which, however, can be schematized in two-dimensional wavs, as shown in Figure 1 , wherein the wave crests represent the highest peak of the wave, whereas the wave bellies represent the lowest peak.

[0040] The plant 1 , then, comprises at least a float 2.

[0041] The float 2 is an element suitable to float on the free surface of water 10. Then, the float 2 is an element which stays at least partially afloat and which is capable of generating a higher Archimedean push than its own weight.

[0042] In each case, preferably, the float 2 is configured to capture the wave motion. To this purpose, the float 2 can include one or more buoys. The possible buoy, then, can comprise even luminous and / or visual signals which allow sighting by neighbouring boats.

[0043] The plant 1 , then, comprises also a chamber 3.

[0044] The chamber 3 is substantially defined by a casing or tank. Therefore, it is substantially a closed element inside which objects can be housed. In particular, the chamber 3 defines a containment volume 30.

[0045] The containment volume 30, of course, is the space limited by the walls of the chamber 3. Then, the containment volume is the portion inside which other components can be housed. Preferably, the chamber 3 includes at least one gas 12.

[0046] The gas 12 is substantially an aeriform fluid. Therefore, it is a compressible fluid housed in the containment space 30. The gas 12 can consist, banally, of air. Or, the gas 12 can include or consist of inert gas.

[0047] In addition, the chamber 3 is immersed inside water 10. Therefore, the containment volume 30 is preferably surrounded by the water 10 of the reservoir.

[0048] The chamber 3 also comprises an access 31.

[0049] The access 31 is substantially defined by an opening. The opening, then, places in fluid passage connection the chamber 3, in particular the containment volume 30, with the water 10 of the reservoir.

[0050] However, the access 31 is facing towards the bottom 1 1 . Therefore, the access 31 faces towards the bottom 1 1. This configuration, in detail, allows the gas 12 to prevent the water 10 from entering the inside of the containment volume 30. In fact, the water 10 can go up the access 31 and / or occupy part of the containment volume 30 to the extent that it succeeds in compressing the gas 12 isolated inside the containment volume 30.

[0051] In order to be able to check the level of water 10 at the inlet 31 and / or in the containment volume 30, the plant 1 can include a control device 7.

[0052] The control device 7, then, is in fluid passage connection with the containment volume 30. For example, the control device 7 can indeed be arranged inside the containment volume 30.

[0053] In each case, the control device 7 is configured to convey gas 12 in the containment volume 30. In this way, the control device 7 can control the pressure exerted by the gas 12 on the water 10 at least at the access 31 . In fact, it is sufficient to introduce gas 12 in the containment volume 30 until the pressure of gas 12 is not so as to push the water 10 towards the bottom. The motion of the free surface of water 10 downwards involves a raising of the pressure exerted by the water 10 on the gas 12 at the access 31 . Then, when the pressures of gas 12 and water 10 correspond, the level of water 10 at the inlet 31 is stable.

[0054] The control device 7, then, advantageously allows to check the level of water 10 in chamber 3 in any moment and also allows to restore the level of water 10 even when load losses occur caused, for example, by the gas 12 dissolving in water 10 and, due thereof, the pressure in the containment volume 30 reduces.

[0055] To this purpose, the control device 7 can include, for example, a pressure sensor or a measurer of level of water 10 in the chamber 3, in particular inside the containment volume 30 and indeed at the access 31 .

[0056] The plant 1 , moreover, comprises also a reel 4.

[0057] The reel 4 preferably is at least partially housed in the containment volume 30.

[0058] The reel 4 substantially is an element including a solid core whereon thread-like or ribbon-like material can be wound. The reel 4, then, can be assimilated to a spool.

[0059] The reel 4 can include at least a first shaft 40.

[0060] The first shaft 40 is housed inside the containment volume 30. Moreover, substantially it is a rotating element. Therefore, the first shaft 40 preferably defines the core of the reel 4. In particular, the first shaft 40 rotates, with respect to the chamber 3, around a first axis of rotation 4a.

