Column adapted for the production of electrical energy

Abstract

The invention relates to a column (10) adapted to be connected to at least one unit (1) comprising at least one first (11) and a second (12) separate chambers each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first (11) and the second chamber (12) having different pressures, said column (10) comprising a first valve (100), a second valve (101), and a common portion (102) comprising at least one turbine (102.1) characterized in that the first (100) and the second (101) valves are arranged to separate flows from the first (11) and second (12) chambers such that the first valve (100) directs a flow towards the common portion (102), and the second valve (101) directs a flow of fluid from the common portion (102) towards the chambers (11, 12); The turbine (102.1) is adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Column adapted for the production of electrical energy technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of columns and more specifically to the field of electrical energy production. State of the art

[0002] In view of global warming, the exploitation of renewable energies is a necessity; marine renewable energies offer considerable energy potential, in particular wave energy.

[0003] Devices exist for harnessing wave energy. Among these generators, some are floating and transform the wave-induced movements of the floating generator into energy. Indeed, the wave generates horizontal movements of this floating generator which can be converted into electrical energy, either through internal or external energy production means within the floating device or through rotational drive means that generate current.

[0004] This type of device may, in particular, comprise an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall connected by a partition containing a turbine. Water circulates between the inner and outer cylindrical walls. Moving the partition containing the turbine towards the liquid fluid compresses the gaseous fluid, and moving the partition away from the liquid fluid causes a depression in the gaseous fluid. The compressions and decompressions generated by the movement and therefore the rotation of the cylinder then induce circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid. Since this single passage is formed by the opening containing the turbine, the turbine is then driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and produces electricity.

[0005] However, this type of operation is not optimal since a backflow could be possible and therefore disrupt the proper functioning of the production of electrical energy

[0006] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all the aforementioned drawbacks. Thus, the invention aims to provide a suitable device to prevent backflow between at least two compartments with different pressures. Presentation of the invention.

[0007] The invention relates to a column adapted to be connected to at least one unit comprising at least one first and a second distinct chamber, each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber having a pressure different from the fluid pressure in the second chamber, said column comprising an inlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a first valve, an outlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a second valve, and a common portion connected to the inlet and outlet and comprising at least one turbine.The column is remarkable in that: the first and second valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first and second chambers such that: the first valve directs a fluid flow from one of the first or second chambers towards the common section, and the second valve directs a fluid flow from the common section towards the other of the first or second chamber; the turbine being mounted in the common section and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber to the second chamber and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0008] The column may be a closed element having a bore extending longitudinally through said element. The column may be arranged horizontally. The column may be substantially straight. In another embodiment, the column may be curved.

[0009] The column may include a portion with a constant diameter. In another embodiment, the column may include several sections, each having a diameter different from the other sections.

[0010] The column may have a round, oval, rectangular, or square cross-section. In one embodiment, the column may have several sections, each section having a cross-section different from an adjacent section. In another embodiment, the column may have two sections, one section having a round cross-section and one section having an oval cross-section.

[0011] The unit to which the column can be connected may contain two identical fluids in the two chambers, and the fluid in each chamber may have a different pressure than the fluid in the other chamber. In another embodiment, the unit may contain two different fluids in the two chambers, and each fluid may have a different pressure than the other fluid. The fluid may be a liquid. In one embodiment, the fluid may be water. In another embodiment, the fluid may be a gas.

[0012] In another embodiment, the unit may have four chambers. In another embodiment, the column may be connected to two units, each having two chambers.

[0013] Advantageously, the first and second flaps each comprise a cone delimited by a perforated wall extending between a point and an open base and at least one separating element extending within the cone, adapted to form with the wall having at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the perforated wall having at least a first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining a common outlet for the first and second compartments.

[0014] In one embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third, and a fourth compartment. In yet another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, and a third compartment.

[0015] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third, and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0016] The separating element can be attached to the tip of the cone. The separating element can extend to the level of the open base. The separating element can extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0017] The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along at least a portion of the wall's height.

[0018] The first valve located at the inlet of the column may have an inlet connected to two conduits, each connected to a chamber. The first valve located at the inlet of the column may have an outlet common to both compartments, connected to the common section. The second valve located at the outlet of the column may have an outlet connected to two conduits, each connected to a chamber. The second valve located at the outlet of the column may be connected to the common section at the inlet of the first and second compartments, said inlet of the first and second compartments.

