ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICE

Abstract

ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICE Electricity generation device (1), comprising: - a moving element (2) with a permanent magnet (3), and having a first density, - a downpipe (4) extending between a first upper end (4a) and a first lower end (4b), filled with a gas and shaped to receive said moving element (2) during a descent under the effect of gravity from the first upper end (4a) to the first lower end (4b), - a first electric coil (5) disposed around and extending along the downpipe (4), - a return pipe (8) extending between a second upper end (8a) and a second lower end (8b), containing a liquid having a second density greater than the first density, and shaped to receive said moving element (2) during a return. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy, and more particularly to an electrical energy generation device capable of generating high-energy electric current pulses in a short time.

[0002] Such high-energy electrical pulses can find applications in particular in the rapid recharging of supercapacitors, in the rapid charging of batteries, in the powering of electrolyzers for pulsed electrolysis processes, or in other specific applications requiring the discharge of a strong electric current in a very short time.

[0003] To generate such electrical pulses, various electrical generation devices are known, all of which use electronic circuits and components (IGBT, MOSFET, thyristors, capacitors, amplifiers, etc.) which are expensive, not very environmentally friendly, and also involve latency times. Description of the invention

[0004] One problem proposed by the present invention is to provide an electrical energy generation device capable of generating a strong electric current in the form of short pulses, while limiting as much as possible the use of electronic circuits and components.

[0005] To reach these objects and others, the invention proposes an electricity generation device, comprising: - a moving element comprising a permanent magnet, and having a first density, - a descent conduit extending between a first upper end and a first lower end, containing a gas and shaped to be traversed by said moving element during a descent under the effect of gravity from the first upper end to the first lower end, - at least one first electrical coil arranged around and extending along the downpipe, - a riser pipe extending between a second upper end and a second lower end, containing a liquid having a second density greater than the first density, and shaped to be traversed by said moving element during a rise, - lower transfer means configured to cause a displacement of said moving element from the first lower extremity to the position of the second lower extremity, - upper transfer means configured to cause a displacement of said moving element from the second upper end to the sight of the first upper end.

[0006] The fall under the effect of gravity of the moving element comprising a permanent magnet in the descent tube induces an electromotive force in said at least one first electrical coil. By connecting to the terminals of said at least one first electrical coil, it is thus possible to recover electrical energy induced in said at least one first electrical coil in the form of a short-duration pulse.

[0007] The first density of the moving element, being lower than the second density of the liquid contained in the riser pipe, allows said moving element to rise to the second upper end of the riser pipe by the effect of Archimedes' principle. This use of Archimedes' principle makes it possible to effectively limit energy expenditure.

[0008] The liquid may advantageously be water. The gas may advantageously be air.

[0009] Advantageously, the lower transfer means may comprise: - a transfer chamber containing said second density liquid, disposed at the first lower end of the downpipe and in fluidic communication with the downpipe via a first valve, - a second valve shaped to selectively put the transfer chamber in fluidic communication with the second lower end of the uppipe.

[0010] The lower transfer means thus cushion the fall of the moving element and transfer it to the second lower end of the riser pipe also using Archimedes' principle, which consumes no energy.

[0011] In order to move said movable element within the transfer enclosure up to the sight of the second flap, the lower transfer means may advantageously include guiding means comprising: - a fixed or movable flap, and / or - an upward flow of inferior transfer.

[0012] Such guiding means can guide the moving element by also taking advantage of the Archimedes' thrust induced by the difference in density between the moving element and the liquid.

[0013] The flap can be fixed or movable within the transfer enclosure. In the case of a movable flap, it can advantageously be moved in translation and / or rotation to be moved between: - a reception position, in which the movable flap is not located in correspondence with the first lower end of the downpipe (in order to allow the reception of the movable element in the transfer enclosure), - a guiding position, in which the movable flap is located at least partly in correspondence with the first lower end of the downpipe and is oriented so as to guide the movable element, moved by Archimedes' force, to the sight of the second valve (in order to then allow its introduction into the uppipe by opening the second valve).