[0061] The first axis of rotation 4a can be oriented in any way. For example, it can be parallel to the bottom 1 1 .

[0062] In each case, the reel 4 comprises opposition means 41. The opposition means 41 is configured to oppose the rotation of first shaft 40 around the first axis of rotation 4a. In particular, the opposition means 41 is configured to oppose the rotation along at least one direction. In this way, when the first shaft 40 is made to rotate, it tends to return to an initial rest position. Of course, the rotation can be hindered by the opposition means 41 in both directions, around the first axis of rotation 4a.

[0063] Then, the reel 4 also comprises a rope 42. Under the term rope 42, generally, a long-shaped object is meant which develops mainly along a main direction and whose section is reduced. Then, it can be similar to a cable or thread and it can include any material. For example, it can be a rope including twisted threads which are more resistant in water 10.

[0064] The rope 42 is constrained between the float 2 and the first shaft 40. The rope 42 then is the connection element between float 2 and first shaft 40 and it allows to transmit the motion of the float 2 to the first shaft 40.

[0065] The rope 42 can be wound around the reel 4 so as to control the rotation of the first shaft 40. To this purpose, then, the reel 4 comprises a spool for winding part of the rope 42 and the spool can be defined by a portion of shaft 40, that is part of shaft 40 constitutes the spool.

[0066] In detail, the rope 42 is configured to rotate the first shaft 40 around the first axis of rotation 4a in proportion to the wave motion. Still more in detail, preferably, the rope 42 is configured to rotate the first shaft 40 around the first axis of rotation 4a in opposition to the opposition means 41 .

[0067] Preferably, then, the opposition means 41 tend to wind the rope 42 so as to keep it stretched between float 2 and first shaft 40 and so that when the float 2 meets a wave belly and the distance with respect to the first shaft 40 reduces, the opposition means 41 causes the rope 42 to wind around the first shaft 40.

[0068] Then, the rope 42 is configured to be wound or unwound by the first shaft 40.

[0069] The plant 1 also comprises a generator 5.

[0070] The generator 5 preferably is housed in the containment volume 30. Moreover, the generator 5 preferably is an electric energy generator. Therefore, it is capable of converting mechanical energy, given by the motion, into electric energy. Preferably, the generator 5 of rotary type.

[0071] Then, the generator 5 include a second shaft 50.

[0072] The second shaft 50, then, is an element which by rotating defines the mechanical energy then subsequently converted into electric energy by the generator 5.

[0073] In particular, preferably, the second shaft 50 rotates, with respect to the chamber 3, around a second axis of rotation 5a.

[0074] The second axis of rotation 5a, too, can be directed in any way. Therefore, even the second axis of rotation 5a can be parallel to the bottom 1 1 .

[0075] Moreover, the second axis of rotation 5a can be aligned to the first axis of rotation 4a, or parallel thereto.

[0076] The generator 5, of course, can be connected with outside. For example, it can include connectors configured to communicate with outside of the chamber 3 so as to bring electric energy outside thereof. Or, the generator 5 can be operatively connected to an electric energy accumulator.

[0077] Additionally, the control device 7 can be operatively connected to the generator 5. In this way, at least part of the energy generated by the generator 5 can be used to power the control device 7.

[0078] In each case, the plant 1 comprises transmission means 6.

[0079] The transmission means 6 is preferably housed in the containment volume 30. In particular, moreover, it is operatively connected to the first shaft 40 and to the second shaft 50. Then, it is configured to move the second shaft 50 in response to a movement of the first shaft 40.

[0080] In other words, the transmission means 6 determines the transfer to the second shaft 50 of the generator 5 of the mechanical energy received by the float 2 through wave motion and received by the first shaft 40.

[0081] The transmission means 6 comprises, in summary, at least two components.

[0082] In particular, the transmission means 6 comprises at least a flywheel 60 and conversion means 61.

