Floating turbine, electricity generation plant and electricity generation process

Abstract

------ Floating turbine, electricity generation installation and electricity generation method The invention relates to a floating turbine (1), disposed on a body of water (E) subject to tides in a cove (120) downstream of a water retention dike (110) forming the cove (120). The floating turbine (1) comprises a frame, a blade wheel, an electric generator driven in rotation by the blade wheel, at least three injectors directing water flows towards the blade wheel, and as many flexible water supply pipes (6) as there are injectors. Each flexible water supply pipe (6) is configured to be connected to a water intake (130) and to exert a pressure force on the frame, such that any movement of the floating turbine (1) caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water (E) is combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine (1).The invention also relates to an electricity production installation (100) and a method. Figure to be published: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Floating turbine, electricity generation plant and electricity generation process

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electricity production, and more particularly to a floating turbine, an electricity production installation and a method of electricity production.

[0002] There is currently a growing demand for renewable energy, or green energy. One of the most efficient solutions for producing electricity renewablely is to use a turbine driven by the kinetic energy of a water current, that is, hydroelectric power, or hydropower. It is common practice for this type of production to place a turbine downstream of a dam built on a watercourse. However, until now, few solutions have been proposed in the prior art for harnessing the energy of the sea, and in particular the water movements associated with tides.

[0003] Consequently, the prior art solutions proposed for electricity production facilities still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.

[0004] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a floating turbine, an electricity production installation and a method for producing electricity.

[0005] Thus, the present invention relates to a floating electricity production turbine, configured to be disposed on a body of water subject to tides in a cove downstream of a water retention dike forming the cove, characterized in that the floating turbine comprises: a frame, defining an axis of rotation and comprising a float assembly configured to make the floating turbine float, the float assembly defining a waterline for the floating turbine and the floating turbine being further configured such that the axis of rotation is normal to a plane containing the waterline, called the waterline plane; a blade wheel, rotationally connected to the frame and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation in a predetermined direction of rotation, the blade wheel comprising a plurality of blades distributed over a circumference of the blade wheel;an electric generator, fixed to the frame and configured to be driven in rotation by the paddle wheel so as to produce electricity; at least three injectors, fixed to the frame, regularly distributed around an outer periphery of the paddle wheel and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the waterline, each injector comprising an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the outlet opening being configured to, in use; to direct tangentially to the impeller a flow of water received through the inlet opening towards the impeller blades opposite said injector, so as to cause a rotation of the impeller around the axis of rotation in the predetermined direction of rotation; as many flexible water supply pipes as there are injectors, each flexible water supply pipe being configured: to have a buoyancy capability in the body of water when said flexible water supply pipe is filled with water from the body of water; to, in use, mechanically anchor the floating turbine to the water retention dam; to be connected to one of the injectors in a one-to-one manner; to be connected fluidically, at a first end, to the inlet opening of the injector to which it is connected; to be, in use, fluidically connected, at a second end, to a water intake extending from an inner periphery of the cove,on the water body side, the flexible water supply pipes being configured to all have the same length and to be connected in a one-to-one manner to water inlets regularly distributed around the inner periphery of the cove and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the water level of the water body when the water body is calm; and to include a frame, resistant to tension and compression in a longitudinal direction of the flexible water supply pipe, configured to, in use, allow the flexible water supply pipe, once connected to a water inlet and an injector, to exert a pressure force on the frame in the predetermined direction of rotation, via the injector to which it is connected,all injectors being fixed to the chassis at the same angle in the predetermined direction of rotation and being configured to direct the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes around the axis of rotation in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that, in operation, any movement of the floating turbine caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water is automatically combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine around the axis of rotation, jointly caused by all the flexible water supply pipes, the first ends of the flexible water supply pipes being respectively wound and unwound around the floating turbine according to the variations in the water level of the body of water.

[0006] A floating turbine according to the invention is configured to automatically adapt, during operation, to variations in the water level of the body of water on which it is placed, by rotating around its axis of rotation under the impetus of the flexible water supply pipes. A floating turbine according to the invention is therefore perfectly suited to harnessing the energy of the sea, and in particular the water movements associated with tides. Furthermore, a floating turbine according to the invention does not require dedicated moorings to anchor the floating turbine to a water retention dike, nor dedicated guide elements to guide the movement of the floating turbine according to variations in the water level of the body of water.

[0007] It will be understood in particular that, for each flexible water supply pipe, the frame ensures that the length of the flexible water supply pipe remains constant throughout the use of the floating turbine.

[0008] For the purposes of this invention, "having buoyancy" means having the ability to remain on the surface and not sink in the body of water. It will be understood that this characteristic is notably linked to the salinity of the water used.

[0009] It will also be understood that, in operation, when moving the floating turbine from the high tide position, or from the low tide position, to the mid-tide position, the floating turbine rotates in the predetermined direction of rotation. Similarly, it will be understood that, in operation, when moving the floating turbine from the mid-tide position to the high tide position, or to the low tide position, the floating turbine rotates in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction of rotation. By way of example, a floating turbine according to the invention can be configured so that the rotation around the axis of rotation between the mid-tide position MM and the high tide position MH, or the low tide position MB, is between 10 and 15 degrees.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, for each flexible water supply pipe, the reinforcement is configured to prevent deformation of an internal cross-section of the flexible water supply pipe, such that the internal cross-section remains constant when a vacuum of 1 bar is applied in said flexible water supply pipe.

[0011] It will be understood that this characteristic makes it possible, in particular, to guarantee good dimensional stability for flexible water supply pipes. Flexible water supply pipes can, for example, be of the dredging and discharge pipe type.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, for each flexible water supply pipe, the reinforcement is further configured to provide resistance against twisting, crushing and local load of the flexible water supply pipe.

[0013] It will be understood that these mechanical characteristics make it possible to improve the safety of use of the floating turbine and to increase the lifespan of the floating turbine.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, each flexible water supply pipe comprises at least one of the following: an internal buoyancy layer made of a material configured to give buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe and an external buoyancy device made of a material configured to give buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe.

[0015] For example, each flexible water supply pipe may comprise a layer Internal buoyancy is provided by a material configured to give the flexible water supply hose buoyancy. For example, buoyancy can be provided by several internal layers of the flexible water supply hose.

[0016] According to another example, each flexible water supply hose may include one or more external buoyancy devices made of a material configured to impart buoyancy to the flexible water supply hose. The external buoyancy devices may, for example, be floats sequentially distributed along the flexible water supply hose. It will be further understood that floats sequentially distributed along the flexible water supply hose may protect the flexible water supply hose against wear from friction, for example, during use, friction against the handle, and are preferably replaceable for replacement when they become too worn.

[0017] It will be understood that a combination of one or more internal buoyancy layers and one or more external buoyancy devices is possible to give buoyancy to flexible water supply pipes.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, each flexible water supply pipe can be configured so that, when filled with water, it has a buoyant capacity with a portion extending above the water. The portion extending above the water can, for example, have a volume between 2% and 20% of the total volume of the flexible water supply pipe.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the float assembly comprises as many float units as the floating turbine comprises injectors, the float units and injectors being sequentially distributed around the periphery of the blade wheel, and each float unit comprising at least one float.