[0014] Preferably, the lower transfer means may include first magnetic repulsion means shaped to urge the moving element towards the second lower end of the riser pipe. Such magnetic repulsion means may help guide the moving element to the sight of the second valve, optionally via said guiding means.

[0015] The fall of the moving element into the transfer chamber can cause a pressure increase within the transfer chamber. Similarly, the reception of the moving element in the transfer chamber can cause the ejection of a volume of liquid substantially equal to the volume of the moving element. The power generation device may therefore advantageously include discharge means designed to allow the discharge of an appropriate quantity of second-density liquid from the transfer chamber.

[0016] In practice, the evacuation means may advantageously include a third valve, called a vent valve, shaped to selectively put the transfer enclosure into fluidic communication with the external environment.

[0017] Preferably, the first valve and the third valve can be one and the same valve.

[0018] To limit the ecological impact, the electricity generation device may preferably include recovery means shaped to receive and contain the second density liquid evacuated out of the transfer enclosure via the evacuation means.

[0019] The electricity generation device may advantageously include feeding means shaped to introduce second-density liquid into the riser pipe. The feeding means thus make it possible to maintain a predetermined level of liquid in the riser pipe so that the moving element ascends to a substantially constant, predetermined altitude. The means feeding systems are of even greater interest when the lower transfer means include a transfer chamber that may suffer losses of second density liquid caused by the fall of the moving element in the transfer chamber.

[0020] To further limit the ecological impact, the feeding means can preferably draw second density liquid from the recovery means.

[0021] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the upper transfer means may comprise: - an upper transfer riser containing second density fluid, extending from the second upper end of the riser pipe to a holding compartment located at the first upper end of the descent pipe, - a fourth valve designed to selectively connect the upper transfer ascending duct and the waiting compartment with fluidic flow - a fifth valve shaped to selectively connect the waiting compartment and the descent pipe in fluidic communication.

[0022] The use of such an upward transfer conduit makes it possible to take advantage of the Archimedes' thrust to which the moving element is subjected.

[0023] As an alternative or in addition, the upper transfer means may include second magnetic repulsion means shaped to solicit the moving element in the direction of the first upper end of the downpipe.

[0024] In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the upper transfer means may include a gripping arm shaped to grasp said moving element and move it from the second upper end of the riser pipe to the first upper end of the descent pipe.

[0025] It can advantageously be foreseen that: - said movable element extends between a first end (called upper) and a second end (called lower), - the first end and / or the second end are tapered.

[0026] A first tapered end facilitates the penetration of the moving element during its descent into the gas contained in the downpipe and, where applicable, into the liquid contained in the transfer chamber. A second tapered end facilitates the penetration of the moving element during its ascent into the liquid contained in the uppipe.

[0027] Advantageously, at least one second electrical coil can be arranged around and extends along the lift pipe. The lift (under the effect of the The buoyant force exerted by the moving element, comprising a permanent magnet in the riser pipe, induces an electromotive force in at least one second electrical coil. By connecting to the terminals of this second coil, one can recover electrical energy induced in the coil in the form of a short pulse. This improves the efficiency of the electricity generation device.

[0028] According to another aspect, the present invention proposes a method for generating electricity comprising the following steps: - to allow a mobile element comprising a permanent magnet and having a first density to fall under the effect of gravity in a descending pipe around and along which is arranged at least one first electrical coil, from a first upper end of the descending pipe to a first lower end of the descending pipe, and to recover at the terminals of said at least one first electrical coil the electrical energy induced in said at least one first electrical coil, - transfer said mobile element to a second lower end of a riser pipe containing a liquid of a second density greater than the first density, and allow said mobile element to rise to a second upper end of the riser pipe, - transfer said moving element to the first upper end of the downpipe.

[0029] To improve the efficiency of the electricity generation device, it may advantageously be provided that: - at least one second electrical coil is arranged around and extends along the riser pipe, - during the ascent of the moving element in the ascent conduit, the electrical energy induced in said at least one second electrical coil is recovered at the terminals of said at least one second electrical coil.