[0019] Advantageously, the first and second valves are arranged in the column, so that the flow at the inlet and outlet passes through each of said valves from the tip to the base.

[0020] The valve can be adapted to guide at least one fluid flow entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a fluid flow entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0021] Advantageously, the turbine is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the energy of the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0022] When the fluid flow from the first chamber passes through the inlet valve and enters the common section, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed to the second chamber through the outlet valve. Conversely, when the fluid flow from the second chamber passes through the inlet valve and enters the common section, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers of the unit, it can be directed to the first chamber through the outlet valve. The common section may include a turbine arranged so that the fluid flow from one chamber to the other can pass through said turbine and cause it to rotate.

[0023] Advantageously, the flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber to the first chamber are in the same direction.

[0024] The flow from the first chamber towards the second chamber and the flow from the second chamber towards the first chamber must necessarily pass through the column from the inlet, through the common section, and towards the outlet. This movement can be controlled by means of valves located at the inlet and outlet of the column, the structure of which can prevent flow from moving in the opposite direction.

[0025] Advantageously, the column includes an alternator coupled to the turbine and includes a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy.

[0026] The turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow in such a way as to rotate the alternator, which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy. Thus, in this embodiment, the alternator can produce voltage only when needed.

[0027] The control unit is adapted to control the alternator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly into the electrical network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0028] Advantageously, the column includes a generator arranged to cooperate with the turbine and a control unit adapted to control said generator to produce electrical energy.

[0029] The turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to rotate the generator which in turn transforms the mechanical energy into energy electrical, the generator can be adapted to regulate the necessary voltage.

[0030] The control unit is adapted to control the generator so that the electrical energy can, as required, either be sent directly into the electrical network or directed to batteries for storage.

[0031] Advantageously, the column includes a pump coupled to the turbine and the turbine is adapted to implement said pump to pressurize a fluid.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a unit intended to be installed in an aquatic environment comprising a column connected to said unit.

[0033] Advantageously, the unit includes at least one wave energy converter.

[0034] The wave energy converter may include a floating energy generator whose energy production is achieved through the cascading motion of said device on the water. The device may, in particular, include a cylinder comprising energy production means, namely the column and connecting means attached to anchors, the connecting means being crossed.

[0035] The cylinder may have an internal annular volume containing a liquid fluid in its lower part, for example, water, which only partially fills the lower annular volume. The liquid fluid can then move freely within the cylinder, while a gaseous fluid, for example, air, is located above it. Two chambers may be formed within the annular volume by using a partition, each chamber having a free surface of the liquid fluid. Thus, the two chambers can be formed between the free surface of the liquid fluid and the partition. The column can be mounted on an external face of the cylinder at the level of the partition. When the cylinder undergoes a cavalry motion due to wave propagation, it can then rotate about the cylinder's axis of revolution.When the cylinder is rotated by waves, the liquid fluid remains in the lower part of the cylinder, but the support partition, attached to the outer wall of the cylinder, shifts from a nearly vertical position to an inclined one. Thus, the support partition moves closer to the liquid fluid on one side and away from it on the other. The movement of the support partition towards the liquid fluid in one of the two chambers compresses the gaseous fluid, and the movement of the support partition away from the liquid fluid in the other chamber causes a depression of the gaseous fluid. More precisely, during rotation, one chamber can be compressed and the other decompressed, and when rotation is reversed, the compressed chamber can then be decompressed and the decompressed chamber can be compressed.The compressions and decompressions, generated by the cylinder's movement and therefore its rotation, then induce a circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid, namely through the column. The column being the only passage. comprising the turbine connected to the current generator or to the alternator or to the pump depending on the embodiment, the turbine can then be driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and drive the production of electricity by the generator or the alternator or the production of pressurized water by the pump.

[0036] The invention also relates to a non-return valve adapted to prevent the reflux of a fluid in a closed pipe, said valve comprising a cone delimited by a perforated wall extending between a point and an open base and at least one separating element: the separating element extending in the cone being adapted to form with the wall at least a first compartment and a second compartment of said cone; the perforated wall comprising at least a first inlet of a fluid opening into the first compartment and a second inlet of a fluid opening into the second compartment; the first and second compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base, the opening of the base defining a common outlet to the first and second compartments.

