Device for recovering a fluid to generate a quantity of electricity

Abstract

Title: DEVICE FOR RECOVERING A FLUID TO GENERATE A QUANTITY OF ELECTRICITY System generating an electric current comprising: a drive device (1) of a shaft (5) by means of a plurality of receptacles (12) held by a movable element (4) forming a loop and arranged between a first rotating shaft (7) and a second rotating shaft (5), said rotating shafts (5, 7) being movable in rotation and superimposed vertically, the receptacles (12) being arranged to receive a flow of a fluid, the flow of said fluid carrying the receptacles (12) under their weight along an axis parallel to the weight vector and causing a movement of the movable element (4) along the trajectory formed by the loop, said movable element (4) carrying in its movement the second rotating shaft (5) in rotation and;an electric generator mechanically connected to the second rotating shaft (5) so as to create a variable magnetic field under the effect of the rotation of the second shaft (5). Figure for abbreviation: [Fig.3];

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR RECOVERING A FLUID TO GENERATE A QUANTITY OF ELECTRICITY Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention relates to systems for recovering energy from falling fluid, such as a liquid or a gas or a collection of grains, in order to produce a quantity of electrical energy. State of the art

[0002] Currently, there are devices for recovering electrical energy from various natural energy sources. In particular, some devices are arranged within watercourses, either fully or partially submerged, to drive a moving part of an energy recovery device. The operating principle consists of recovering a portion of the kinetic energy from the movement of the water flowing in a stream.

[0003] There is a need to recover lost or unexploited energy from a fluid source, such as a water source or a set of grains, which does not necessarily flow in a riverbed in order to maximize the generation of an electric current in many flow origin configurations. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the invention relates to an electric current generation system comprising: • a drive device for at least one rotating shaft comprising a plurality of receptacles held by a movable element forming a loop and arranged between a first shaft and a second rotating shaft, at least one shaft being movable in rotation, the two shafts being superimposed vertically at two different altitudes, said receptacles being fixed and distributed along the movable element, the receptacles being arranged to receive a flow of a fluid from a source originating from a point whose altitude is greater than the axis of the lower altitude rotating shaft, the fall of said fluid allowing to fill at least in part a set of receptacles, said receptacles being driven under their weight along an axis parallel to the weight vector, their drive generating a movement of the movable element along the trajectory formed by the loop, said movable element driving in its movement at least the second rotating shaft in rotation and; • an electric generator mechanically connected to the second rotating shaft or the first rotating shaft via a transmission system, said electric generator comprising: • a rotor and a stator so as to create a variable magnetic field under the effect of the rotation of the rotor, inducing an electromotive force in the coils of the stator; • A voltage regulator connected to the stator output to receive the induced current and configured to stabilize the electrical output and provide an output voltage to an electrical storage device or electrical equipment.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the receptacles are not immersed in the flow of a fluid flowing over the ground. An advantage is that it allows for the optimization of energy produced by the weight of the receptacles, which are thus filled.

[0006] According to one embodiment, at least one receptacle receives energy from the impact of a falling fluid and its additional weight contained within said receptacle, and a first set of receptacles is drawn under the weight of a volume of fluid contained in each receptacle. An advantage is to utilize the potential energy over a large range of the structure's height with the receptacles that are filled, while simultaneously recovering the kinetic energy of the receptacle(s) receiving the fluid volume at a given instant.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the two shafts are free to rotate, and this free-moving element drives the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft in its motion. One advantage is that it limits friction or energy losses between the free-moving element and the fixed shaft. Thus, with two rotating shafts, maximum energy recovery is achieved.