[0083] The flywheel 60 preferably is integral with the second shaft 50. Therefore, the flywheel 60 is configured to rotate together with the second shaft 50 around the second axis of rotation 5a.

[0084] The flywheel 60 can structurally be implemented by a rotating disc.

[0085] The conversion means 61 is partially integral with at least the first shaft 40. Moreover, the conversion means 61 , advantageously, is configured to convert the alternating circular motion of the first shaft 40 in a continuous circular motion and mono-direction motion of the flywheel 60. In this way, the second shaft 50 can rotate in proportion to the first shaft 40 in a mono-direction manner, in agreement with the flywheel 60, that is continuously so as to assume inertia, even if the motion of the first shaft 40 is alternating.

[0086] The conversion means 61 can be implemented according to different modes.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the conversion means 61 can comprise a crown wheel 61a.

[0088] The crown wheel 61 a preferably is integral with the first shaft 40. Then, the crown wheel 61 a is suitable to transmit the rotation of the first shaft 40 to the flywheel 60. The flywheel 60 preferably is integral with the second shaft 50. The conversion means 61 , moreover, also comprises a transmission shaft 61c. The transmission shaft61 c is suitable to move the flywheel around the second axis of rotation 5a. In particular, it is operatively connected to the flywheel 60 so as to be able to rotate the flywheel 60 in a mono-direction manner. To this purpose, for example, it is sufficient to constrain structurally the transmission shaft 61 c to the flywheel 60 by means of a one-way clutch. A similar device, for example, is commonly present in the bicycle traction mechanisms therefore the wheel is placed under traction by the mechanism, but it is also free to rotate with respect thereto when it assumes a higher rotation speed than the pulling mechanism, in this case with respect to the transmission shaft 61 c.

[0089] The conversion means 61 , moreover, can comprise at least due gears 61 b.

[0090] The gears 61 b are operatively connected to the crown wheel 61 a so as to be counter-rotated, around the second axis of rotation 5a, in proportion to said crown wheel 61 a. Then, each one of the gears 61 b defines, with the crown wheel 61 a, a bevel gear. Moreover, each one of the gears 61 b is operatively connected to the transmission shaft 61 c so as to be able to rotate, when rotated by the crown wheel 61 a, the transmission shaft 61 c in a mono-and equi-direction manner, that is along one single and same direction.

[0091] To this purpose, even each gear 61 b can be constrained to the transmission shaft 61 c through a respective one-way clutch.

[0092] In an additional embodiment, the conversion means 61 can comprise a first stage 62 and a second stage 63.

[0093] The first stage 62 and the second stage 63 are substantially two conversion stages of the motion one following the other one.

[0094] In particular, preferably, the first stage 62 includes a slider 62a.

[0095] The slider 62a is a movable element. Preferably, it is movable along a first direction 62b. The first direction 62b can be straight or curved. For example, the first direction 62b can be a skew axis with respect to the first axis of rotation 4a. In case, the first direction 62b can be transversal, in case perpendicular, to the first axis of rotation 4a.

[0096] Moreover, the slider 62a preferably is operatively connected to the first shaft 40 in such a manner that the first stage 62 is configured to convert the alternating circular motion of the first shaft 40 in an alternating linear motion of the slider 62a.

[0097] To this purpose, the first shaft 40 could include a crown wheel suitable to engage a tooth developing along the first direction 62b on the slider 62.

[0098] The second stage 63, instead, could include a connection device 63a.

[0099] The connection device 63a preferably is connected between the slider 62a and the second shaft 50. In particular, then, the connection device 63a is configured to convert the alternating linear motion of the slider 62a into continuous circular motion of the second shaft 50.

[0100] In detail, the stages 62, 63 can implement a mechanism of oscillating glyph type, as show in Figures 3-4, or connecting rod-crank type. Of course, other different types of mechanisms can be used provided that the alternating motion of the first shaft 40 could be converted into continuous motion of the second shaft 50.

[0101] The plant 1 , in addition to what described, can provide additional devices useful to improve resistance and stability.