[0030] Preferably, it can be provided that: - the descent pipe extends between its first upper and lower extremities in a descent direction defined by Earth's gravity, and / or - the riser pipe extends between its second upper and lower ends in a riser direction defined by Earth's gravity.

[0031] This limits the risk of losses induced by possible friction of the moving element in the downpipe and / or in the uppipe.

[0032] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is proposed to use a device as previously described or a method as previously described for charging a supercapacitor.

[0033] Charging a supercapacitor by sending a high current for a very short time exploits one of the main characteristics of supercapacitors, namely their ability to charge and discharge very quickly. Supercapacitors can be charged very rapidly, often in a few seconds, and can serve as a buffer stage in battery charging by storing strong energy pulses in a very short time and then delivering this energy more slowly to storage batteries.

[0034] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is proposed to use a device as previously described or a method as previously described for charging an electric battery.

[0035] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, it is proposed to use a device as previously described or a method as previously described for supplying an electrolyzer.

[0036] The use of short-duration high-current pulses in electrolyzers is a process known as pulsed electrolysis, and can have several effects on the efficiency and yield of electrolysis. This approach differs from traditional electrolysis, which generally uses direct current. Applying high currents in pulses can: - contribute to increasing hydrogen production by reducing polarization effects and improving ion mass transfer in the electrolyte. This can increase the overall electrolysis yield; - contribute to reducing the overvoltage required to initiate electrolysis, thereby reducing the energy needed to produce a given amount of hydrogen, thus improving the energy efficiency of electrolysis; - to help facilitate the release of gas bubbles (hydrogen and oxygen) from the surface of the electrodes, which reduces the resistance offered by these bubbles to the passage of current and consequently reduces the overall energy consumption of electrolysis.

[0037] Finally, pulsed electrolysis using a device or process as described above can reduce electrode wear and corrosion by limiting prolonged exposure to high currents, thereby extending equipment life. Furthermore, the current pulses allow for better control of the electrolyte temperature, as the rest periods between pulses allow the generated heat to dissipate, reducing the risk of overheating the electrolyzer. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0039] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an electricity generation device according to the present invention, with the moving element arranged in a first position;

[0040] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in a second position;

[0041] [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in a third position;

[0042] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in a fourth position;

[0043] [Fig.5] Fig.5 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in a fifth position;

[0044] [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in a sixth position;

[0045] [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in a seventh position;

[0046] [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a schematic view of the electricity generation device the [Fig.1], with the movable element arranged in an eighth position;

[0047] [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a movable element used in an electricity generation device according to the present invention;

[0048] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of a second embodiment of an electricity generation device according to the present invention, with the moving element arranged in a first position;

[0049] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10] during a later use step;

[0050] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in a second position;

[0051] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in a third position;

[0052] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in a fourth position;

[0053] [Fig. 15] The [Fig. 15] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in a fifth position;

[0054] [Fig. 16] The [Fig. 16] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in a sixth position;

[0055] [Fig. 17] The [Fig. 17] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in a seventh position;

[0056] [Fig. 18] The [Fig. 18] is a schematic view of the electricity generation device of the [Fig. 10], with the moving element arranged in an eighth position. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0057] When identical numerical references are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these numerical references designate identical or similar elements in each of the figures, embodiments or variants.

[0058] In the two embodiments respectively illustrated schematically in Figures 1 to 8 on the one hand and in Figures 10 to 18 on the other hand, the electricity generation device 1 according to the present invention comprises: - a moving element 2 comprising a permanent magnet 3 and having a first density, - a descent conduit 4 extending along a first longitudinal direction II (also called descent direction) between a first upper end 4a and a first lower end 4b, containing a gas (preferably air) and shaped to be traversed by said mobile element 2 during a descent under the effect of gravity from the first upper end 4a to the first lower end 4b, - at least one first electrical coil 5 (with terminals 5a and 5b) arranged around and extending along the downpipe 4, - a riser conduit 8 extending along a second longitudinal direction II-II (also called the riser direction) between a second upper end 8a and a second lower end 8b, containing a liquid of a second density, and shaped to be traversed by said mobile element 2 during a rise, - lower transfer means 12 shaped to cause a displacement of said mobile element 2 from the first lower end 4b to the sight of the second lower end 8b, - upper transfer means 13 configured to cause a displacement of said moving element 2 from the second upper end 8a to the sight of the first upper end 4a.