[0008] In different configurations, only the lower shaft rotates; in another example, the upper shaft rotates. In yet another example, both shafts rotate.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the moving element is a belt, a ribbon or a chain.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises two pulleys respectively fixed to each of the rotating shafts, each of the pulleys being configured to constrain the movement of the moving element within a closed loop and to promote its movement along a trajectory forming said loop.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises a support structure having a base and vertical arms with openings and pivot joints to support the rotating shafts and allow their rotation within said openings. One advantage is that it makes the product installable in different locations. Other configurations can be considered in which the system of the invention is fixed to a natural or pre-existing support. In this case, both arms are no longer necessary.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the voltage regulator includes at least one rectifier and / or at least one voltage stabilizer.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the receptacles are distributed on the moving element with an identical spacing between two adjacent receptacles.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the generator system includes a speed control sensor for the moving element so as to detect an anomaly in the event of a failure of a receptacle.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the drive device includes a configurable transmission system allowing a multiplier system to be adapted to the input flow rate of the source.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fluid is a volume of grains falling from a high point, said drive device being fixed to a receiving container so that a container is arranged at a point in the path of the falling grains.

[0017] According to one embodiment, each receptacle has a capacity ranging from 0.1 L to 200 L. However, the invention is not limited to a particular capacity. The most appropriate volume will be chosen on a case-by-case basis according to the flow rate and configuration of the fluid used.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the drive device comprises at least 10 receptacles. However, the invention is not limited to a specific number of receptacles. The most appropriate number of receptacles will be chosen on a case-by-case basis, depending on the flow rate and configuration of the fluid flow used, as well as the structural constraints of the system of the invention. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate:

[0020] [Fig-1]: a diagram of an embodiment of a current-generating system electrical diagram of the invention according to a side view;

[0021] [Fig.2]: a diagram of the embodiment of [Fig.1] of a generating system of an electric current of the invention according to a front view;

[0022] [Fig.3]: a diagram of an embodiment of a current-generating system electrical mechanism of the invention according to a configuration where a volume of water is collected by the receptacles on one of the faces of the drive device to set the moving element in motion,

[0023] [Fig.4]: a schematic diagram of the electrical generator of the invention connected mechanically to the drive device of the invention. Description of the invention

[0024] Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment of an electric current generating system of the invention. Such an electric current generating system is shown in side view in Figure 1 and in front view in Figure 2. More particularly, the drive device of the electric current generating system is shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the generator is shown in Figure 4. Drive device

[0025] The system of the invention in [Fig.1] comprises a drive device 1 of a shaft 5 which is itself mechanically associated with an electric generator (not shown).

[0026] The drive device 1 comprises a support structure 9, including, in one example, a vertical frame 91, 92 and a base 93. In one example, the vertical frame has two parallel vertical arms 91, 92. In another example, the arms 91, 92 have openings 95 for the passage and support of two parallel rotating shafts 5, 7. Each opening 95 is preferably provided with a pivot joint so as to allow free rotation of the shafts 5, 7 within the opening. The two arms 9 have the two openings 95 on each arm, respectively, opposite each other, so that the shafts 5 and 7 also form a connection between the two arms 91, 92. In one embodiment, fixing rods (not shown) connecting the two arms 91, 92 and perpendicular to the axes of the arms can reinforce the support structure 9.

[0027] The two arms 91, 92 are shown in [Fig. 2]. The section is made so as to represent the two shafts 5, 7 as through pieces at the openings 95 of the support structure 9. In this configuration, the two shafts 5, 7 ensure part of the stability of said support structure 9.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the system of the invention is fixed directly to the medium in which it is installed. In this latter case, the arms 91, 92 are not always necessary. For example, when the system is installed in a container that collects grain falling from a ship or building via a grain-dispensing device, the system can be fixed directly to the inner wall of the container.

[0029] According to another example, the system can be directly fixed in a natural support such as the rock of a cliff or any other natural element.

[0030] The drive device 1 comprises a movable element 4 which is movable around the rotating shafts 5, 7. The rotation of the movable element 4 can be set in works thanks to a pulley system 3. The moving element 4 is for example a belt or a ribbon, or even a chain which can be mobile along a closed shape trajectory, such as a loop.

[0031] In the case of a chain, a sprocket can be arranged so as to drive the rotating shafts 5 and 7.