[0102] For example, the plant 1 can include at least one pulley 8.

[0103] The pulley 8 is a rotating element suitable to guide the rotation, preferably, of the rope 42. Of course, the plant 1 could comprise a plurality of pulleys 8 suitable to define a predetermined path for the rope 42.

[0104] However, preferably, the at least one pulley 8 is arranged between the access 31 and the bottom 1 1 . Then, preferably it is configured to tangentially convey the rope 42 in such a manner that the rope 42 defines a U-shaped path between reel 4 and float 2. The so-configured pulley 8, then, avoids that the rope 42 could suffer damages from rubbing, for example, with the walls of the chamber 3.

[0105] The plant 1 , in addition, can include even a body 9.

[0106] The body 9, if present, is integral with the chamber 3. Then, the body 9 is configured to maintain the chamber 3 immersed permanently in water 10.

[0107] The chamber 3 and preferably the pulley 8 can be integral with the body 9.

[0108] To this purpose, the body 9 can be an element defining a high weight capable of resisting to the Archimedean push thereto the plant, as a whole, can be subjected. Therefore, the body 9 can be a high-density element, for example a concrete block or a pile of heavy materials.

[0109] Moreover, the body 9 can include one slot 90. If present, the slot 90 substantially is a through-hole through which objects can be introduced. In particular, the slot 90 is configured to allow the accommodation of a hook capable of lifting the body 9 from the bottom 1 1 . The lifting of the body 9, then, can allow to extract said chamber 3 from water 10 by avoiding to subject the chamber 3 directly to tractions or loads which could damage it.

[0110] The previously described operation of the energy conversion plant 1 in structural terms is as follows.

[0111] Substantially, the float 2 follows the wave motion of water 10 of the reservoir inside which the plant 1 is placed. The movement places the rope 42 in traction or release and consequently, through the reel 4, the first shaft 40 rotates around the first axis of rotation 4a in proportion to the motion of the rope 42 in opposition to the opposition means 41 . By rotating, the first shaft 41 moves the components of the stages 62, 63 of the conversion means 61 which then transmit to the second shaft 50 no more an alternating motion, but rather a continuous and mono-direction rotating motion. Moreover, the second shaft 50 makes a flywheel 60 to rotate which, by assuming inertia, guarantees to keep the continuous movement of the second shaft 50 and then the continuous energy generation by the generator 5.

[0112] Of course, the conversion means 61 can include balancing means configured to release or detach the first shaft 40 from the second shaft 50 when the rotation speed of the flywheel 60 exceeds the rotation speed imparted on the second shaft 50 from the first shaft 40 so as to prevent that the latter could act as brake to the flywheel 60 or that the flywheel 60 starts dragging the first shaft 40 to rotation around the first axis of rotation 4a. In other terms, the balancing means is suitable to implement the kinematic release between first shaft 40 and second shaft 50 by allowing their independent mutual rotation for example when the mono-direction rotation speed of the flywheel 60 exceeds the mono-direction rotation speed imparted on the second shaft 50 by the two-direction rotation, that is alternating, of the first shaft 40.

[0113] At the same time, the control device 7 can continue to check the level of water 10 at the inlet 31 of the chamber 3 and the pressure thereto the gas 12 is subjected inside the containment volume 30.

[0114] The energy conversion plant 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0115] In fact, the energy conversion plant 1 defines a structure thanks thereto main components of energy conversion remain always isolated from sea water.

[0116] Moreover, for this reason, the energy conversion plant 1 keeps always high effectiveness and longevity.

[0117] In conclusion, the conversion plant 1 can be adapted to any bottom, independently from the depth of the latter, considering that the control device 7 is capable of balancing any pressure of the water 10 at the inlet 31 of the chamber 3. The invention can be subject to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0118] Within such scope, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and sizes can be any.