[0059] In figures 1 to 8 illustrating a first embodiment of an electricity generation device, the lower transfer means 12 comprise: - a transfer chamber 6 containing said second density liquid, disposed at the first lower end 4a of the downpipe 4 and in fluidic communication with the downpipe 4 via a first valve 7 controlled by first opening and closing means, - a second valve 9 controlled by second opening and closing means, and shaped to selectively put the transfer chamber 6 into fluidic communication with the second lower end 8b of the riser pipe 8.

[0060] the lower transfer means 12 further comprise guidance means 17 including a fixed flap 18 inclined upwards towards the second lower end 8b of the riser duct 8.

[0061] Note that the flap 18 can be fixed or movable within the transfer enclosure 6. In the case of a movable flap 18, it can advantageously be moved in translation and / or rotation to be moved between: - a reception position (illustrated in solid lines on [Fig.1]), in which the movable flap 18 is not located in correspondence with the first lower end 4b of the descent pipe 4 (in order to allow the reception of the movable element 2 in the transfer enclosure 6 along a trajectory avoiding the movable element 2 hitting the movable flap 18), - a guiding position (illustrated in dashed lines on [Fig.1]), in which the movable flap 18 is located at least partly in correspondence with the first lower end 4a of the downpipe 4 and is oriented so as to guide the movable element 2, moved by Archimedes' force, to the sight of the second valve 9 (in order to then allow its introduction into the uppipe 8 by opening the second valve 9).

[0062] The lower transfer means 12 further comprise first magnetic repulsion means 19a configured to drive the moving element 2 towards the second lower end 8b of the riser duct 8. The first magnetic repulsion means 19a are configured to generate an electromagnetic field so as to cause a displacement force Fl on the moving element 2 (by interaction with the permanent magnet 3) towards the second valve 9.

[0063] The electrical generation device 1 further includes braking means 22 for slowing the descent of the moving element 2 in the liquid contained in the transfer chamber 6. Here, the braking means 22 generate an electromagnetic field so as to cause a displacement force F2 on the moving element 2 (by interaction with the permanent magnet 3) away from the bottom of the transfer chamber 6. The braking means 22 make it possible to limit the depth of the transfer chamber 6 necessary to slow the moving element 2 after its fall in the descent pipe 4 before its ascent under the effect of Archimedes' buoyancy.

[0064] The first longitudinal direction II (descent) and the second longitudinal direction II-II (ascent) are defined by Earth's gravity (therefore vertical). However, they could be oriented obliquely with respect to Earth's gravity. Note that while the descent pipes 4 and ascent pipes 8 are cylindrical and straight here, they could have different shapes at some point. that they remain generally descending (descent pipe 4) and ascending (ascent pipe 8).

[0065] Here, evacuation means 14 allow the second density liquid to exit the transfer chamber 6. The evacuation means 14 here include a third valve 10, called a vent valve, actuated by third opening and closing means. The third valve 10 is configured to selectively connect the transfer chamber 6 to the external environment.

[0066] The second density liquid discharged from the transfer enclosure 6 via the third valve 10 of the discharge means 14 is collected in recovery means 15. The recovery means 15 are shaped to receive and contain the second density liquid discharged from the transfer enclosure 6 via the discharge means 14.

[0067] Feeding means 16 allow the introduction of second density liquid into the riser line 8. More specifically here, the feeding means 16 draw second density liquid from the recovery means 15.

[0068] For their part, the upper transfer means 13 comprise a gripping arm 20 with a clamp 20a, and are configured to grasp said movable element 2 and to move it from the second upper end 8a of the riser pipe 8 to the first upper end 4a of the descent pipe 4.