[0032] The trajectory is formed by the radius of each pulley 31, 32 and the distance separating them from each other. Figure 2 shows a configuration with two identical pulleys 31, 32 arranged one above the other along a vertical axis. Thus, the movement of the moving element forms a closed loop, one band of which is driven downwards, i.e., towards the ground, and the other band is driven upwards, i.e., towards the sky, when the system is installed on the ground in a vertical position.

[0033] According to one embodiment, each pulley comprises two protective edges and a central portion intended to receive a belt, a chain or a band forming the moving element 4.

[0034] Preferably, during the movement of the moving element 4, the movement of this moving element 4 causes the rotation of the rotating shafts. To this end, the pulleys are fixed to the rotating shafts 5, 7 so that their rotation causes the rotation of each shaft 5, 7. Thus, a belt, chain, or band may have an inner surface in contact with the central part of each pulley that is gripping so as to facilitate the driving of the shafts 5, 7 during the movement of the moving element 4 via the pulley.

[0035] In the case where the moving element 4 is in direct contact with the rotating shafts, the inner surface of the belt 4 will be chosen so as to grip the surface of the shaft 5 or 7 to avoid any play or slippage of the belt during its movement in contact with each shaft 5,7.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the movable element 4 comprises a plurality of fasteners for holding receptacles 12 distributed along the length of the movable element 4. The receptacles 12 are fixed to the movable element 4 so as to be carried along by it during its movement. Thus, the receptacles 12 move along a closed trajectory that forms a loop when the movable element 4 is itself moving along a trajectory.

[0037] Fig. 1 and 2 represent the drive device 1 is shown partially, a section A-A' and a section B-B' masking the receptacles which can be distributed and fixed according to a given number on the moving element 4. Thus, the dimension according to height can be variable according to the drive device 1 which one wishes to implement.

[0038] According to different embodiments, the receptacles 12 can be of different shapes, different capacities, and distributed along the moving element with different spacings. Furthermore, according to different embodiments, the number of receptacles 12 can also be chosen for a given dimension of the drive system 1.

[0039] Thus, each receptacle 12 comprises a fluid holding volume and an upper opening for receiving a volume of liquid from a source located at a higher altitude than the receptacle in question. Preferably, the source is located at a higher altitude than the highest altitude position reached by a receptacle along the path of the moving element 5.

[0040] The upper part of a receptacle is called the open part when it is held upright or attached in an "upright" position. By analogy, a glass will be upright when it is placed on its base and the upper opening is in a position to receive a volume of fluid, such as a volume of liquid or grains.

[0041] The receptacles 12 can also be called "containers" or "receptacles" or by any other designation of an element having a volume for receiving a quantity of a fluid and an opening.

[0042] The receptacles have, for example, a capacity ranging from 0.1 liters to 200 liters. In some embodiments, the volume of a receptacle can reach several cubic meters, for example, for high flow rates. The shape of their opening is, for example, slightly flared so as to collect a maximum quantity of the available fluid.

[0043] The drive device 1 is preferably positioned near a source of fluid, such as a water source or a dispenser or device delivering grains. However, the device need not be positioned near the fluid source. For example, when the fluid is in free fall, the device can be positioned at any altitude that intercepts the fluid's fall.

[0044] According to a first example, the source of the fluid is a water source which is defined by the point from which the fluid is in free fall.

[0045] An ideal water source for operating the system of the invention is a waterfall. This waterfall can be natural or artificial, for example, when it results from a hydraulic structure. A suitable hydraulic structure can be a dam retaining a quantity of water and allowing only a portion to flow out at a rate that is to be controlled.

[0046] According to a second example, the fluid is a collection of grains. The source can be, for example, a device delivering grains from a boat, which is arranged so that the outlet head of the delivering device causes the grains to fall into a receptacle. to collect grains, for example a container arranged on the quay of a port. In this latter case, the device of the invention can be positioned so that at least one receptacle 12 is positioned at a given instant at a point in the free fall path of the grains.