[0037] The fluid passing through the valve can be a liquid. In one embodiment, the fluid is water. In another embodiment, the fluid passing through the valve can be a gas.

[0038] The cone may include a perforated wall adapted to allow the fluid to pass through.

[0039] In one embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first and a second compartment. In another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third, and a fourth compartment. In yet another embodiment, the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, and a third compartment.

[0040] The separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first and second compartments through said separating element. In another embodiment, the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third, and fourth compartments through said separating element.

[0041] The separating element can be attached to the tip of the cone. The separating element can extend to the level of the open base. The separating element can extend in a plane containing the axis of the cone.

[0042] The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along the entire height of the wall from the tip to the base. The separating element can be joined to the cone wall along at least a portion of the wall's height.

[0043] The valve can be adapted to guide at least one flow of fluid entering the valve through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment without passing through the second compartment and to guide a flow of fluid entering the valve through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment without passing through the first compartment.

[0044] Advantageously, the wall of the cone adapted to form the entrance is at least partially perforated.

[0045] In this embodiment, the cone wall adapted to form the inlet can be perforated so that the cone has a point, a ring forming a contour of the base of said cone, said point and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Thus, in this embodiment, the wall and the separating element are in contact. In this embodiment, the wall at the inlet of the first compartment is similar to the wall at the inlet of the second compartment; both are perforated except at the point and the ring forming the perimeter of the base.

[0046] It is the perforated part which can allow the passage of the fluid through the first compartment or the second compartment.

[0047] Advantageously, the wall of the cone has a mesh adapted to form the entrance.

[0048] In this embodiment, the cone comprises a tip, a ring forming a contour of the base of said cone, said tip and said ring being connected by two wall portions arranged opposite each other and whose width is substantially similar to that of the separating element. Between the wall portions extends an openwork mesh. The mesh may have larger or smaller openings allowing the fluid to pass through.

[0049] Advantageously, the valve comprises at least one flexible membrane arranged against an internal face of the wall, said membrane being adapted to allow fluids to pass from the tip to the base of the cone.

[0050] The membrane may be made of natural rubber. In another embodiment, the membrane may be made of elastomer. In a different embodiment, the membrane may be made of fabric. The membrane may be opaque.

[0051] In the embodiment in which the wall is perforated, the membrane has relative rigidity enabling it to maintain its shape. The membrane may have a perimeter adapted to be positioned on the inner face of the wall, that is to say, on the inner face of the ring surrounding the base.

[0052] In the embodiment in which the wall has a mesh, the membrane can be supported by said mesh.

[0053] The membrane can be flexible so that when the flow passes into the first compartment or the second compartment, said membrane can deform to allow the fluid to pass through said compartment.

[0054] The membrane can be adapted to fit the inner face of the cone wall when the flow does not pass through the compartment.

[0055] Advantageously, the cone and the separating element cooperate with each other to hold the membrane by compression.

[0056] In this embodiment, the membrane is positioned between the inner wall of the cone and the separating element so that said separating element can firmly hold the membrane wedged between them.

[0057] Advantageously, the valve includes at least one suitable fastening means for fixing the membrane in said valve.

[0058] In one embodiment, the fastening means may include a threaded rod arranged to pass through the separating element at its axis and through the tip of the cone. The threaded rod is adapted to cooperate with a suitable nut to hold the threaded rod, the separating element, and the cone together so that the membrane can be held between said cone and said separating element, even when deformed by the passage of the flow.

[0059] Advantageously, the fastening means is mounted on at least one face of the separating element in contact with the wall of the cone.

[0060] Advantageously, the fastening means is mounted on an internal face of the cone wall.

[0061] In one embodiment, the membrane may have two lateral edges, each having at least two holes. The fastening means of this embodiment may include at least two lugs mounted on an external surface of the separating element and at least two holes in the lateral edges of the membrane adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so that the lugs are inserted into the holes.

[0062] In another embodiment, the membrane may have two lateral edges, each having at least two holes. The fastening means of this embodiment may include at least two lugs mounted on an inner face of the cone wall and at least two holes in the lateral edges of the membrane adapted to cooperate with said lugs. Thus, when the membrane is mounted in the cone, the separating element is adapted to be mounted in said cone so as to retain the holes in the membrane on the lugs.

[0063] In a different embodiment, the fastening means may include suitable adhesive for securing the membrane to the external face of the separating element. The fastening means may include suitable adhesive for securing the membrane to the internal face of the wall.