[0069] Optionally, at least a second electrical coil 21 (with two terminals 21a and 21b) can be arranged around and extends along the riser pipe 8.

[0070] An example of a moving element 2 is schematically illustrated in cross-section in [Fig. 9]. This extends between a first end (called the upper end) 2a and a second end (called the lower end) 2b. The second end (called the lower end) 2b facilitates the penetration of the moving element 2 during its descent into the gas contained in the downpipe 4 and into the liquid contained in the transfer chamber 6. The first end (called the upper end) 2a facilitates the ascent of the moving element 2 during its ascent through the liquid in the transfer chamber 6 and into the uppipe 8.

[0071] The first 2a and second 2b tapered ends give the mobile element 2 a substantially ovoid shape.

[0072] The moving element 2 is internally hollow. Near its second (lower) end 2b, it includes a permanent magnet 3. Between the permanent magnet 3 and the first (upper) end 2a, a cavity 2c is provided. The volume of the cavity 2c is dimensioned so that the moving element 2 has an overall first density lower than the second density of the liquid (here, water).

[0073] The operation of the first embodiment of the electricity generation device 1 will now be explained by means of Figures 1 to 8.

[0074] Initially ([Fig. 1]), the movable element 2 is located in the gripper 20a of the grasping arm 20 of the upper transfer means 13, placed in correspondence with the first upper end of the downpipe 4. The first valve 7 is opened so as to put the downpipe 4 (here filled with air) into fluidic communication with the transfer chamber 6 (here filled with water).

[0075] The gripping arm 20 then releases the moving element 2, which falls under the effect of gravity and enters the descent conduit 4 ([Fig.2]) to descend from the first upper end 4a to the first lower end 4b. The passage of the moving element 2 through the descent conduit 4 induces an electromotive force in said at least one first electrical coil 5, which is used / recovered by means of terminals 5a and 5b (by a supercapacitor, an electric battery, or an electrolyzer, in particular).

[0076] The moving element 2 then enters the liquid-filled (water) transfer chamber 6 via the first open valve 7. The tapered shape of the second (lower) end 2b facilitates the entry of the moving element 2 into the liquid. The first opening and closing means then move the first valve 7 so as to seal the fluid communication between the downpipe 4 and the transfer chamber 6.

[0077] The penetration of the moving element 2 into the transfer chamber 6 can cause a sudden increase in pressure inside the transfer chamber 6 and the displacement of a volume of liquid equal to the volume of the moving element 2. The third valve 10 (vent valve) constituting here the evacuation means 14 makes it possible to compensate for this, and to evacuate, if necessary, part of the volume of liquid displaced into the recovery means 15.

[0078] We are then in the configuration illustrated in [Fig.3]: the moving element 2 descends towards the bottom of the transfer chamber 6. The braking means 22 cause a displacement force F2 on the moving element 2 (by interaction with the permanent magnet 3) away from the bottom of the transfer chamber 6.

[0079] When the moving element 2 comes into contact with the first magnetic repulsion means 19a, the latter cause a displacement force Fl on the moving element 2 (by interaction with the permanent magnet 3) in the direction of the second flap 9.

[0080] The combination of the forces Fl, F2 and the Archimedes' thrust moves the moving element 2 obliquely, so that the moving element 2 comes under the inclined flap 18 of the guiding means 17 ([Fig.4]) which guide the moving element 2, moved by the Archimedes' force, to the sight of the second flap 9 (figures 5 and 6).

[0081] Note that here the inclined flap 18 is fixed. However, a movable flap 18 could be used as previously explained, making it possible to dispense with the initial magnetic repulsion means 19a.

[0082] The second opening and closing means then control the opening of the second valve 9 so as to put the transfer enclosure 6 into fluidic communication with the riser pipe 8.

[0083] If liquid has been evacuated from the transfer enclosure 6, the level of liquid in the riser pipe 8 drops accordingly: the supply means 16 then introduce liquid into the riser pipe 8 (drawing from the recovery means 15) in order to maintain a predetermined level of liquid in the riser pipe 8 so that the moving element 2 can rise to a substantially constant predetermined altitude (at the very top of the riser pipe 8 here).

