TURBINE ENERGY RECOVERY DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ALTERNATOR

Abstract

A turbine-based power generation system (2) comprising: - a turbine (20) having at least one internal housing (201, 202) delimited by turbine walls (200), - two electric generators (21, 22) comprising a stator (210, 220) and a rotor (211, 221), said at least one internal housing (201, 202) of the turbine housing said electric generator (22, 22), and the turbine (20) being configured to drive a rotational motion of the rotor (211, 221) of said electric generator (21, 22) such that the electric generator (21, 22) generates energy supplying an energy storage element (212, 222) from the motion of the turbine. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: TURBINE ENERGY RECOVERY DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ALTERNATOR TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a turbine system and more particularly to the production of electrical energy by the turbine system.

[0002] A turbine is a mechanical device that is driven into rotation by the action of steam, water or wind for example.

[0003] In a turbine system, an alternator is connected to the turbine and converts the mechanical energy generated by the turbine's rotation into electrical energy. The electrical energy thus produced can be stored in a battery for later use or directly power any other electrical device.

[0004] The turbine of such systems is usually located in an area exposed to the flow, in particular in a suitable compartment in which the flow circulates, driving the rotation of the turbine.

[0005] The alternator is placed in a separate compartment from the turbine, for example, to keep the alternator close to the battery and shorten the wiring, or due to constraints such as the need to protect the alternator from turbulence caused by the turbine or by the flow driving the turbine. This arrangement of the alternator and turbine applies both to turbine systems that recover energy to recharge a battery (for example, batteries supplying electricity to a residential electrical grid) and to turbine systems used in power plants supplying an electrical distribution network.

[0006] In the case of the hydroelectric power plant, the turbine is placed below a water reservoir so that the fall of water from the reservoir causes the turbine to rotate. The alternator is located remotely from the turbine and is typically situated in a storage area that can house energy storage components or transformers connected to the electrical grid.

[0007] Such a configuration of the turbine and the alternator is likely to make the system bulky. However, the bulkiness of such systems is studied only from the point of view of the respective dimensioning of the devices (alternator and / or turbine), for example by basing it on the choice of mechanical parts which optimize the space occupied by these devices without significantly altering the operation of these devices. Description of the invention

[0008] There is therefore a need to offer a compact turbine-based electricity production system.

[0009] The solution proposed in this application relates to an electricity generation system, which may be referred to as an energy-recovery "autonomous" system, based on a turbine with an integrated alternator. The inventor conceived of using the turbine as a compartment housing the alternator, the rotor of which is driven in rotation by the movement of the turbine. The system can operate autonomously thanks to the turbine being driven by a free airflow, the energy of which is converted into electrical energy to power a battery, for example.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, an electricity generation system is proposed comprising a turbine which includes two internal housings respectively housing a first electric generator and a second electric generator, such as alternators, each comprising a stator and a rotor.

[0011] The rotor of the first generator and the rotor of the second generator are connected to a linkage element fixed to the side wall of the turbine and positioned between the first and second generators. The turbine is configured to drive a rotational motion of the rotor of the first electric generator and the rotor of the second electric generator via the linkage element, such that the electric generator generates energy powering a first energy storage element and the second electric generator generates energy powering a second energy storage element.

[0012] In addition, such an electricity generation system can be adapted to recover energy from the airflow, which is a free or pulsed airflow, when a vehicle is moving in order to power the battery of that vehicle, as well as being adapted for the generation of electricity on a larger scale, for example in hydroelectric power plants, in order to supply an electrical network.

[0013] When the system is integrated into a vehicle, it recovers energy produced by the airflow to power the vehicle's battery and thus, for example, increase the battery's range. The airflow from outside the vehicle can be a free airflow generated during the vehicle's movement. This free airflow can be caused, in particular, by the advance of another vehicle, through a suction effect, for example. Specifically, when the electrical generation system is located on the lower part of the rear of the vehicle, such suction produces a pulsed, i.e., pressurized, airflow that accelerates the turbine's rotation. The movement described by this pulsed air can be likened to a vortex at the rear of the vehicle.