[0064] In another embodiment, the fastening means may comprise both the lugs cooperating with the holes in the membrane and the threaded rod and nut. Thus, the membrane is held firmly in position on the lugs by means of the holes. The assembly formed by the cone, the lugs, the membrane, and the separating element is held together by the cooperation of the nut and the threaded rod passing through said separating element and said cone.

[0065] Advantageously, each compartment comprises at least a portion of the flexible membrane.

[0066] In this embodiment, the valve comprises a single membrane adapted to fit the entire internal surface of the cone wall. Thus, the first inlet of the first compartment comprises a first portion of the membrane and the second inlet of the second compartment comprises a second portion of the membrane.

[0067] In an embodiment in which the valve has four compartments, there may be two embodiments of the flexible membrane, namely that each compartment may comprise a portion of the single membrane or the valve may comprise two membranes so that two side-by-side compartments each comprise a portion of the same membrane.

[0068] Advantageously, each compartment has a flexible membrane.

[0069] In this embodiment, each compartment may include a membrane. Thus, a valve having two compartments may include two membranes, a valve having four compartments may include four membranes.

[0070] Therefore, in this embodiment, each membrane may have two perforations on each of its lateral edges, and the separating element may have at least two lugs on each of its faces in contact with the cone wall. Two lugs on the same face may be adapted to receive the perforations of two membranes from two adjacent compartments.

[0071] Advantageously, the thickness of the membrane is less than 50 mm.

[0072] The thickness of the membrane can vary depending on the dimensions of the valve. In particular, the membrane can be less than 30 mm, and in particular less than 15 mm.

[0073] The thickness of the membrane can be correlated with its flexibility. The membrane must be sufficiently flexible to deform in order to allow the fluid flow to pass through. Thus, the thickness of the membrane can be correlated with the dimensions of the cone; that is to say, the smaller the cone, the thinner the membrane can be—a thickness that allows it to be both flexible and maintain its shape against the cone wall when the fluid is not passing through the compartment inlet. Conversely, the larger the cone, the thicker the membrane can be, allowing it to be flexible while maintaining its shape against the cone wall when the fluid is not passing through the compartment inlet.

[0074] Advantageously, the separating element comprises at least two concave faces delimited by at least one convex curve, said faces being arranged opposite each compartment so that the at least one curve is positioned at the junction between the concave face and the wall of the cone.

[0075] The separating element comprises, between two faces in contact with the cone wall, two concave faces. Each concave face can be adapted to receive the membrane when it deforms during the passage of the fluid flow. The concave face can have a profile adapted so that the membrane can conform to said profile when the fluid flow passes through the inlet of the compartment.

[0076] Each concave face can be delimited by a convex curve. The convex curve can be adapted to prevent the membrane from being bent and potentially damaging it. The curve can minimize the radius of curvature of the membrane when it is deformed by the passage of fluid flow. Thus, when the membrane is deformed by the passage of fluid flow through the compartment inlet, its flexibility allows it to at least partially conform to the profile of the separating element.

[0077] Advantageously, the cone has a continuous surface on an external face.

[0078] In this embodiment, the cone may have a substantially smooth external surface. Thus, the valve inlet could be mounted on a single column, and the valve can be adapted to separate two fluid flows at the valve outlet.

[0079] Advantageously, the cone comprises on an external face at least two separating members arranged in the extension of at least one separating element.

[0080] In this embodiment, the cone may have on its external surface two separating elements that can form a single piece with the cone. Thus, the inlet of the valve can be mounted on two different columns, each carrying a flow distinct from the other column, each flow being able to originate from either column.

[0081] In one embodiment, the two separating members can form a single piece with the cone. In another embodiment, the two separating members can form a separate piece from the cone. Brief description of the figures.

[0082] Other advantages and features of the present invention are now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0083] [Fig-1] schematically represents an internal view of a column according to a mode of realization.

[0084] [Fig.2] schematically represents an overview of a unit comprising a column whose front face of said unit has been removed, according to one embodiment.

[0085] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of a method of implementation.

[0086] An internal view of a column 10 according to one embodiment is shown in [Fig. 1]. The column 10 is also described in relation to [Fig. 2], which shows an overall view according to one embodiment of a unit 1 comprising a column 10, the front face of which has been removed.