[0084] Note that the first valve 7 and the third valve 10 can be one and the same valve. In other words, the first valve 7 can act as a vent valve (and possibly as an evacuation means 14).

[0085] Opening the second valve 9 allows the movable element 2 to enter the riser duct 8 and ascend from the second lower end 8b to the second upper end 8a, until it reaches the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 8]. The second opening and closing means then control the closure of the second valve 9 so as to seal the fluid communication between the transfer chamber 6 and the riser duct 8.

[0086] The passage of the moving element 2 in the riser conduit 8 induces an electromotive force in said at least a second electric coil 21 which is used / recovered by means of terminals 21a and 21b (by a supercapacitor, an electric battery or an electrolyzer in particular).

[0087] Meanwhile, the grasping arm 20 of the upper transfer means 13 has been moved in correspondence with the second upper end 8a of the riser pipe 8 to come and wait for the moving element 2 and, once the latter has risen to the second upper end 8a of the riser pipe 8, grasp it and transfer it to the first upper end 4a of the descent pipe 4.

[0088] The steps illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 can then be repeated cyclically in a predetermined sequence by control means configured to operate the first, second, and third opening and closing means of the first 7, second 9, and third 10 valves. These control means can also operate the lower transfer means 12, the upper transfer means 13, and the supply means 16.

[0089] Figures 10 to 18 schematically illustrate a second embodiment of an electricity generation device according to the present invention.

[0090] A first difference of the second embodiment of the electricity generation device with the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 8 is that the lower transfer means 12 comprise an upward lower transfer conduit 23 whose upper wall 23a is adapted to guide the movable element 2 in a similar way to the fixed and inclined flap 18.

[0091] Optionally, to ensure movement of the movable element 2 towards the second flap 9 via the upper wall 23a, guide means 17 for a movable flap 24 can be provided, which can be moved by sliding between: - a reception position (illustrated in solid lines on [Fig. 10]), in which the movable flap 24 is not located in correspondence with the first lower end 4b of the descent pipe 4 (in order to allow the reception of the movable element 2 in the transfer enclosure 6 along a trajectory avoiding the movable element 2 hitting the movable flap 24), - a guiding position (illustrated in dashed lines on [Fig. 10]), in which the movable flap 24 is located at least partly in correspondence with the first lower end 4b of the downpipe 4 and is oriented so as to guide the movable element 2, moved by Archimedes' force, into the lower transfer uppipe 23 (which will bring the movable element 2 into correspondence with the second valve 9 in order to then allow its introduction into the uppipe 8 by opening the second valve 9).

[0092] Note that the movable flap 24 may be designed to pivot rather than be translationally movable. The use of the movable flap 24 may eliminate the need for initial magnetic repulsion means 19a.

[0093] A second difference between the second embodiment of the electricity generation device and the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8 is that the upper transfer means 13 comprise: - an upper transfer upstream line 25 containing second density fluid, extending from the second upper end 8a of the riser line 8 to a holding compartment 26 located at the correspondence of the first upper end 4a of the descent line 4, - a fourth valve 27, controlled by fourth opening and closing means, configured to selectively connect the upper transfer ascending pipe 25 and the waiting compartment 26, - a fifth valve 28, controlled by fifth opening and closing means, configured to selectively connect the waiting compartment 26 and the descending pipe 4.

[0094] The operation of the second embodiment of the electricity generation device 1 will now be explained by means of Figures 10 to 18.

[0095] Initially ([Fig. 10]), the movable element 2 is located in the waiting compartment 26 of the upper transfer means 13, placed in correspondence with the first upper end of the downpipe 4. The fourth valve 27 is controlled by the fourth opening and closing means so as to seal the fluidic communication between the upper transfer ascending pipe 25 and the waiting compartment 26. We are then in the configuration illustrated on [Fig. 11].