[0020] It will be understood that each float unit may comprise a single float, or several floats joined together to form the float unit. It will also be understood that, according to a less preferred embodiment, all the floats may be connected together to form a single float unit extending around the periphery of the paddle wheel.

[0021] According to a particular embodiment, in a top view, an outer periphery of the frame defines as many teeth as the floating turbine has injectors, the teeth and injectors being sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller, and a radial extension of each tooth decreasing progressively in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that the teeth give the frame a shape analogous to a circular saw blade, and, in any cross-sectional view along a plane including the axis of rotation, a radial extension of each tooth is maximum at the waterline and decreases progressively on either side of the waterline, such that, in operation, the first ends of the flexible water supply pipes are guided along the outer periphery of the frame during winding, or unwinding, of the flexible water supply pipes, caused by a rotation of the floating turbine around the axis of rotation, caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water.

[0022] It will be understood that with this configuration the outer periphery of the chassis is in particular configured to guide the first ends of the flexible water supply pipes, and to promote a rotation of the floating turbine in the predetermined direction of rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, the outer periphery of the frame comprises as many openings as teeth, each opening being arranged between two successive teeth, below an injector, and being configured to allow a passage of water from an interior of the floating turbine to an exterior of the floating turbine.

[0024] It will be understood that this configuration notably improves the evacuation of water to the outside of the floating turbine, so that the water level of the water body does not increase locally inside the floating turbine, and so that, during operation, the water body does not come into contact with the impeller when the impeller rotates, thus preventing the impeller from slowing down and improving the operating efficiency of the floating turbine. It will be understood, however, that, depending on variations, other configurations are possible to create openings in the outer periphery of the frame, so as to improve the evacuation of the water injected into the floating turbine.

[0025] According to a particular embodiment, the float assembly defines the outer periphery of the chassis and the float units form the teeth.

[0026] It will be understood that, according to variants, the arrangement of the chassis could be different, the chassis could for example include a housing defining the outer periphery of the chassis, forming the teeth and surrounding the float assembly.

[0027] According to a particular embodiment, the floating turbine further comprises a speed multiplier coupled between the blade wheel and the electric generator.

[0028] It will be understood that the speed multiplier makes it possible to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine.

[0029] According to a particular embodiment, the paddle wheel is dimensioned and connected to the frame in such a way that a lower part of the paddle wheel is disposed at or above the level of the waterline, so that in use the paddle wheel is disposed outside the body of water.

[0030] It will be understood that in use this configuration makes it possible to prevent water from the body of water from slowing down the rotation of the paddle wheel, which in particular makes it possible to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the floating turbine comprises four in- jectors distributed at 90 degrees to each other around the axis of rotation.

[0032] It will be understood, however, that, depending on variations, the floating turbine may include a different number of injectors. It will also be understood that the number of injectors of the floating turbine must be greater than or equal to three, in particular to ensure that each flexible water supply pipe applies its pressure force to the frame in the predetermined direction of rotation. The floating turbine may, for example, include three injectors spaced 120 degrees apart around the axis of rotation, or, more generally, N injectors spaced N / 360 degrees apart around the axis of rotation, with N greater than or equal to three. It will also be understood that, regardless of the number of injectors, the floating turbine includes as many flexible water supply pipes as there are injectors.

[0033] According to a particular embodiment, the impeller is a vertical axis, centripetal-fed impeller with blades having concave surfaces configured to be oriented towards the injectors in use.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, in a top view, each outlet opening of an injector is configured to direct the water flow at an injection angle between 2 and 35 degrees, preferably between 10 and 25 degrees, the injection angle being defined locally for each water molecule of the water flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and with respect to a tangent to the impeller perpendicular to an extension of a diameter of the impeller passing through the center of the injector outlet opening.

[0035] The present invention also relates to an electricity generating installation characterized in that the electricity generating installation is located in an area where a body of water subject to tides extends, and that the electricity generating installation comprises: a water retention dike configured to form, on the downstream side, at least one cove and to define, on the upstream side, a water retention basin; the water retention dike comprising, for each cove, at least three water intakes extending from an inner periphery of the cove, on the body of water side, so as to be regularly distributed around the inner periphery of the cove and to be arranged in the same plane parallel to the water level of the body of water when the body of water is calm; and conduits extending in the same plane as the water intakes of the cove and configured to convey water between the water retention basin and the water intakes of the cove,each conduit comprising a water inlet, on the side of the water retention basin; and as many floating turbines according to the invention as there are coves, the or each floating turbine being disposed on the body of water subject to tides in a respective cove downstream of the water retention dike and comprising as many flexible water supply pipes as the cove comprises water intakes, each flexible water supply pipe being connected to a water intake of , in a biunambiguous manner.

[0036] An electricity production installation according to the invention is perfectly suited to take advantage of the energy of the sea, and in particular of the water movements linked to the tides.

[0037] The area where the body of water subject to tides extends is, for example, an estuary or an area located near the mouth of a river.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, in a top view, each handle has a lyre shape.

[0039] For the purposes of this invention, a "lyre-shaped" shape is defined as a circular shape open at a portion of its periphery. It will be understood that for each lyre-shaped inlet, the opening of the lyre forms an outlet channel in communication with the body of water. A lyre-shaped inlet notably protects the floating turbine housed within the inlet, and also ensures proper positioning of the water intakes and flexible water supply pipes.

[0040] According to a particular embodiment, for the cove or each cove, a lower inner part of the cove, located below the plane in which the water intakes are located, is shaped into a bowl whose curvature is configured to support the flexible water supply pipes of the floating turbine disposed in the cove, as there is a variation in the water level of the body of water below the plane in which the water intakes are located.

[0041] Preferably, for each floating turbine / cove pair, the length of the flexible water supply pipes and the shape of the lower inner part of the cove are chosen so that a lower part of the floating turbine never touches the bottom of the cove, even in the low tide position.

[0042] According to a particular embodiment, for the or each cove, the lower inner part of the bowl-shaped ornate cove further includes a flexible water supply pipe receiving groove for each flexible water supply pipe of the floating turbine disposed in the cove, each flexible water supply pipe receiving groove having a gutter shape and being configured to progressively receive a flexible water supply pipe, as there is a variation in the water level of the body of water in the lower inner part of the bowl-shaped ornate cove.

[0043] It will be understood that the gutter shape allows in particular to receive a flexible water supply pipe without damage.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, for the cove or each cove, the water intakes all extend from the inner periphery of the cove at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation of the floating turbine disposed in the cove.

[0045] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to better orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes on the frame of the floating turbine arranged in the cove around the axis of rotation in the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0046] It will also be understood that for an electricity production installation according to the invention the predetermined direction of rotation is defined for each floating turbine / loop pair, and may possibly be different between the different floating turbine / loop pairs of the same electricity production installation.