[0014] This embodiment actually derives from the more general aspect of the invention, which relates to a turbine-based electricity generation system comprising a turbine comprising at least one internal housing delimited by turbine walls and at least one electrical generator, such as an alternator, comprising a stator and a rotor. Said at least one internal housing of the turbine houses said electrical generator. The turbine is configured to drive a rotational motion of the rotor of said electrical generator so that the alternator generates electrical energy, powering an energy storage element, such as a battery, from the turbine's motion.

[0015] This feature makes the turbine-based power generation system more compact. The turbine makes the power generation system more versatile because its rotation can be driven by an airflow, or even a water or steam flow, regardless of the flow rate (free or pulsed) and regardless of how the flow is generated, for example, by suction or exhaust. The operation of the turbine by suction or exhaust will be detailed later in the description.

[0016] In addition, the turbine is used as a means of protecting the alternator. Indeed, the turbine forms a casing that provides protection for the alternator.

[0017] According to one embodiment, said rotor is connected to a connecting element fixed to the side walls of the turbine, the movement of the turbine being transmitted to the rotor via said connecting element.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the system includes bearings between the turbine and the stator facilitating the rotation of the turbine around the stator.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the energy storage element is housed in the internal housing and is fixed to the stator, the energy storage element being powered by the electric generator via an electrical junction.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the electric generator is fixed on a chassis adapted to allow a rotational movement of the turbine.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the system includes a turbine speed regulator allowing the rotation speed of the turbine, which is driven by a free or pulsed airflow, to be regulated.

[0022] A means of locomotion is also proposed, such as a motor vehicle for example, comprising at least one battery configured to power a motor of the means of locomotion and / or at least one device on board the means of locomotion, and at least one system according to the invention, in which said at least one electric generator is capable of powering said battery.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the motor vehicle includes an engine compartment, and said electricity generation system is located in the engine compartment such that the airflow generated by the moving motor vehicle causes the turbine of said electricity generation system to rotate.

[0024] The battery can, for example, power the electric motor of a car and / or devices on board the vehicle, such as signal lights, heating or mobile phones.

[0025] By extension, this electricity generation system can be advantageously integrated with other, non-mobile devices such as a snow cannon that projects a mixture of compressed air and water, which can drive the turbine's rotation. Thus, the electricity generation system is versatile due to its potential use in numerous applications. Further examples of integration and operating modes of the electricity generation system will be detailed later in the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The following description will be better understood with the aid of the attached drawings, in which: [Fig.1] schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the electricity generation system according to an example of an embodiment of the invention which includes two electric generators; [Fig.2] schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the electricity generation system which includes two electric generators according to another embodiment example; [Fig.3] schematically represents a perspective view of the electricity generation system of the example implementation of [Fig.2]; [Fig.4] schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the electricity generation system according to another embodiment of the invention which includes a single electric generator housed in the turbine; [Fig.5] schematically represents a motor vehicle with several electricity generation systems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION METHODS

[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an electricity generation system 2 comprising a turbine 20 according to an exemplary embodiment. The turbine 20 comprises a first internal housing 201 and a second internal housing 202 with longitudinal axis X, delimited by walls of the turbine 20.

[0028] In the example shown, the wall comprises a side wall 200 and end walls 200'. In particular, the side wall 200 has an external surface on which blades, buckets, vanes, or any other means capable of driving the turbine (not shown in [Fig. 1]) can be fixed. These means drive the turbine 20 in rotation about the longitudinal axis X by a naturally generated flow such as a flow of air or free water, or by a pulsed flow, i.e., one expelled under pressure. Of course, the integration of buckets, blades or other means capable of driving the turbine to such a turbine is classic and feasible by a person skilled in the art.

[0029] The turbine 20 preferably has a tubular shape but can also have other shapes provided that these define internal housings. Thus, it is entirely conceivable to provide a turbine whose shape has curves, for example.