[0087] The column 10 described in [Fig. 1] is adapted to be connected to a unit 1, as shown in [Fig. 2]. Unit 1 comprises a first 11 and a second separate chamber 12, each containing a fluid. The operation of unit 1 in relation to column 10 will be described later in this description.

[0088] The fluid in the first chamber 11 has a different pressure than the fluid in the second chamber 12. The two fluids in the two chambers 11 and 12 are identical. The fluid is a gas, for example, air.

[0089] The column 10 has an inlet A connected to the first 11 and second 12 chambers and having a first valve 100, an outlet Z connected to the first 11 and second 12 chambers and having a second valve 101. The column 10 has a common portion 102 connected to the inlet A and to the outlet Z, said portion 102 having at least one turbine 102.1.

[0090] The column 10 is a closed element having a bore extending longitudinally through said element. The column 10 is arranged horizontally. The column 10 is substantially straight between the two valves 100, 101. The column 10 is curved at its ends, at the inlet A and the outlet Z.

[0091] Column 10 has a constant diameter. Column 10 has a round cross-section.

[0092] The first 100 and the second flap 101 each comprise a cone 100.1, 101.1 delimited by a perforated wall 100.1b, 101.1b extending between a point 100.1a, 101.1a and an open base 100.1c, 101.1c and at least one separating element 100.2, 101.2 extending into the cone 100.1, 101.1 being adapted to form with the wall 100.1b, 101.1b at least a first compartment 100.3, 101.3 and a second compartment 100.4, 101.4 of said cone 100.1, 101.1. The perforated wall 100.1b, 101.1b has a first fluid inlet opening into the first compartment 100.3, 101.3 and a second fluid inlet opening into the second compartment 100.4, 101.4; the first 100.3, 101.3 and the second 100.4, 101.4 compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base 100.1c, 101.1c, the opening of the base 100.1c, 101.1c defines a common outlet to the first 100.3, 101.3 and the second 100.4, 101.4 compartments.

[0093] The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is adapted to form a first 100.3, 101.3 and a second 100.4, 101.4 compartments. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is arranged to prevent any communication between the first 100.3, 101.3 and the second 100.4, 101.4 compartments through said separating element 100.2, 101.2. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is joined to the tip 100.1a, 101.1a of the cone 100.1, 101.1. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 can extend to the level of the open base 100.1c, 101.1c. The separating element 100.2, 101.2 extends in a plane containing the axis of the cone 100.1, 101.1.

[0094] The separating element 100.2, 101.2 is joined to the wall 100.1b, 101.1b of the cone 100.1, 101.1 over the entire height of the wall 100.1b, 101.1b from the tip 100.1a, 101.1a to the base 100.1c, 101.1c.

[0095] The first valve 100 arranged at inlet A of column 10 has an inlet connected to two conduits, each connected to a chamber 11, 12. The first valve 100 arranged at inlet A of column 10 has an outlet common to the two compartments 100.3, 100.4, connected to the common portion 102. The second valve 101 arranged at outlet Z of column 10 has an outlet connected to two conduits, each connected to a chamber 11, 12. The second valve 101 arranged at outlet Z of column 10 is connected to the common portion 102 at the inlet of the first 101.3 and the second 101.4 compartment.

[0096] The first 100 and second 101 valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first 11 and second 12 chambers such that the first valve 100 directs a fluid flow from one of the first 11 or second 12 chambers to the common portion 102, and the second valve 101 directs another fluid flow from the common portion 102 to the other of the first 11 or second 12 chambers.

[0097] The first 100 and the second 101 valves are arranged in the column 10, so that the flow at the inlet A and at the outlet Z passes through each of said valves 100, 101 from the tip 100.1a, 101.1a to the base 100.1c, 101.1c.

[0098] The valve 100, 101 is adapted to guide at least one fluid flow entering said valve 100, 101 through the first inlet to the outlet via the first compartment 100.3, 101.3 without passing through the second compartment 100.4, 101.4 and to guide a fluid flow entering the valve 100, 101 through the second inlet to the outlet via the second compartment 100.4, 101.4 without passing through the first compartment 100.3, 101.3.

[0099] The flow from the first chamber 11 to the second chamber 12 and the flow from the second chamber 12 to the first chamber 11 are in the same direction.