[0047] The drive device 1 is arranged so that a lateral face 101 of the latter is positioned under the waterfall Se as shown in [Fig.3]. In such a configuration, the water from the spring Se flows into the receptacles 12 of the face 101 of the drive device 1 and drives the receptacles 12 in motion Ml under their weight. In this illustrative example, ten receptacles 12 are shown, four of which are arranged on a first face 101 of the drive device 1 and four on a second face 102 of the drive device 1. Another receptacle 12 is arranged in the stopped position of the moving element 4 of [Fig.3] at the level of the upper zone of the drive device 1. Another receptacle 12 is in the stopped position of the moving element 4 at the level of the lower zone of the drive device 1.

[0048] The number of receptacles 12 can be determined according to the configuration in which the system is installed, the system's dimensions with respect to the flow and its throughput. Thus, a moving element may comprise a plurality of fixings along the band, belt, or chain. A user or a configurator of the system of the invention can adapt the drive device to add or remove receptacles as required. Finally, a minimum number of receptacles 12 can be defined so as to obtain a smooth and non-jerky movement of the moving element 4 and thus obtain a regular and, if possible, constant movement of the rotating shaft 5.

[0049] The weight of each receptacle 12 is increased by the volumes of fluid entering the receiving volume. The difference in weight of the receptacles fixed to the movable element 4 on either side of the drive device 1 allows for the generation of a first downward movement of the receptacles on the face 101 of the drive device 1 and a second upward movement of the receptacles on the face 102 of the drive device 1.

[0050] The freely rotating shafts 5, 7 allow the movement of a ribbon or belt 4 attached to the receptacles 12 by means of the pulleys 3. When the receptacles 12 move along a trajectory forming a loop on either side of the two faces 101, 102 of the drive device 1, they are driven alternately towards a passage zone from one face 101 to the other face 102 of the drive device 1 at the level of the lower zone and vice versa at the level of the upper zone. In the lower zone, the receptacles 12 turn around and empty, then move back up along the other side 102 of the moving element 4 to the new upper passage point of the drive device 1. During the reversacle, each receptacle 12 presents its open face arranged so as to receive a volume of water again.

[0051] The concepts of lower zone and upper zone are defined when the drive device 1 is positioned on the ground on its base 93 and by the respective altitude of each lower and upper zone.

[0052] The movement of the receptacles 12 fixed to the belt 4 is carried out continuously over several cycles as long as the drive device 1 is positioned near the fluid source

[0053] During this cyclic movement, the volume of fluid captured by the receptacles 12 causes the moving element 4 to move in a cyclic motion.

[0054] Two types of force recovery are distinguished, each generating a force on the moving element 4 exerted by the volume of fluid. The first force results from the impact of the incoming fluid volume on the receptacle directly in contact with the falling fluid and from its additional weight contained within said receptacle. This force is applied to at least one receptacle located in the path of the falling fluid. The second force is that of the weight of the fluid contained in the already filled receptacles, which pulls them downwards under the force of gravity.

[0055] These two forces make it possible to obtain a good efficiency of the device of the invention and a movement of the moving element which makes it possible to obtain a rotation of at least one shaft on which it is possible to recover the energy.

[0056] The movement of the mobile element 4 along the trajectory forming a loop allows the shafts 5 and 7 to be driven. The movement of the band 4 is further favored as the receptacles emptied on the face 102 weigh less than the receptacles filled on the face 101. The inertial movement of the mobile element 4 is then maintained by the fall of the fluid having a continuously flowing volume.

[0057] According to one embodiment, one of the shafts, for example the rotating shaft 5, is mechanically connected to an electric generator 20, enabling the conversion of the rotational motion of the rotating shaft 5 into an electric current. According to another example, it is the upper shaft 7 that is connected to an electric generator. In yet another case, each shaft is connected to a generator.

[0058] In [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 3], the end of the shaft is shown in a square box defining a maintenance compartment accessible, for example, by means of a hatch. In one embodiment, this box provides protection for certain parts of the system of the invention. In another embodiment, no compartment is provided in the system of the invention. Electric generator

[0059] Figure 4 shows an example of a functional diagram of an electric generator 20 for generating a stabilized electric current at the terminals of a battery. electric 40 from the rotation of the rotating shaft 5. The rotating shaft 5 is shown in cross-section.