[0030] The first internal housing 201 houses a first electric generator 21, and the second internal housing 202 houses a second electric generator 22. The electric generators 21 and 22 are typically configured to generate electrical energy from the rotational motion of the turbine 20 driven by the flow. The electric generators 21 and 22 may be alternators, for example, the operation of which is known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The first electric generator 21 comprises a stator 210 and a rotor 211 and the second electric generator 22 also comprises a stator 220 and a rotor 221.

[0032] The stators 210 and 220, and the rotors 211 and 221 are of conventional design, that is to say that each of the rotors can be equipped with electromagnets and each of the stators can provide a winding circuit in which an electric current is generated induced by the magnetic field of the electromagnets.

[0033] The rotor 211 of the first generator 21 and the rotor 221 of the second generator 22 are connected to the side wall 200 of the turbine, for example by means of a connecting element 23 which is here a disc disposed between the first generator and the second generator and welded to the side wall 200 of the turbine 20.

[0034] These techniques are also applicable to the other types of connecting elements mentioned above and allow these connecting elements to be attached to the side wall 200 of the turbine 20.

[0035] The turbine 20 is configured to drive a rotational movement of the rotor 211 and the rotor 212 so that the electric generator 21 and the second electric generator 22 generate energy in the form of an electric current.

[0036] The electric current generated by the first electric generator 21 powers a first energy storage element 212 via an electrical junction 213. The electric current generated by the second electric generator 22 powers a second energy storage element 222 via an electrical junction 223.

[0037] The energy storage elements 212, 222 can be batteries or any other electrical device for storing the electrical energy generated by the electric generators 21, 22 of the electricity generation system 2. The electrical junctions 213, 223 allow the flow of the electric current that powers the energy storage elements 212 and 222 and are typically made by cables adapted for the circulation of such a current.

[0038] In an alternative (not shown), the electrical energy generated by the first electrical generator 21 and by the second electrical generator 22 powers a single energy storage element.

[0039] Furthermore, the electricity generation system 2 advantageously includes bearings 214 and 224 between the turbine 20 and each of the stators 210, 220, facilitating the rotation of the turbine 20 around the stators 210, 220. The bearings 214, 224 may be ball bearings or roller bearings. The bearings are preferably high-strength and corrosion-resistant.

[0040] The electric generators 21 and 22 are fixed to a frame 24 adapted to allow the turbine 20 to rotate around the longitudinal axis X. The frame 24 typically forms a pivot joint with the rotors of the electric generators in a manner similar to alternator frames, except that the frame 24 is capable of supporting the weight of the turbine 20. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the frame 24 is bolted to a concrete base or an iron angle bracket (not shown in [Fig. 1]) and is traversed by the rotors 211 and 221 so as to keep them embedded in the frame to restrict their translational movement along the longitudinal axis X while allowing them freedom of movement in rotation around this axis X.The chassis can also take the form of a suspension for a means of locomotion such as a motor vehicle, using a jack or springs to limit the transmission of vibrations induced by the movement of this means of locomotion to the electricity generation system.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the first energy storage element 212 is fixed to the stator 210 of the first electric generator 21 and the second energy storage element 222 is fixed to the stator 220 of the second electric generator 22. In this example, the turbine 20 therefore also houses the energy storage elements 212 and 222, making it possible to further reduce the size of the electricity generation system 2.

[0042] A person skilled in the art will know how to fix the energy storage elements 212 and 222 to the stator 210 and how to connect these energy storage elements 212 and 222 to circuits, batteries or electrical networks located outside the turbine 20 so as not to interfere with the operation of the electrical generators 21 and 22.