[0100] The flow from the first chamber 11 towards the second chamber 12 and the flow from the second chamber 12 towards the first chamber 11 necessarily pass through the column 10 from the inlet A then crosses the common portion 102 and heads towards the outlet Z. This movement is directed by means of the valves 100, 101 arranged at the inlet A and the outlet Z of the column 10 whose structure makes it possible to prevent a movement of the flow in the other direction.

[0101] The turbine 102.1 is mounted in the common portion 102 and is adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber 11 to the second chamber 12 and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber 12 to the first chamber 11. The turbine 102.1 is adapted to capture alternately the energy of the flow from the first chamber 11 to the second chamber 12 and the energy of the flow from the second chamber 12 to the first chamber 11.

[0102] When the fluid flow from the first chamber 11 passes through the first valve 100 and enters the common section 102, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers 11 and 12 of unit 1, it is directed towards the second chamber 12 via the second valve 101. Conversely, when the fluid flow from the second chamber 12 passes through the first valve 100 and enters the common section 102, due to the pressure difference between the two chambers 11 and 12 of unit 1, it is directed towards the first chamber 11 via the second valve 101. The common section 102 includes a turbine 102.1 arranged so that the fluid flow from one of the chambers 11 and 12 and directed into the other of the chambers 11 and 12 can pass through said turbine 102.1 and drive its rotation.

[0103] Figure 2 describes a unit 1 intended to be installed on the surface S of an aquatic environment comprising a column 10 connected to said unit 1. The unit 1 comprises a wave energy device.

[0104] The wave energy converter 1 comprises a floating energy generator whose energy production is achieved through the caving motion of said device 1 on the water. The device 1 comprises a cylinder having energy production means, namely the column 10, and connecting means attached to anchors, the connecting means being crossed.

[0105] The cylinder has an inner annular volume containing a liquid fluid in its lower part, for example, water, which only partially fills the lower annular volume. The liquid fluid moves freely within the cylinder, and a gaseous fluid, for example, air, is above it. Within the annular volume, two chambers 11, 12 are formed by means of a partition within the annular volume. Each chamber 11, 12 has a free surface of the liquid fluid. Thus, the two chambers 11, 12 are formed between the free surface of the liquid fluid and the partition. The column 10 is mounted on an external face of the cylinder at the level of the partition. When the cylinder As the cylinder undergoes a cavalry motion due to wave propagation, it can then rotate around its axis of revolution. When the cylinder is subjected to wave rotation, the liquid fluid remains in the lower part of the cylinder, but the support partition, integral with the outer wall forming the cylinder, changes from a nearly vertical position to an inclined position. Thus, the support partition moves closer to the liquid fluid on one side and away from the liquid fluid on the other. The approach of the support partition towards the liquid fluid in one of the two chambers 11, 12 causes compression of the gaseous fluid, and the movement of the support partition away from the liquid fluid in the other chamber causes a depression of the gaseous fluid.More specifically, during rotation, one of the chambers 11, 12 is compressed and the other of the chambers 11, 12 is decompressed. When the rotation is reversed, the compressed chamber 11, 12 is decompressed and the decompressed chamber 11, 12 is compressed. The compressions and decompressions, generated by the cylinder's movement and therefore its rotation, induce a circulation of the gaseous fluid through the only possible passage for said gaseous fluid, namely through column 10. Since this single passage is formed by column 10, which contains the turbine 102.1 connected to a current generator (not shown in the figures), the turbine 102.1 is driven by the circulation of the gaseous fluid and thus drives the generator to produce electricity.

[0106] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely to provide a suitable device to prevent reflux between at least two compartments having different pressures, by providing a column adapted to be connected to at least one unit comprising at least a first and a second separate chambers each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber having a different pressure from the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber, said column comprising an inlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a first valve, an outlet connected to the first and second chambers and comprising a second valve, and a common portion connected to the inlet and outlet and comprising at least one turbine.The first and second valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first and second chambers such that: the first valve directs a fluid flow from one of the first or second chambers towards the common section, and the second valve directs a fluid flow from the common section towards the other of the first or second chamber; the turbine being mounted in the common section and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber to the second chamber and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0107] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the specific embodiments technically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically feasible combination of these means. In particular, consideration may be given to

[0108] - the column may comprise several sections, each having a diameter different from the other sections;

[0109] - the column may have an oval, rectangular or square section;

[0110] - the column may comprise several portions, each portion being able to comprise a different section from an adjacent portion, for example, the column may have two portions, one portion having a round section and one portion having an oval section.