[0047] According to a particular embodiment, the lyre-shaped cove or coves have an outlet channel, in communication with the body of water, arranged between two planes containing, in use, the axis of rotation of the floating turbine disposed in the cove and passing respectively through one of two successive water intakes, preferably, in a top view, the outlet channel opens the periphery of the cove over less than 3 / 5 of a radius centered on the axis of rotation and extending between said two successive water intakes.

[0048] It will be understood that, preferably, the exit channel is narrow.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment, the water retention dike further includes at least one movable gate configured to be opened when a water level of the body of water is greater than or equal to a water level of the water retention basin, so as to fill the water retention basin with water from the body of water.

[0050] It will be understood that each movable gate may comprise one or two leaves. It will also be understood that the water retention dam may comprise several movable gates, for example, to facilitate navigation on the water retention basin. According to a non-preferred embodiment, each movable gate may be arranged in a conduit formed in the dam.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, for the cove or coves, the water intakes are arranged at a height less than or equal to an average water level of the water body at mid-tide at the location of the water retention dike, that is to say at a height less than or equal to an average intermediate water level at the location of the water retention dike between high tide and low tide.

[0052] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to improve the range of use during which the electricity production installation can produce electricity.

[0053] According to a particular embodiment, the electricity production installation further comprises an end fitting for each conduit, each end fitting being connected to the water inlet of a conduit, and each end fitting having a hydrodynamic shape curved towards the bottom of the water retention basin configured to promote an inflow of water from the bottom of the water retention basin, such that, in use, a The water surface of the water retention basin is not disturbed by vortices.

[0054] According to a particular embodiment, for each flexible water supply pipe, a diameter of the flexible water supply pipe is less than a diameter of the conduit configured to carry water between the water retention basin and the water intake to which said flexible water supply pipe is configured to be connected, the water intake being conical between the conduit and the flexible water supply pipe.

[0055] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to increase the water pressure in the flexible water supply pipe in order to improve the rotation of the floating turbine's blade wheel and the operating efficiency of the electricity production installation.

[0056] According to a particular embodiment, the electricity production installation further comprises a water supply control system for the or each floating turbine, the water supply control system comprising at least one of the following: a plurality of valves, each valve being disposed at a water intake; a plurality of valves, each valve being disposed at a water inlet of a conduit; a sluice gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin and the water inlets of the conduits configured to supply water to the or each floating turbine; and as many sluice gates as there are floating turbines, the or each sluice gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin and the water inlets of the conduits configured to supply water to a respective floating turbine.

[0057] The valves can, for example, be guillotine valves.

[0058] According to a particular embodiment, the electricity production installation further comprises a control device configured to control the opening and closing of at least one movable gate of the water retention dike and to control the actuation of the water supply control system; preferably, the control device is configured to control the opening of at least one movable gate when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water, so as to fill the water retention basin; to control the closing of at least one movable gate when the tide is high;to control an actuation of the water supply control system to supply water to at least one floating turbine, so as to produce electricity, when the tide is falling and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a first predetermined value, preferably between 0.1 X Mm and 0.9 X Mm, preferably still between 0.3 x Mm and 0.8 x Mm, and even more preferably between 0.5 x Mm and 0.6 x Mm, Mm corresponding to the mean tidal range at the location of the electricity production installation; and to control an actuation of the control system; water supply so as to stop the water supply to at least one floating turbine when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a second predetermined value, preferably between 0.1 X Mm and 0.9 X Mm and less than or equal to the first predetermined value.

[0059] The control device may, in particular, be an electronic device, for example a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), comprising or associated with memory containing instructions for controlling the electricity generation installation. The control device may also include inputs / outputs or even communication devices, wireless or wired.

[0060] The present invention also relates to a method of producing electricity for a power generation plant according to the invention, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water, opening at least one movable gate of the water retention dike, so as to fill the water retention basin; when the tide is high, closing at least one movable gate of the water retention dike; when a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a first predetermined value, activating the water supply control system to supply water to at least one floating turbine, so as to produce electricity;and when the tide is rising and the difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin and the water level of the body of water reaches a second predetermined value, activate the water supply control system so as to stop the water supply to at least one floating turbine.

[0061] It will be understood that, according to variants, in the case where the electricity production installation includes several movable gates, the different movable gates can be opened simultaneously or separately as needed, for example according to the needs of filling the water retention basin or according to the needs of navigation on the water retention basin.

[0062] It will also be understood that, preferably, the steps of the process are executed by a control device of the electricity production installation.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment, the first predetermined value for the height difference is between 0.1 x Mm and 0.9 x Mm, preferably between 0.3 x Mm and 0.8 x Mm, more preferably between 0.5 x Mm and 0.6 x Mm, and the second predetermined value for the height difference is between 0.1 X Mm and 0.9 X Mm and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, Mm corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production facility.

[0064] We will now describe particular embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] On these drawings:

[0066] [Fig.la] is a perspective view of a floating electricity production turbine according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] [Fig. 1b] is an enlarged view of the floating turbine of [Fig.1a], the flexible water supply pipes are not shown for clarity.

[0068] [Fig.2] is an enlarged view of the floating turbine of [Fig.1a], at the connection between an injector and a flexible water supply pipe.

[0069] [Fig.3a] is a top view of the floating turbine of [Fig.la], in use, in a high tide position or a low tide position.

[0070] [Fig.3b] is a top view of the floating turbine of [Fig.la], in use, in a mid-tide position.

[0071] [Fig.4] is a schematic view, at low tide, of an electricity production installation according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising three floating turbines according to [Fig.la].

[0072] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a cove and a floating turbine of an electricity production installation according to the embodiment of [Fig.4], the floating turbine is shown both in a high tide position, in a mid-tide position and in a low tide position.

[0073] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.5].

[0074] [Fig.7] is a top view of [Fig.5], only the position of the floating turbine at Low tide is shown for clarity.

[0075] If we refer first of all to [Fig. 1a], we can see that a floating turbine 1 for the production of electricity according to an embodiment of the present invention is represented there, comprising a frame 2, a paddle wheel 3, an electric generator 4, four injectors 5 and four flexible water supply pipes 6.

[0076] According to the invention, the floating turbine 1 is configured to be disposed on a body of water E subject to tides in a cove 120 downstream of a water retention dike 110 forming the cove 120. This configuration of use will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 to 7 when describing an electricity production installation 100 according to the present invention.

[0077] The chassis 2 defines an axis of rotation A. As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 1b], in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the chassis 2 comprises an octagonal central platform 2a connected to an upper platform 2b The square is formed by struts 2c, here four in number, extending obliquely between the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b, such that the central platform 2a, the upper platform 2b, and the struts 2c together define a frustoconical shape. The axis of rotation passes through a center of the central platform 2a and a center of the upper platform 2b.

[0078] The central platform 2a, the upper platform 2b, and the spacers 2c are preferably made of metal, for example, stainless steel, so as to resist corrosion in a marine environment. It will be understood, however, that the central platform 2a, the upper platform 2b, and the spacers 2c may, depending on variations, also be made of other materials, for example, composite or wood. It will be understood that the spacers 2c may be attached to the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b by any means, for example, by welding, bolting, bonding, or riveting. It will also be understood that the spacers 2c, the central platform 2a, and the upper platform 2b may be formed as a single unit. It will also be understood that the central platform 2a and the upper platform 2b may have other shapes.The central platform 2a can, for example, be polygonal or circular, and the upper platform 2b can, for example, be rectangular, polygonal, or circular. It will also be understood that the chassis 2 could include more than four spacers 2c.