[0043] The electricity generation system advantageously includes a recovery device configured to increase the flow rate of air, water, or steam so as to accelerate the rotation of the turbine. The recovery device is placed at the inlet of system 2, which may, for example, be located in a closed compartment, so as to form a mouth-type opening through which the fluid or gas The fluid enters and is guided to the turbine to drive its rotation. The funnel-shaped opening has the advantage of increasing the flow rate of the fluid or gas, thus optimizing the system's performance, which generates more energy when this flow rate is increased. A skilled professional will be able to design such a recovery device, integrating it, for example, at the inlet of a compartment housing the generation system.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates a power generation system 2 according to another embodiment, and Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the power generation system of Figure 3 in which the electric generators are visible through a section of the turbine. The elements and reference numerals associated with the power generation system shown in Figure 2 are identical to those associated with the power generation system shown in Figure 1.

[0045] In the example embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the first energy storage element 212 and the second energy storage element 222 are located outside the turbine 20 and are supplied respectively by the first generator 21 and the second generator 22 via the electrical junctions 213 and 223.

[0046] Indeed, the electricity generation system according to the invention can be modular and include connectors adapted for connection to batteries capable of storing the electrical energy supplied by the electric generators of the electricity generation system. In this case, it is possible to reuse batteries within a system, thus avoiding their replacement with new batteries that would have been included during the design of the electricity generation system.

[0047] Thus, micro-hydropower plants can be designed using the electricity generation systems described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3, which offer these micro-plants greater ease of maintenance and increased robustness. These micro-plants make it possible to produce electrical energy while being less bulky than conventional hydroelectric plants.

[0048] The turbine walls form a casing around the alternator and can be configured to prevent water from infiltrating the housing. Thus, in addition to driving the alternator, the turbine also ensures the watertightness of the housing containing the alternator.

[0049] For example, the system includes plates, typically made of aluminum, welded to each end of the turbine so as to completely seal the turbine housings. The aluminum plates protect the inside of the system from water and steam infiltration that could damage the alternators and, more generally, everything housed within the turbine, including the energy storage elements 212 and 222.

[0050] Preferably, the system components are made of corrosion-resistant materials. For example, the turbine and the various mechanical components are made of a corrosion-resistant material or coated with such a material. For example, this material could be stainless steel, aluminum, or a rigid plastic such as, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Advantageously, the electrical generators 21 and 22 are housed in corrosion-resistant casings. Seals are then advantageously provided, particularly at the shafts, to prevent water ingress.

[0051] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an electricity generation system 1 according to another embodiment. The electricity generation system 1 differs from system 2 in that its turbine 10 has only an internal housing 101 with longitudinal axis X delimited by the walls of the turbine 10. The turbine 10 may have the same characteristics as the turbine 20 in terms of dimensions and shape.

[0052] The wall comprises a side wall 100 on which blades, buckets, fins or any other means (not shown in [Fig.4]) can be fixed and end walls 100'.

[0053] The electricity generation system 1 then comprises a single electric generator 11 which can be an alternator operating similarly to the electric generators described previously in relation to [Fig.1].

[0054] Such an electric generator comprises a stator 110 and a rotor 111 which are of conventional design.

[0055] The turbine 10 is configured to drive a rotational movement of the rotor 111 of the electric generator 11 so that the electric generator 11 generates an electric current powering an energy storage element 111 from the movement of the turbine 10.

[0056] The electricity generation system 1 has the advantage of being relatively compact thanks to the integration of an electric generator in the turbine, thus making it possible to do without the design of a compartment dedicated to the electric generator.

[0057] Preferably, the rotor is connected to two connecting elements 13 located respectively at each longitudinal end of the turbine 10 and attached to the end walls 100' of the internal housing, which are themselves attached to the lateral wall 100. The connecting elements 13 to the end walls 100' can be achieved by the same techniques described previously in relation to [Fig. 1], for example by welding. The motion of the turbine 10 is transmitted to a rotor of at least one electric generator via the connecting elements 13.

[0058] Thus, the rotor 111 is connected to the side walls 100 of the turbine 10 so that the motion of the turbine 10 is transmitted to the rotor 111. It is therefore understood that the transmission of the motion of the turbine to the rotor can be done by means of discs welded to the rotor 111 and to the end walls 100' as illustrated in [Fig.4] or by any other type of mechanical linking elements between these walls and the rotor fulfilling this function of mechanical linking between end walls and rotor.