[0060] In one embodiment, an electric generator 20 comprises a rotor 24 and a stator 23. The rotor 24, rotating relative to the stator 23, generates a variable magnetic field. This field results from an electromotive force in the stator coils 23 due to the rotation of the rotor 24. An electrical output allows the induced current to be recovered within a voltage regulator 25.

[0061] The transmission of energy from the rotating shaft 5 to the rotor 24 is carried out in such a way as to recover the maximum possible energy. To this end, a transmission system 21 can be used so as to increase efficiency in order to maximize the recovery of mechanical energy into electrical energy. Transmission system#

[0062] According to one embodiment, the electric generator 20 of the invention comprises a transmission system 21 configured to transfer or adapt the mechanical motion from one point to another. This transmission system advantageously allows the speed or power of the rotary motion to be regulated in order to optimize electricity generation.

[0063] According to a first example, the transmission system comprises gears, also called toothed wheels. The system of the invention then makes it possible to transmit the rotary motion of the shaft 5 to the output shaft, here for example the rotor 24.

[0064] According to one embodiment, depending on the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 5 obtained as a function of the flow rate of fluid circulating in the containers, the size of the gears can be determined to either increase the rotation speed of the output shaft 24, in which case we have a multiplication system, or to lower the rotation speed of the output shaft 24, in which case we have a reduction system.

[0065] In each case, the system of the invention allows the power to be transmitted.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, the gears are used in the electric generator 20 to rotate the rotor 24 of the electric generator 20 at a different speed than the input shaft 5.

[0067] According to a second example, the transmission system 21 comprises pulleys and at least one belt. The belt is used to transfer the rotary motion from one pulley to another. This system allows for remote transmission. Depending on the dimensions of the pulleys, particularly their diameter, it is possible to increase or decrease the rotational speed of the output shaft 24 in order to adapt the transmitted power to the electricity production requirements.

[0068] According to a third example, the transmission system 21 comprises at least one chain and sprockets. The metal chain meshes with sprockets, forming toothed tracks. This system provides robustness. This system can be used, for example, when the water flow originates from a waterfall and the forces involved require significant mechanical resistance.

[0069] According to a fourth example, the transmission system 21 includes a speed multiplier. The latter may, for example, include different gears. A speed multiplier can be used when the flow source is low. This scenario can then be implemented when the system is deployed at a water source with a low flow rate and possibly a large volume of water.

[0070] According to one embodiment, flexible or rigid couplings are used to connect two rotating shafts, in particular between the second shaft 5 and the rotor 24. They compensate for slight misalignments between the shaft driven by the movement of the moving element 4 and the rotor 24, which constitutes the driven shaft. One advantage of a good transmission system 21 is to efficiently transmit the rotary torque generated by the shaft 5 to the rotor 24 in order to obtain maximum electrical efficiency.

[0071] Each transmission system 21 is chosen according to the specific needs of the system and the available fluid flow.

[0072] According to one embodiment, a voltage regulator is connected downstream of the generator in order to stabilize the electrical output and provide a constant voltage to electrical systems or energy storage devices. Voltage regulator #

[0073] According to one embodiment, the voltage regulator 25 comprises at least one rectifier and / or at least one voltage stabilizer.