[0079] The chassis 2 further includes a float assembly 21. The float assembly 21 is configured to float the floating turbine 1 and defines a waterline 22 for the floating turbine 1. The floating turbine 1 is further configured such that the axis of rotation A is normal to a plane containing the waterline 22, called the waterline plane.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the float assembly 21 is arranged under the central platform 2a. The float assembly 21 will be described in more detail below.

[0081] The impeller 3 is rotationally connected to the frame 2 and is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation A in a predetermined direction of rotation. As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 1b], in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the impeller 3 is rotationally connected to the upper platform 2b of the frame 2 and is disposed in an internal space within the frame 2. It will be understood that, preferably, a bearing, for example a ball bearing, is used to guide the impeller 3 in rotation relative to the upper platform 2b.

[0082] The impeller 3 comprises a plurality of blades 31 distributed over a circumference of the impeller 3. Preferably, the impeller 3 is a vertical axis, centripetal-fed impeller 3, with blades 31 having concave surfaces configured to be oriented towards the injectors 5 in use.

[0083] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 3a and 3b, for the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, in a top view, the predetermined direction of rotation is counterclockwise. It will be understood, however, that alternatively the floating turbine 1 can be configured so that the predetermined direction of rotation is clockwise. It will also be understood that such a floating turbine 1 corresponds to the mirror image of the floating turbine shown in Figures 1a to 3b.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the impeller 3 is dimensioned and connected to the frame 2 such that a lower part of the impeller 3 is disposed above the waterline, so that in operation the impeller 3 is disposed outside the body of water E. It will be understood that in operation this configuration makes it possible to prevent water from the body of water E from slowing down the rotation of the impeller 3, which in particular makes it possible to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1.

[0085] The electric generator 4 is fixed to the frame 2 and is configured to be driven in rotation by the impeller 3 so as to produce electricity. Preferably, the floating turbine 1 further includes a speed multiplier 41 coupled between the impeller 3 and the electric generator 4, so as to improve the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1. The electric generator 4 is rotationally fixed to the upper platform 2b of the frame 2, optionally via the speed multiplier 4L

[0086] The injectors 5 are fixed to the frame 2 and are regularly distributed around an outer periphery of the impeller 3. As can be seen more clearly in Figures 1b and 2, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, each injector 5 is secured to the central platform 2a of the frame 2 by means of a mounting plate 5a. Each mounting plate 5a can, for example, be fixed to the central platform 2a by welding, bolting, or riveting. Each injector 5 is preferably fixed to its respective mounting plate 5a by bolting.

[0087] The injectors 5 are arranged in the same plane, parallel to the waterline, and each injector 5 includes an inlet opening 51 and an outlet opening 52.

[0088] For each injector 5, the outlet opening 52 is configured to, in use, direct tangentially to the impeller 3 a flow of water received through the inlet opening 51 towards the blades 31 of the impeller 3 opposite said injector 5, so as to cause a rotation of the impeller 3 around the axis of rotation A in the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0089] It will be understood that, for each injector 5, the way in which the water flow is tangentially directed towards the blades 31 of the impeller 3 directly influences the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1.

[0090] In the context of the invention and with reference, for example, to Figures 3a and 3b, the angle The injection angle is defined locally, for each water molecule in the water flow, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, for example in a top view, and with respect to a tangent to the impeller 3 perpendicular to an extension of a diameter of the impeller 3 passing through the center of the outlet opening 52 of the injector 5. Preferably, each outlet opening 52 of an injector 5 is configured to direct the water flow at an injection angle between 2 and 35 degrees, preferably still between 10 and 25 degrees.

[0091] Each flexible water supply pipe 6 is configured to have a buoyancy capability in the water body E when said flexible water supply pipe 6 is filled with water from the water body E, and to, in use, mechanically anchor the floating turbine 1 to the water retention dike 110. A floating turbine 1 according to the invention therefore does not require dedicated moorings to anchor the floating turbine 1 to the water retention dike 110, nor dedicated guide elements to guide a movement of the floating turbine 1 as a function of variation in the water level of the water body E.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig.1a], each flexible water supply pipe 6 includes an internal buoyancy layer made of a material configured to give buoyancy to the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will be understood, however, that, according to variants, buoyancy can be given by several internal layers of the flexible water supply pipe 6, or by one or more external buoyancy devices made of a material configured to give buoyancy to the flexible water supply pipe 6.

[0093] External buoyancy devices may, for example, be floats sequentially distributed along the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will also be understood that floats sequentially distributed along the flexible water supply pipe 6 can protect the flexible water supply pipe 6 against wear by friction, for example friction against the handle 120, and are preferably replaceable so that they can be changed when they are too worn.

[0094] For the purposes of the invention, "having buoyancy" means having the ability to remain on the surface and not sink in the body of water E. It will be understood that this characteristic is in particular linked to the salinity of the water used.

[0095] According to a particular embodiment, each flexible water supply pipe 6 can be configured so that, when filled with water, it has a buoyant capacity with a portion extending above the water. The portion extending above the water may, for example, have a volume between 2% and 20% of the total volume of the flexible water supply pipe 6.

[0096] According to the invention, each flexible water supply pipe 6 is also configured to be connected to one of the injectors 5 in a one-to-one manner and to be connected from fluidic manner, at a first end 61, at the inlet opening 51 of the injector 5 to which it is connected.

[0097] Furthermore, each flexible water supply pipe 6 is also configured to be, in use, connected fluidically, at a second end 62, to a water outlet 130 extending from an inner periphery of the loop 120. In addition, according to the invention, the flexible water supply pipes 6 are configured to all have the same length and to be connected in a one-to-one manner to water outlets 130 regularly distributed on the inner periphery of the loop 120 and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the water level when the water extent E is calm.

[0098] By way of example, for use with a cove 120 having a radius of 8 meters and a floating turbine 1 having a frame 2 with a radius of 2 meters, the lengths of the flexible water supply pipes 6 can for example be between 9 and 12 meters.

[0099] Each flexible water supply pipe 6 is further configured to include a reinforcement, resistant to tension and compression in a longitudinal direction of the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will be understood in particular that, for each flexible water supply pipe 6, the reinforcement ensures that the length of the flexible water supply pipe 6 remains constant throughout the use of the floating turbine 1.

[0100] The frame is also configured to allow, in use, the flexible water supply hose 6, once connected to a water inlet 130 and an injector 5, to exert a pressure force on the frame 2 in the predetermined direction of rotation, via the injector 5 to which it is connected. It will be understood that the buoyancy of the flexible water supply hoses 6 makes it possible, in particular, to prevent the flexible water supply hoses 6 from sinking and to ensure that the pressure forces are correctly applied to the frame 2.