Claims

C LAI M S1. An energy conversion plant (1 ) interacting with a reservoir - said reservoir including water (10) defining a wave motion and a bottom (11 ); and- said plant (1 ) comprising:- at least a float (2) configured to capture said wave motion,- a chamber (3) immersed in said water (10); said chamber (3)- defining a containment volume (30) including at least one gas (12) and- comprising an access (31 ) facing towards said bottom (11 ) in such a manner that said gas (12) can obstruct the entry of said water (10) in said containment volume (30),- a reel (4) including:- a first shaft (40) housed in said containment volume (30) and rotating, with respect to said chamber (3), around a first axis of rotation (4a),- opposition means (41 ) configured to oppose the rotation of said first shaft (40) around said first axis of rotation (4a) in at least one direction, and- a rope (42) constrained between said float (2) and said first shaft (40) and configured to rotate said first shaft (40) around said first axis of rotation (4a) in proportion to said wave motion in opposition to said opposition means (41 ),- a rotary electric power generator (5) housed in said containment volume (30) and including a second shaft (50) rotating, with respect to said chamber (3), around a second axis of rotation (5a),- transmission means (6) housed in said containment volume (30),operatively connected to said first shaft (40) and said second shaft (50) and configured to move said second shaft (50) in response to a movement of said first shaft (40), and being characterized in that- said transmission means (6) includes:- a flywheel (60) integral with said second shaft (50), and- conversion means (61 ) configured to convert the alternating circular motion of said first shaft (40) into a continuous circular and mono-direction motion of said flywheel (60) in such a manner that said second shaft (50) can rotate in proportion to said first shaft (40) in a mono-direction manner.

2. The plant (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said conversion means (61 ) comprises a crown wheel (61 a) integral with said first shaft (40), a transmission shaft (61 c) rotating around said second axis of rotation (5a) and operatively connected to said flywheel (60) so as to be able to rotate said flywheel (60) in a mono-direction manner, and a pair of gears (61 b) each one operatively connected to said crown wheel (61 a) so as to be counter-rotated, around said second axis of rotation (5a), in proportion to said crown wheel (61 a) and each one operatively connected to said transmission shaft (61 c) so as to be able to rotate, when rotated by said crown wheel (61 a), said transmission shaft (61 c) in a mono-and equi-direction manner.

3. The plant (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said transmission shaft (61 c) is operatively connected to said flywheel (60) by means of a one-way clutch and said gears (61 b) define with said crown wheel (61 a) a double bevel gear and are each one operatively connected to said transmission shaft (61 c) by means of a oneway clutch.

4. The plant (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said conversion means (61 )comprises a first stage (62) including a slider (62a) movable along a first direction (62b) and operatively connected to said first shaft (40) in such a manner that said first stage (62) is configured to convert said alternating circular motion of said first shaft (40) in an alternating linear motion of said slider (62a) and a second stage (63) comprising a connection device (63a) connected between said slider (62a) and said second shaft (50) and configured to convert said alternating linear motion of said slider (62a) into said continuous circular and mono-direction motion of said second shaft (50).

5. The plant (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said stages (62, 63) implement an oscillating glyph or connecting rod-crank type mechanism.

6. The plant (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control device (7) in fluid passage connection with said containment volume (30) and configured to convey said gas (12) into said containment volume (30) in such a way as to control the pressure exerted by said gas (12) on said water (10) at least at said access (31 ).

7. The plant (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said gas (12) is inert.

8. The plant (1 ) according to any one of claims 6-7, wherein said control device (7) is operatively connected to said generator (5).

9. The plant (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said float (2) one or more buoys.

10. The plant (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pulley (8) arranged between said access (31 ) and said bottom (1 1 ) and configured to tangentially convey said rope (42) in such a manner that said rope (42) defines a U-shaped path between said reel (4) and said float (2).

11. The plant (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a body (9) integral with said chamber (3) and configured to maintain said chamber (3) immersed permanently in said water (10).

12. The plant (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said body (9) comprises at least one slot (90) configured to allow the accommodation of a hook capable of lifting said body (9) from said bottom (11 ) to extract said chamber (3) from said water (10).

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