[0096] The first valve 7 is then opened so as to establish fluidic communication between the downpipe 4 (here filled with air) and the transfer chamber 6 (here filled with water). Simultaneously or shortly thereafter, the fifth valve 28 is opened by the fifth opening and closing means so as to establish fluidic communication between the holding compartment 26 and the downpipe 4: the moving element 2 and the volume of water contained in the holding compartment 26 fall under the effect of gravity and enter the downpipe 4 ([Fig. 12]) to descend from the first upper end 4a to the first lower end 4b. The passage of the moving element 2 in the downpipe 4 induces an electromotive force in said at least one first electric coil 5, which is used / recovered by means of terminals 5a and 5b (by a supercapacitor, an electric battery or an electrolyzer in particular).

[0097] The moving element 2 then enters the liquid-filled (water) transfer chamber 6 via the first open valve 7. The tapered shape of the second (lower) end 2b facilitates the entry of the moving element 2 into the liquid. The first opening and closing means then move the first valve 7 to seal the fluid communication between the downpipe 4 and the transfer chamber 6, while the fifth opening and closing means close the fifth valve 28 to seal the fluid communication between the holding compartment 26 and the downpipe 4.

[0098] The penetration of the moving element 2 and the volume of water contained in the waiting compartment 26 into the transfer chamber 6 can cause a sudden increase in pressure inside the transfer chamber 6 and the displacement of a volume of liquid equal to the sum of the volume of the moving element 2 and the volume of water contained in the waiting compartment 26. The third valve 10 (vent valve), constituting the evacuation means 14, makes it possible to compensate for this, and to evacuate, if necessary, part of the volume of liquid displaced into the recovery means 15.

[0099] We are then in the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 13]: the moving element 2 descends towards the bottom of the transfer chamber 6. The braking means 22 cause a displacement force F2 on the moving element 2 (by interaction with the permanent magnet 3) away from the bottom of the transfer chamber 6.

[0100] When the moving element 2 comes into contact with the first magnetic repulsion means 19a, the latter cause a displacement force Fl on the moving element 2 (by interaction with the permanent magnet 3) in the direction of the second flap 9.

[0101] The combination of the forces Fl, F2 and the Archimedes' thrust moves the moving element 2 obliquely, so that the moving element 2 comes under the upper wall 23a of the lower transfer ascending conduit 23 of the guiding means 17 ([Fig. 14]) which guide the moving element 2, moved by the Archimedes' force, to the sight of the second flap 9 (figures 15).

[0102] Note that a movable flap 24 (sliding or pivoting) could be used as previously explained in [Fig. 10], making it possible to do without first means of magnetic repulsion 19a.

[0103] The second opening and closing means then control the opening of the second valve 9 so as to put the transfer enclosure 6 into fluidic communication with the riser duct 8, and the fourth opening and closing means then control the opening of the fourth valve 27 so as to put the upper transfer ascender duct 25 into fluidic communication with the waiting compartment 26.

[0104] If liquid has been evacuated from the transfer enclosure 6, the level of liquid in the riser pipe 8, the upper transfer ascender pipe 25 and the waiting compartment 26 drops accordingly: the supply means 16 then introduce liquid into the waiting compartment 26 (drawing from the recovery means 15) in order to maintain a predetermined level of liquid in the riser pipe 8, the upper transfer ascender pipe 25 and the waiting compartment 26, so that the moving element 2 can ascend to a substantially constant predetermined altitude (up to the waiting compartment 26 here).

[0105] Note that the first valve 7 and the third valve 10 can be one and the same valve. In other words, the first valve 7 can act as a vent valve (and as an evacuation means 14).

[0106] Opening the second valve 9 allows the movable element 2 to enter the riser pipe 8 and ascend it from the second lower end 8b to the second upper end 8a ([Fig. 16]), until it reaches the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 17]. The second opening and closure then controls the closure of the second valve 9 so as to seal the fluidic communication between the transfer chamber 6 and the riser pipe 8.

[0107] The passage of the moving element 2 in the riser conduit 8 induces an electromotive force in said at least a second electric coil 21 which is used / recovered by means of terminals 21a and 21b (by a supercapacitor, an electric battery or an electrolyzer in particular).