[0101] Furthermore, all the injectors 5 are fixed to the frame 2 at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation and are configured to direct the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes 6 around the axis of rotation A in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that, in use, any movement of the floating turbine 1 caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water E is automatically combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine 1 around the axis of rotation A, caused jointly by all the flexible water supply pipes 6, the first ends 61 of the flexible water supply pipes 6 being respectively wound and unwound around the floating turbine 1 according to the variations in the water level of the body of water E.

[0102] It will be understood that, in use, during a movement of the floating turbine 1 from the high tide position MH, or from the low tide position MB, Towards the mid-tide position MM, the floating turbine 1 rotates in the predetermined direction of rotation, i.e. counterclockwise in Figures 3a and 3b. Similarly, it will be understood that, in use, when moving the floating turbine 1 from the mid-tide position MM towards the high tide position MH, or towards the low tide position MB, the floating turbine 1 rotates in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction of rotation, i.e. clockwise in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0103] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement of each flexible water supply pipe 6 is configured to prevent deformation of an internal cross-section of the flexible water supply pipe 6, such that the internal cross-section remains constant when a vacuum of 1 bar is applied in said flexible water supply pipe 6. Preferably, the reinforcement of each flexible water supply pipe 6 is further configured to provide resistance against twisting, crushing and local load of the flexible water supply pipe 6. The flexible water supply pipes 6 may, for example, be of the dredging and discharge pipe type.

[0104] The floating turbine 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b comprises four injectors 5 distributed at 90 degrees to each other about the axis of rotation A. It will be understood, however, that, according to variations, the floating turbine 1 may comprise a different number of injectors 5. It will also be understood that the number of injectors 5 of the floating turbine 1 must be greater than or equal to three, in particular to ensure that each flexible water supply pipe 6 applies its pressure force to the frame in the predetermined direction of rotation. The floating turbine 1 may, for example, comprise three injectors 5 distributed at 120 degrees to each other about the axis of rotation A, or, more generally, N injectors 5 distributed at N / 360 degrees to each other about the axis of rotation A, with N greater than or equal to three.

[0105] It will also be understood that whatever the number of injectors 5, the floating turbine 1 comprises as many flexible water supply pipes 6 as there are injectors 5.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the float assembly 21 comprises four float units 23, that is to say as many float units 23 as the floating turbine 1 comprises injectors 5.

[0107] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 3a and 3B, the float units 23 and the injectors 5 are sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller 3, and each float unit 23 comprises a single float. According to alternative embodiments, each float unit 23 could comprise several floats joined together to form the float unit 23, or all the floats could be connected together to form a single float unit 23 extending around the periphery of the impeller 3.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, an outer periphery of the frame 2 is configured to guide the first ends 61 of the flexible water supply pipes 6, and to promote a rotation of the floating turbine 1 in the predetermined direction of rotation around the axis of rotation A.

[0109] In particular, still with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, in a top view, the outer periphery of the frame 2 defines four teeth 24, that is to say as many teeth 24 as the floating turbine has injectors 5. The teeth 24 and the injectors 5 are sequentially distributed on the periphery of the blade wheel 3, and a radial extension of each tooth 24 gradually decreases in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that the teeth 24 give the frame 2 a shape analogous to a circular saw blade.

[0110] If we also refer to [Fig.lb], we understand that, in any cross-sectional view along a plane including the axis of rotation A, a radial extension of each tooth 24 is maximum at the level of the waterline and gradually decreases on either side of the waterline, so that, in use, the first ends 61 of the flexible water supply pipes 6 are guided along the outer periphery of the frame 2 during a winding, or unwinding, of the flexible water supply pipes 6 caused by a rotation of the floating turbine 1 around the axis of rotation A itself caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water E.

[0111] With reference to Figures 3a and 3b, by way of example, for a floating turbine 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b used in an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention which will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 7, the rotation of the floating turbine 1 around the axis of rotation A between the mid-tide position MM and the high tide position MH, or the low tide position MB, is between 10 and 15 degrees.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the float assembly 21 defines the outer periphery of the frame 2 and the float units 23 form the teeth 24. It will be understood, however, that, according to variants, the arrangement of the frame 2 could be different; the frame 2 could, for example, include a housing defining the outer periphery of the frame 2, forming the teeth 24 and surrounding the float assembly 21.

[0113] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3b, the outer periphery of the frame 2 is further configured to improve the evacuation of water injected into the paddle wheel 3 by the injectors 5.

[0114] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig. 1b], the outer periphery of the frame 2 comprises four openings 25, that is, as many openings as there are teeth 24. Each opening 25 is arranged between two successive teeth 24, below a injector 5, and is configured to allow water to pass from the inside of the floating turbine 1 to the outside of the floating turbine 1. It will be understood that this configuration notably improves the evacuation of water to the outside of the floating turbine 1, so that the water level of the water body E does not increase locally inside the floating turbine 1, so that, in operation, the water body E does not come into contact with the impeller 3 when the impeller 3 rotates, which prevents the impeller 3 from slowing down and improves the operating efficiency of the floating turbine 1. It will be understood, however, that, according to variations, other configurations are possible to form openings 25 in the outer periphery of the frame 2, so as to improve the evacuation of the water injected into the floating turbine 1.

[0115] The present invention also relates to an electricity generating installation 100 configured to be located in an area where there is a body of water E subject to tides. The area where the body of water E subject to tides is located is, for example, an estuary or an area situated near the mouth of a river.

[0116] Referring to [Fig.4], one can see that a schematic representation of an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention is shown there, comprising a water retention dam 110 and three floating turbines 1 according to the invention.

[0117] The water retention dike 110 is configured to form, on the downstream side, three coves 120, and to define, on the upstream side, a water retention basin B, each cove 120 comprising an outlet channel 150 in communication with the body of water E.

[0118] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, it can be seen that the water retention dike 110 comprises, for each cove 120, four water intakes 130 extending each from an inner periphery of the cove 120 so as to be regularly distributed from one another on the inner periphery of the cove 120 and to be arranged in the same plane parallel to the water level of the water body E when the water body E is calm.

[0119] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig.7], for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, for each cove 120, the water intakes 130 all extend from the inner periphery of the cove 120 at the same angle in the predetermined direction of rotation of the floating turbine 1 located in the cove 120. It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to better orient the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes 6 on the frame 2 of the floating turbine 1 located in the cove 120 around the axis of rotation A in the predetermined direction of rotation.

[0120] It will also be understood that for an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention, the predetermined direction of rotation is defined for each floating turbine pair 1 / loop 120 and may possibly be different between the different pairs floating turbine 1 / cove 120 of the same electricity production installation 100.

[0121] The water retention dam 110 further includes, for each cove 120, conduits 140 extending in the same plane as the water intakes 130 of cove 120 and configured to convey water between the water retention basin B and the water intakes 130 of cove 120. Each conduit 140 includes a water inlet 145 on the side of water retention basin B. According to an embodiment not shown, the power generation installation 100 further includes an end fitting for each conduit 140. Each end fitting is connected to the water inlet 145 of a conduit 140 and has a hydrodynamic shape curved towards the bottom of water retention basin B configured to promote an inflow of water from the bottom of water retention basin B, such that, in use, a water surface water retention basin B is not disturbed by vortices generated by water suction through water inlets 145 of conduits 140.