[0111] - the unit may contain two different fluids in the two chambers and each fluid may have a different pressure than the other fluid;

[0112] - the fluid can be a liquid;

[0113] - the fluid can be water;

[0114] - the unit may have four chambers;

[0115] - the column can be connected to two units each comprising two chambers;

[0116] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second, a third and a fourth compartments;

[0117] - the separating element can be adapted to form a first, a second and a third compartments;

[0118] - the separating element is arranged to prevent any communication between the first, second, third and fourth compartments through said separating element-

[0119] - the separating element can be joined to the cone wall over at least a portion of the height of the wall;

[0120] - the column includes an alternator coupled to the turbine and includes a unit of appropriate control to control said alternator to produce electrical energy;

[0121] - the turbine can be arranged to transform the energy of the flow so as to turn the alternator which in turn transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy;

[0122] - electrical energy can, as needed, either be sent directly into the electrical grid, or directed to batteries for storage.

[0123] - the column includes a pump coupled to the turbine and the turbine is adapted for to implement said pump to pressurize a fluid.

Claims

Demands

1. Column (10) adapted to be connected to at least one unit (1) comprising at least one first (11) and a second (12) separate chambers each containing a fluid, the fluid in the first chamber (11) having a different pressure than the pressure of the fluid in the second chamber (12), said column (10) comprising an inlet (A) connected to the first (11) and second (12) chambers and comprising a first valve (100), an outlet (Z) connected to the first (11) and second (12) chambers and comprising a second valve (101), and a common portion (102) connected to the inlet (A) and the outlet (Z) and comprising at least one turbine (102.1) characterized in that: • the first (100) and second (101) valves are arranged to separate fluid flows from the first (11) and second (12) chambers such that: • the first valve (100) directs a fluid flow from one of the first (11) or second (12) chambers towards the common portion (102), and • the second valve (101) directs a fluid flow from the common portion (102) towards the other of the first (11) or second (12) chambers; • the turbine (102.1) being mounted in the common portion (102) and being adapted to capture the energy contained in the fluid flow circulating from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (12) and in the fluid flow circulating from the second chamber (12) to the first chamber (H).

2. Column (10) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the first (100) and the second (101) flap each comprise a cone (100.1, 101.1) delimited by a perforated wall (100.1b, 101.1b) extending between a tip (100.1a, 101.1a) and an open base (100.1c, 101.1c) and at least one separating element (100.2, 101.2) extending into the cone (100.1, 101.1) being adapted to form with the wall (100.1b, 101.1b) at least a first compartment (100.3, 101.3) and a second compartment (100.4, 101.4) of said cone (100.1, 101.1) ; the perforated wall (100.1b, 101.1b) having at least one first entrance of a fluid opening into the first compartment (100.3, 101.3) and a second inlet of a fluid opening into the second compartment (100.4, 101.4); the first (100.3, 101.3) and the second (100.4, 101.4) compartments being arranged so that they open onto the base (100.1c, 101.1c), the opening of the base (100.1c, 101.1c) defining a common outlet for the first (100.3, 101.3) and the second compartments (100.4, 101.4).

3. Column (10) according to claim 2 characterized in that the first (100) and second (101) valves are arranged in the column (10) such that the flow at the inlet (A) and outlet (Z) passes through each of said valves (100, 101) from the tip (100.1a, 101.1a) to the base (100.1c, 101.1c).

4. Column (10) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the turbine (102.1) is adapted to alternately capture the energy of the flow from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (12) and the energy of the flow from the second chamber (12) to the first chamber (11).

5. Column (10) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the flow from the first chamber (11) to the second chamber (12) and the flow from the second chamber (12) to the first chamber (11) are in the same direction.

6. Column (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises an alternator coupled to the turbine (102.1) and a control unit adapted to control said alternator to produce electrical energy.

7. Column (10) according to claim 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises a generator arranged to cooperate with the turbine (102.1) and a control unit adapted to control said generator to produce electrical energy.

8. Column (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises a pump coupled to the turbine (102.1) and in that the turbine (102.1) is adapted to implement said pump to pressurize a fluid.

9. Unit (1) intended to be installed in an aquatic environment comprising a column (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 connected to said unit (1).

10. Unit (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that it comprises at least one wave-driving device.

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