[0059] These connecting elements 13 can be, for example, metal arms or rods. These connecting elements 13 are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials. Furthermore, the power generation system 1 advantageously includes bearings 114 between the turbine 10 and the stator 110 of the electric generator 11, facilitating the rotation of the turbine 10 around the stator 110. The bearings 114 can be ball bearings or roller bearings.

[0060] Advantageously, the energy storage element 112, analogous to the storage elements 212 and 222 of [Fig. 1], is fixed to the stator 110 of the electric generator 11 and is supplied by the electric generator 11 via the electrical junction 113 which is housed in the internal housing 101. The energy storage element 112 is advantageously housed in the turbine 10 in order to reduce the size of the system 1.

[0061] The electricity generation system 1 may optionally provide connectors for connecting the energy storage element to electrical devices outside the turbine 10 which are powered by the energy storage element 112.

[0062] Furthermore, the electric generator of system 1 is fixed on a frame 14 adapted to allow the rotation of the turbine 10 around the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the frame 14 supports the weight of the turbine 10 and the electric generator 11.

[0063] A person skilled in the art will, of course, be able to adapt the dimensions of the turbine, the electric generator, and the energy storage element to the desired application. Such an electricity generation system is particularly well-suited for recovering energy from the airflow during the movement of a vehicle to power the vehicle's battery, or auxiliary batteries intended to power lower-power devices such as mobile phones within the vehicle.

[0064] Figure 5 schematically represents an example of a means of locomotion incorporating one of the electricity generation systems described in relation to Figures 1 to 4. The means of locomotion may be a motorized or non-motorized vehicle or vessel, or even an aircraft. The means of locomotion in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5 is a motor vehicle. The electricity generation system may, depending on its integration into the means of locomotion, operate by having a horizontal, vertical or oblique position of the means of locomotion according to a given reference frame.

[0065] The motor vehicle 3 has a front compartment, designated engine compartment 31, in which is housed at least one battery 34 configured to power a motor 30, such as an electric motor of the vehicle 3, or devices on board the vehicle, such as signal lights 33, heating or mobile phones.

[0066] The motor vehicle also includes at least one power generation system 2, for example the system described previously in relation to [Fig. 3] housed in the engine compartment. The electric generators 21, 22 of system 2 are capable of supplying said battery 34. For example, the power generation system 2 has a horizontal position in the plane of the compartment as illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0067] The electric generators are arranged in the engine compartment so that the airflow generated by the moving motor vehicle 3 causes the rotation of the turbine 20.

[0068] According to another example of integration, the power generation system includes an exhalation mode of operation. The vehicle illustrated in [Fig. 5] also includes another power generation system 2 which is integrated into the vehicle's exhaust pipe 35 so as to allow the turbine to rotate using the gas exiting the exhaust pipe 35, which is typically expelled under pressure by the vehicle and exhaled by the power generation system. In its exhalation mode of operation, the system advantageously uses the gas generated by the vehicle, which is of various compositions such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen oxides (NOx), to power a battery. The exhalation mode of operation of the system can be applied to any other device capable of expelling a fluid or gas under pressure, such as a ventilation device, a pressurized water column, or even a snow cannon.The operation by expiration can notably be based on a reflux of gas at the outlet of this exhaust pipe.

[0069] In addition, the system also includes a suction operating mode, in particular when the system is integrated into a device that suctions a fluid or a gas such as the evaporator of an air conditioner for example.

[0070] Advantageously, the system 2 includes a turbine speed governor 25 (shown schematically) configured to adjust the rotational speed of the turbine 20 so that the rotational speed of said turbine, which is the same as that of the rotors of the electric generators, is within an operating range in which the system 2 has high energy efficiency. The governor is typically electronically controlled, for example by a conventional operating control circuit (not shown in [Fig.5]).