[0122] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, it can be seen that each floating turbine 1 is arranged on the tidal body of water E in a respective cove 120 downstream of the water retention dike 110 and includes as many flexible water supply pipes 6, and therefore injectors 5, as the cove 120 includes water intakes 130, i.e. four injectors 5 for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, and each flexible water supply pipe 6 is connected to a water intake 130 in a one-to-one manner.

[0123] However, although the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7 includes a water retention dam 110 forming three coves 120, in each of which is arranged a floating turbine 1 comprising four injectors 5, it will be understood that, according to variants, the electricity production installation 100 could include another number of coves 120, and therefore another number of floating turbines 1, and that, as mentioned above, the number of injectors 5 of each floating turbine 1 is greater than three but may be different from four, the number of water intakes 130 and the number of injectors 5 of a cove 120 / floating turbine 1 pair being equal.

[0124] As can be seen more clearly in [Fig.7], in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, for each flexible water supply pipe 6, a diameter of the flexible water supply pipe 6 is less than a diameter of the conduit 140 configured to carry water between the water retention basin B and the water intake 130 to which said flexible water supply pipe 6 is configured to be connected, the water intake 130 being conical between the conduit 140 and the flexible water supply pipe 6. It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to increase the water pressure in the flexible water supply pipe 6 so as to improve the rotation of the blade wheel 3 of the floating turbine 1 and the operating efficiency of the electricity production installation 100.

[0125] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 5 and 7, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, in a top view, each cove 120 has a lyre shape. This shape notably protects the floating turbine 1 received in the cove 120, as well as ensuring proper positioning of the water intakes 130 and the flexible water supply pipes 6.

[0126] For the purposes of the invention, a "lyre shape" means a circular shape open on a portion of its periphery. For each lyre-shaped cove 120, the opening of the lyre forms the outlet channel 150 in communication with the body of water E.

[0127] Preferably, the outlet channel 150 is narrow. In particular, the outlet channel 150 can be arranged between two planes containing, in use, the axis of rotation A of the floating turbine 1 located in the cove 120 and passing respectively through one of two successive water intakes 130. Preferably, in a top view, the outlet channel 150 opens the periphery of the cove 120 over less than 3 / 5 of a radius centered on the axis of rotation A and extending between said two successive water intakes 130.

[0128] By referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that each floating turbine 1 of the power generation installation 100 is configured to move between a high tide position MH, a mid-tide position MM, and a low tide position MB according to the variations in water level of the body of water E. It will be understood that, depending on the tidal coefficient, the high tide position MH and the low tide position MB can vary between the different cycles.

[0129] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, it can also be seen that for the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, for each cove 120, a lower inner part of the cove 125, located below the plane in which the water intakes 130 are located, is shaped into a bowl whose curvature is configured to support the flexible water supply pipes 6 of the floating turbine 1 located in the cove 120, as there is a variation in the water level of the body of water E below the plane in which the water intakes 130 are located.

[0130] Preferably, for each cove 120, the lower inner portion 125 of the cove 120, shaped like a bowl, further includes a flexible water supply pipe 126 receiving groove for each flexible water supply pipe 6 of the floating turbine 1 disposed in the cove 120. Each flexible water supply pipe 126 receiving groove has a gutter shape and is configured to progressively receive a flexible water supply pipe 6 as the water level of the water body E changes in the lower inner portion 125 of the cove 120 shaped like a bowl. It will be understood that the gutter shape allows, in particular, the flexible water supply pipe 6 to be received without damage.

[0131] Preferably, for each floating turbine pair 1 / hook 120, the length of flexible water supply pipes 6 and the shape of the lower inner part 125 of the cove 120 are chosen so that a lower part of the floating turbine 1 never touches the bottom of the cove 120, even in the low tide position MB.

[0132] Preferably, for each cove 120, the water intakes 130 are located at a height equal to the average water level of the water body E at mid-tide at the location of the water retention dike 110, that is, at a height equal to the average intermediate water level at the location of the water retention dike 110 between high and low tide. It will be understood that this configuration notably improves the operating range during which the power generation plant 100 can produce electricity. It will also be understood that, alternatively, the water intakes 130 could be located at a height lower than the average water level of the water body E at mid-tide at the location of the water retention dike 110.

[0133] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 4], the water retention dike 110 further comprises a movable gate 115 configured to open when a water level in the water body E is greater than or equal to a water level in the water retention basin B, so as to fill the water retention basin B with water from the water body E. It will be understood that the movable gate 115 may comprise two leaves, as schematically shown in [Fig. 4], or, alternatively, a single leaf. It will also be understood that the water retention dike 110 could comprise several movable gates 115, for example to facilitate navigation on the water retention basin B, or that the movable gate 115 could be arranged in a conduit formed in the dike 110.

[0134] The power generation installation 100 further includes a water supply control system 135 for each floating turbine 1. In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the water supply control system 135 includes a plurality of valves, one valve being disposed at each water intake 130 and being configured to, in use, control the water supply to the flexible water supply pipe 6 connected to the water intake 130. The valves may, for example, be guillotine valves.

[0135] In various embodiments, the water supply control system 135 could include, in addition to or instead of the valves located at the water intakes 130 described above, a plurality of valves, each valve being located at a water inlet 145 of a conduit 140, or a sluice gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin B and the water inlets 145 of the conduits 140 configured to supply water to each floating turbine 1, or as many sluice gates as there are floating turbines 1, each sluice gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin B and the water inlets 145 of the conduits 140 configured to supply in water a respective floating turbine 1.

[0136] A power generation installation 100 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7 further includes a control device 105 configured to control an opening and closing of the movable gate 115 of the water retention dam 110, and to control an actuation of the water supply control system 135.

[0137] The control device 105 may in particular be an electronic device, for example a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), comprising or associated with memory which contains instructions for controlling the power generation installation 100. The control device 105 may also include inputs / outputs or even communication devices, wireless or wired.

[0138] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the control device 105 is configured to control the opening of the movable gate 115 when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin B is less than or equal to the water level of the water body E, so as to fill the water retention basin B. The control device 105 is also configured to control the closing of the movable gate 115 when the tide is high, and to control the actuation of the water supply control system 135 to supply water to the floating turbines 1, so as to produce electricity, when the tide is falling and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the water body E reaches a first predetermined value.

[0139] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first predetermined value is between 0.1 X Mm and 0.9 X Mm, preferably between 0.3 X Mm and 0.8 X Mm, and more preferably between 0.5 X Mm and 0.6 X Mm, Mm corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the power generation installation 100.

[0140] The control device 105 is also configured to control an actuation of the water supply control system 135 so as to stop the water supply to the floating turbines 1 when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a second predetermined value.

[0141] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4 to 7, the second predetermined value is between 0.1X Mm and 0.9X Mm and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value.