[0074] Fig. 4 represents a voltage regulator that delivers a stable current with a constant voltage across the terminals of the battery 40.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the electric generator includes an inverter allowing a direct current to be transformed into an alternating current.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the inverter includes a transformer to adapt the AC output voltage to a desired level. For example, a 12V DC output from the regulator can be converted to a 230V AC output. Storage or use of electrical energy

[0077] In one embodiment, the electric current is recovered to charge a storage device such as a battery. In another embodiment, the electric current can directly power an electrical device, for example a lighting system or a heat pump or a more complex system.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electrical energy generated by the system of the invention is distributed to several electrical or electronic devices. Consequently, the generated electrical energy can be used directly or stored according to a control unit, referred to as a controller. The controller includes, for example, a programmable electronic board for configuring the distribution of the electrical energy generated and collected by the system of the invention. In one example, the energy created at certain times is stored in a battery, and the energy created at other times is used directly by electrical devices. Sensors

[0079] According to one embodiment, the invention also includes control sensors (not shown) for monitoring key parameters of the system of the invention, such as the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 5, the rotational speed of the moving element 4, the voltage and current of the generated electricity, etc. An electronic management system can be integrated to optimize performance in real time and trigger safety mechanisms in case of overload or overheating.

[0080] For example, if a receptacle is damaged and the flow rate of the source is known, a decrease in efficiency can be detected between the rotation of the rotating shaft 5 and the rotation of the moving element 4, which is driven more slowly due to a receptacle anomaly. Maintenance can then be automatically scheduled based on a generated notification.

Claims

Demands

1. An electric current generating system comprising: • a drive device (1) for at least one rotating shaft (5) comprising a plurality of receptacles (12) held by a movable element (4) forming a loop and arranged between a first shaft (7) and a second rotating shaft (5), at least one shaft (5, 7) being free to rotate, the two shafts being superimposed vertically at two different altitudes, said receptacles (12) being fixed and distributed along the movable element (4), the receptacles (12) being arranged to receive a flow of fluid from a source (Se) originating from a point whose altitude is greater than the axis of the lower-altitude rotating shaft (5, 7), the fall of said fluid (Se) allowing at least partial filling of a set of receptacles (12), said receptacles (12) being driven under their weight along an axis parallel to the vector weight, their training generating a movement (Ml,M2) of the moving element (4) along the path formed by the loop, said moving element (4) driving in its movement (M1, M2) at least the second rotating shaft (5) in rotation and; • an electric generator (20) mechanically connected to the second rotating shaft (5) or to the first rotating shaft (7) via a transmission system, said electric generator (20) comprising: • a rotor (24) and a stator (23) so as to create a variable magnetic field under the effect of the rotation of the rotor (24) inducing an electromotive force in the coils of the stator (23); • A voltage regulator (25) connected to the output of the stator (23) to receive the induced current and configured to stabilize the electrical output and provide an output voltage to an electrical storage device or electrical equipment.

2. Generating system according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacles are not immersed in the course of a fluid flowing over the ground.

3. Generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least one receptacle receives energy from the impact of the fall of a fluid and its additional weight contained in said receptacle and that a first set of receptacles is driven under the weight of a volume of fluid contained in each receptacle.

4. Generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two shafts (5, 7) are mobile in rotation and that said mobile element (4) drives in its movement (M1, M2) the first rotating shaft (7) and the second rotating shaft (5) in rotation.

5. Generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the moving element (4) is a belt, a ribbon or a chain.

6. Generator system according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive device comprises two pulleys (3) respectively fixed to each of the rotating shafts (5, 7), each of the pulleys (3) being configured to constrain the movement of the moving element (4) within a closed loop and to promote its movement along a trajectory forming said loop.

7. Generator system according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive device (1) comprises a support structure (9) having a base (93) and vertical arms (91, 92) having openings (95) and pivot links to hold the rotating shafts (5, 7) and allow rotation of the latter within said openings (95).

8. Generator system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the voltage regulator (25) comprises at least one rectifier and / or at least one voltage stabilizer.

9. Generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the receptacles (12) are distributed on the moving element (4) with identical spacing between two adjacent receptacles (12).

10. Generator system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a speed control sensor for the moving element (4) so ​​as to detect an anomaly in the event of a failure of a receptacle (12).

11. A generator system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the drive device (1) comprises

12. a configurable transmission system allowing a multiplier system to be adapted to the input flow rate of the source (Se). Generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the fluid is a volume of grains falling from a high point, said drive device being fixed to a receiving container so that a container is arranged at a point in the path of the falling grains.