[0071] Such a regulator also makes it possible to limit the rotational speed of the turbine driven by the free or pulsed air flow in order to avoid degradation of the system which may be caused by friction produced by the electric generators when the rotational speed of the rotors is too high.

[0072] Such a regulator makes it possible to adjust the rotation speed of the turbine but also of the rotors of the electric generators in order to improve the energy efficiency of these generators.

[0073] Thus, the energy efficiency of the system corresponds to the energy efficiency of the turbine and the electric generators and can be improved by taking into account the respective operating ranges of the turbine and the electric generators. The operating range is therefore defined as including the rotational speeds that limit both the losses generated by the turbine and the electric generators (mechanical losses or Joule effect losses).

[0074] The operating range includes, in particular, a minimum rotational speed value and a maximum rotational speed value. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the minimum and maximum rotational speeds within the operating range, taking into account, in particular, the nature of the turbine and the electrical generators, and will be able to select a suitable speed controller. The speed controller is typically controlled by the control circuit (not shown in [Fig. 5]) configured to detect the turbine's rotational speed, for example, from information provided by sensors, and to transmit a control signal to the controller so that the controller adjusts the turbine's rotational speed.

[0075] The turbine speed regulator is configured in particular to decrease the rotational speed of the turbine when the rotational speed of the turbine is greater than the maximum rotational speed value.

[0076] Therefore, the speed regulator makes it possible to improve energy efficiency by regulating the rotational speed of the turbine and the electric generators.

[0077] Advantageously, the means of locomotion includes several power generation systems 2, located at other locations on the means of locomotion, allowing these systems to remain exposed to the free airflow generated by the movement of the means of locomotion or to the pulsed airflow, depending on the location of the power generation system on that means of locomotion. By way of example, the systems may be located on the bow of a ship, on the wings or fuselage of an aircraft or integrated therein, or on the roof of a train, particularly a high-speed train.

Claims

Demands

1. Turbine power generation system (1) comprising: - a turbine (10) having at least one internal housing (101,102) delimited by walls (100) of the turbine, - at least one electric generator (11) comprising a stator (110) and a rotor (111), said at least one internal housing (101) of the turbine housing said electric generator (11) and the turbine (10) being configured to drive a rotational movement of the rotor (111) of said electric generator (11) such that the electric generator (11) generates energy supplying an energy storage element (112) from the movement of the turbine.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said rotor (111) is connected to a linking element (13) integral with the side wall (100) of the turbine (10), the motion of the turbine (10) being transmitted to the rotor (111) via said linking element (13).

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the turbine comprises two internal housings (201, 202) respectively housing a first electric generator (21) and a second electric generator (22) each comprising a stator (210, 220) and a rotor (211, 221), the rotor of the first generator and the rotor of the second generator being connected to a linking element (23) integral with the side wall (200) of the turbine (20) and disposed between the first generator and the second generator, the turbine (20) being configured to drive a rotational movement of the rotor (211) of the first electric generator and the rotor (221) of the second electric generator via the linking element (23) such that the electric generator generates energy supplying a first energy storage element (212) and the second electric generator generates energy supplying a second energy storage element (222).

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising bearings (114, 124) between the turbine and the stator.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy storage element is housed in the internal housing and fixed to the stator, the energy storage element being powered by the electric generator via an electrical junction (113, 123).

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric generator is fixed on a chassis (14, 24) adapted to allow rotational movement of the turbine.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a turbine speed regulator.

8. A means of locomotion comprising at least one battery (222) configured to power a motor (30) of the means of locomotion and / or at least one device on board the means of locomotion, and at least one system (2) according to claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one electric generator (21, 22) is capable of powering said battery.

9. Means of locomotion according to claim 8, wherein the means of locomotion is a motor vehicle (3) comprising an engine compartment (31), said electrical generation system being located in the engine compartment such that the airflow generated by the moving motor vehicle (3) causes the rotation of the turbine (20) of said electrical generation system (2).

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