[0142] It will be understood that according to the needs, for example production needs electricity for the power generation installation 100 or the maintenance requirements of a floating turbine 1, the control device 105 can be configured to control the water supply of each floating turbine 1 separately from the water supply of the other floating turbines 1.

[0143] We will now describe a method of using an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention, comprising a movable door 115 and a water supply control system 135 as described above.

[0144] The method first includes a first step consisting of, when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin B is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water E, opening the movable gate 115 of the water retention dike 110, so as to fill the water retention basin B.

[0145] The process then includes a second step consisting of, when the tide is high, closing the movable gate 115 of the water retention dike 110.

[0146] Then, the process includes a third step consisting of, when a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a first predetermined value, activating the water supply control system 135 to supply water to the floating turbines 1, so as to produce electricity.

[0147] The method also includes a fourth step consisting of, when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin B and the water level of the body of water E reaches a second predetermined value, activating the water supply control system 135 to stop the water supply to the floating turbines.

[0148] Preferably, the first predetermined value for the height difference is between 0.1X Mm and 0.9X Mm, more preferably between 0.3X Mm and 0.8X Mm, even more preferably between 0.5X Mm and 0.6X Mm, and the second predetermined value for the height difference is between 0.1X Mm and 0.9X Mm and is less than or equal to the first predetermined value, Mm corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the power generation installation.

[0149] It will be understood that a method analogous to that described above can be used for an electricity production installation 100 according to the invention comprising several movable gates 115, the different movable gates 115 being able to be opened simultaneously or separately as required, for example according to the needs of filling the water retention basin B or according to the needs of navigation on the water retention basin B.

[0150] Preferably, the steps of the process are executed by a control device 105 of the electricity production installation 100.

[0151] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. - Floating electricity generating turbine (1), configured to be arranged on a body of water (E) subject to tides in a cove (120) downstream of a water retention dike (110) forming the cove (120), characterized in that the floating turbine (1) comprises: - a frame (2), defining an axis of rotation (A) and comprising a float assembly (21) configured to float the floating turbine (1), the float assembly (21) defining a waterline (22) for the floating turbine (1) and the floating turbine (1) being further configured such that the axis of rotation (A) is normal to a plane containing the waterline (22), called the waterline plane; - a paddle wheel (3), rotationally connected to the frame (2) and configured to rotate around the axis of rotation (A) in a predetermined direction of rotation, the paddle wheel (3) comprising a plurality of blades (31) distributed over a circumference of the paddle wheel (3); - an electric generator (4), fixed to the chassis (2) and configured to be driven in rotation by the paddle wheel (3) so as to produce electricity; - at least three injectors (5), fixed to the frame (2), regularly distributed around an outer periphery of the paddle wheel (3) and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the waterline, each injector (5) comprising an inlet opening (51) and an outlet opening (52), the outlet opening (52) being configured so as, in use, to direct tangentially to the paddle wheel (3) a flow of water received by the inlet opening (51) towards the blades (31) of the paddle wheel (3) opposite said injector (5), so as to cause a rotation of the paddle wheel (3) around the axis of rotation (A) in the predetermined direction of rotation; - as many flexible water supply pipes (6) as injectors (5), each flexible water supply pipe (6) being configured: to have a buoyancy capability in the body of water (E) when said flexible water supply pipe (6) is filled with water from the body of water (E); for, in use, mechanically anchoring the floating turbine (1) to the water retention dike (110); to be connected to one of the injectors (5) in a one-to-one manner; to be connected fluidically, at a first end (61), to the inlet opening (51) of the injector (5) to which it is connected; to be, in use, connected fluidically, at a second end (62), to a water intake (130) extending from an inner periphery of the cove (120), on the water body (E) side, the flexible water supply pipes (6) being configured to all have the same length and to be connected in a one-to-one manner to water intakes (130) regularly distributed on the inner periphery of the cove (120) and arranged in the same plane, parallel to the water level of the water body (E) when the water body (E) is calm; and to understand a reinforcement, resistant to tension and compression along a longitudinal direction of the flexible water supply pipe (6), configured to allow the flexible water supply pipe (6), once connected to a water outlet (130) and an injector (5), to exert a pressure force on the frame (2) in the predetermined direction of rotation,via the injector (5) to which it is connected, all injectors (5) being fixed to the frame (2) at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation and being configured to direct the pressure forces of the flexible water supply pipes (6) around the axis of rotation (A) in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that, in use, any movement of the floating turbine (1) caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water (E) is automatically combined with a rotational movement of the floating turbine (1) around the axis of rotation (A), jointly caused by all the flexible water supply pipes (6), the first ends (61) of the flexible water supply pipes (6) being respectively wound and unwound around the floating turbine (1) according to the variations in the water level of the body of water (E).

2. - Floating turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, for each flexible water supply pipe (6), the reinforcement is configured to prevent deformation of an internal cross-section of the flexible water supply pipe (6), such that the internal cross-section remains constant when a vacuum of 1 bar is applied in said flexible water supply pipe (6).

3. - Floating turbine (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, for each flexible water supply pipe (6), the reinforcement is further configured to provide resistance against a twisting, crushing and local loading of the flexible water supply pipe (6).

4. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each flexible water supply pipe (6) comprises at least one of: an internal buoyancy layer of a material configured to impart buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe (6) and an external buoyancy device of a material configured to impart buoyancy to said flexible water supply pipe (6).

5. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the float assembly (21) comprises as many float units (23) as the floating turbine (1) comprises injectors (5), the float units (23) and the injectors (5) being sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller (3), and each float unit (23) comprising at least one float.

6. - A floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in a top view, an outer periphery of the frame (2) defines as many teeth (24) as the floating turbine (1) has injectors (5), the teeth (24) and the injectors (5) being sequentially distributed around the periphery of the impeller (3), and a radial extension of each tooth (24) gradually decreasing in the predetermined direction of rotation, such that the teeth (24) give the frame (2) a shape analogous to a circular saw blade, and, in any cross-sectional view along a plane including the axis of rotation (A), a radial extension of each tooth (24) is maximum at the waterline and gradually decreases on either side of the waterline, such that, in use,The first ends (61) of the flexible water supply pipes (6) are guided along the outer periphery of the frame (2) during winding, or unwinding, of the flexible water supply pipes (6), caused by a rotation of the floating turbine (1) around the axis of rotation (A), caused by a variation in the water level of the body of water (E).

7. - Floating turbine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the outer periphery of the frame (2) comprises as many openings (25) as teeth (24), each opening (24) being disposed between two successive teeth (24), below an injector (25), and being configured to allow water to pass from the interior of the floating turbine (1) towards an outside of the floating turbine (1).

8. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7 taking into account claim 6, characterized in that the float assembly (21) defines the outer periphery of the frame (2) and the float units (23) form the teeth (24).

9. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the floating turbine (1) further comprises a speed multiplier (41) coupled between the blade wheel (3) and the electric generator (4).

10. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the impeller (3) is dimensioned and connected to the frame (2) such that a lower part of the impeller (3) is disposed at or above the waterline, so that in use the impeller (3) is disposed outside the body of water (E).

11. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the floating turbine (1) comprises four in-injectors (5) distributed at 90 degrees to each other around the axis of rotation (A).

12. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the impeller (3) is a vertical axis, centripetal-fed impeller (3) with blades (31) having concave surfaces configured to, in use, be oriented towards the injectors (5).

13. - Floating turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, in a top view, each outlet opening (52) of an injector (5) is configured to direct the water flow at an injection angle between 2 and 35 degrees, preferably between 10 and 25 degrees, the injection angle being defined locally for each water molecule of the water flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) and with respect to a tangent to the impeller (3) perpendicular to an extension of a diameter of the impeller (3) passing through the center of the outlet opening (52) of the injector (5).

14. - Electricity generating installation (100) characterized in that the electricity generating installation (100) is located in an area where there is a body of water (E) subject to tides and that the electricity generating installation (100) comprises: - a water retention dike (110) configured to form, on the downstream side, at least one cove (120) and to define, on the upstream side, a water retention basin (B), the water retention dike (110) comprising, for each cove (120), at least three water intakes (130) extending from an inner periphery of the cove (120), on the water body (E) side, so as to be regularly distributed around the inner periphery of the cove (120) and to be arranged in the same plane parallel to the water level of the water body (E) when the water body (E) is calm, and conduits (140) extending in the same plane as the water intakes (130) of the cove (120) and configured to convey water between the water retention basin (B) and the water intakes (130) of the cove (120), each conduit (140) including a water inlet (145), on the water retention basin side (B);and - as many floating turbines (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 13, as there are coves (120), the or each floating turbine (1) being disposed on the body of water (E) subject to tides in a respective cove (120) downstream of the water retention dike (110) and comprising as many flexible water supply pipes (6) as the cove (120) comprises water intakes (130), each flexible water supply pipe (6) being connected to a water intake (130) in a one-to-one manner.;

15. - Electricity production installation (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that, in a top view, each handle (120) has a lyre shape.

16. - Electricity production installation (100) according to claim 14 or claim 15, characterized in that, for the or each cove (120), a lower inner part (125) of the cove (120), located below the plane in which the water intakes (130) are located, is worked in the form of a bowl whose curvature is configured to support the flexible water supply pipes (6) of the floating turbine (1) disposed in the cove (120), as there is a variation in the water level of the body of water (E) below the plane in which the water intakes (130) are located.

17. - Electricity generating installation (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that, for the cove or each cove (120), the lower inner portion (125) of the cove (120), shaped like a bowl, further comprises a flexible water supply pipe (126) receiving groove for each flexible water supply pipe (6) of the floating turbine (1) disposed in the cove (120), each flexible water supply pipe (126) receiving groove having a gutter shape and being configured to progressively receive a flexible water supply pipe (6), as there is a variation in the water level of the body of water (E) in the lower inner part (125) of the basin-shaped ornate cove (120).

18. - Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, for the cove or each cove (120), the water intakes (130) all extend from the inner periphery of the cove (120) at the same inclination in the predetermined direction of rotation of the floating turbine (1) disposed in the cove (120).

19. - Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the water retention dam (110) further comprises at least one movable gate (115) configured to be opened when a water level of the body of water (E) is greater than or equal to a water level of the water retention basin (B), so as to fill the water retention basin (B) with water from the body of water (E).

20. - Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, for the cove or each cove (120), the water intakes (130) are arranged at a height less than or equal to an average water level of the body of water (E) at mid-tide at the location of the water retention dike (110), i.e. at a height less than or equal to an average intermediate water level at the location of the water retention dike (110) between high tide and low tide.

21. - Power generation installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the power generation installation (100) further comprises an end fitting for each conduit (140), each end fitting (140) being connected to the water inlet (145) of a conduit (140), and each end fitting having a hydrodynamic shape curved towards a bottom of the water retention basin (B) configured to promote an inflow of water from the bottom of the water retention basin (B), such that, in use, a water surface of the water retention basin (B) is not disturbed by vortices.

22. - Electricity production installation (100) according to any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, for each flexible water supply pipe (6), a diameter of the flexible water supply pipe (6) is less than a diameter of the conduit (140) configured to convey water between the water retention basin (B) and the water intake (130) to which said flexible water supply pipe (6) is configured to be connected, the water intake (130) being conical between the conduit (140) and the flexible water supply pipe (6).

23. - Electricity generating installation (100) according to any of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the power generation installation (100) further comprises a water supply control system (135) for the or each floating turbine (1), the water supply control system (135) comprising at least one of: a plurality of valves, each valve being disposed at a water intake (130); a plurality of valves, each valve being disposed at a water inlet (145) of a conduit (140); a sluice gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin (B) and the water inlets (145) of the conduits (140) configured to supply water to the or each floating turbine (1); and as many lock gates as there are floating turbines (1), the lock gate or each lock gate defining a buffer basin between the water retention basin (B) and the water inlets (145) of the conduits (140) configured to supply water to a respective floating turbine (1).

24. - Electricity production installation (100) according to claim 23 taking into account claim 19, characterized by the fact that the electricity production installation (100) further includes a control device (105) configured to control an opening and closing of at least one movable gate (115) of the water retention dam (110) and to control an actuation of the water supply control system (135); Preferably, the control device (105) is configured to control the opening of at least one movable gate (115) when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin (B) is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water (E), so as to fill the water retention basin (B); to control the closing of at least one movable gate (115) when the tide is high; to control the actuation of the water supply control system (135) to supply water to at least one floating turbine (1), so as to produce electricity, when the tide is falling and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a first predetermined value, preferably between 0.1 X Mm and 0.9 X Mm, preferably between 0.3 X Mm and 0.8 X Mm and more preferably between 0.5 X Mm and 0.6 X Mm, Mm corresponding to the mean tidal range at the location of the electricity production installation (100); and to control an actuation of the water supply control system (135) so as to stop the water supply to at least one floating turbine (1) when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a second predetermined value, preferably between 0.1X Mm and 0.9 X Mm and less than or equal to the first predetermined value.

25. - Method for producing electricity for a production plant of electricity (100) according to claim 24 or according to claim 23 taken in dependence on claim 19, characterized in that the process comprises the steps of: - when the tide is rising and the water level of the water retention basin (B) is less than or equal to the water level of the body of water (E), open at least one movable gate (115) of the water retention dike (110), so as to fill the water retention basin (B); - when the tide is high, close at least one movable gate (115) of the water retention dike (110); - when a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a first predetermined value, activate the water supply control system (135) to supply water to at least one floating turbine (1), so as to produce electricity; and - when the tide is rising and a difference in height between the water level of the water retention basin (B) and the water level of the body of water (E) reaches a second predetermined value, activate the water supply control system (135) so as to stop the supply of water to at least one floating turbine (1).

26. - A method according to claim 25, characterized in that the The first predetermined value for the height difference is between 0.1X mm and 0.9X mm, preferably between 0.3X mm and 0.8X mm, preferably again between 0.5X mm and 0.6X mm, and the second predetermined value for the height difference is between 0.1X mm and 0.9X mm and is less than or equal to the first. predetermined value, Mm corresponding to the average tidal range at the location of the electricity production installation (100).

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