[0108] The moving element 2 is then transferred from the second upper end 8a of the riser pipe 8 to the first upper end 4a of the descent pipe 4: under the effect of Archimedes' force, the moving element 2 ascends the upper transfer ascender pipe 25 ([Fig.18]) until it enters the waiting compartment 26 located at the correspondence of the first upper end 4a of the descent pipe 4. Note that the upper transfer means 13 may include second magnetic repulsion means 19b configured to urge the moving element 2 towards the first upper end 4a of the descent pipe 4.

[0109] Once the moving element 2 is in the waiting compartment 26, the fourth opening and closing means then control the fourth valve 27 to seal the fluidic communication between the upper transfer ascending conduit 25 and the waiting compartment 26. We are then in the configuration illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0110] The steps illustrated in Figures 10 to 18 can then be repeated cyclically in a predetermined sequence by control means configured to operate the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth opening and closing means of the first 7, second 9, third 10, fourth 27, and fifth 28 valves. These control means can also operate the lower transfer means 12, the upper transfer means 13, and the supply means 16.

[0111] The two embodiments of the electricity generation device 1 thus implement a method for generating electricity comprising the following steps: - allowing a mobile element 2 comprising a permanent magnet 3 and having a first density to fall under the effect of gravity into a downpipe 4 around and along which is arranged at least one first electrical coil 5, from a first upper end 4a of the downpipe 4 to a first lower end 4b of the downpipe 4, and recovering at the terminals 5a and 5b of said at least one first electrical coil 5 the electrical energy induced in said at least one first electrical coil 5, - transfer said mobile element 2 to a second lower end 8b of a riser pipe 8 containing a liquid of a second density greater than the first density, and allow said mobile element 2 to rise to a second upper end 8a of the riser pipe 8, - transfer said mobile element 2 to the first upper end 4a of downpipe 4.

[0112] It may also be provided, in said process, that: - at least one second electrical coil 21 is arranged around and extends along the riser pipe 8, - during the ascent of the moving element 2 in the ascent conduit 8, the electrical energy induced in said at least a second electrical coil 21 is recovered at terminals 21a and 21b of said at least a second electrical coil 21.

[0113] Said process can advantageously be used for: - the charge of a supercapacitor, or - the charging of an electric battery, or - the power supply for an electrolyzer.

[0114] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been explicitly described, but includes the various variants and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Electricity generating device (1), comprising: - a moving element (2) including a permanent magnet (3), and having a first density, - a downpipe (4) extending between a first upper end (4a) and a first lower end (4b), containing a gas and shaped to be traversed by said moving element (2) during a descent under the effect of gravity from the first upper end (4a) to the first lower end (4b), - at least one first electric coil (5) disposed around and extending along the downpipe (4), - a uppipe (8) extending between a second upper end (8a) and a second lower end (8b), containing a liquid having a second density greater than the first density, and shaped to be traversed by said moving element (2) during an uppipe,- lower transfer means (12) configured to cause a displacement of said moving element (2) from the first lower end (4b) to the sight of the second lower end (8b), - upper transfer means (13) configured to cause a displacement of said moving element (2) from the second upper end (8a) to the sight of the first upper end (4a).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower transfer means (12) comprise: - a transfer chamber (6) containing said second density liquid, disposed at the first lower end (4b) of the downpipe (4) and in fluidic communication with the downpipe (4) via a first valve (7), - a second valve (9) shaped to selectively put the transfer chamber (6) into fluidic communication with the second lower end (8b) of the uppipe (8).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower transfer means (12) comprise guiding means (17) including: - a fixed or mobile flap (18, 24), and / or - an upward lower transfer conduit (23).

4. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the lower transfer means (12) comprise first magnetic repulsion means (19a) shaped to urge the movable element (2) towards the second lower end (8b) of the riser duct (8).

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises evacuation means (14) shaped to permit the exit of second density liquid from the transfer enclosure (6).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the evacuation means (14) comprise a third valve (10), called vent valve, shaped to selectively put the transfer enclosure (6) into fluidic communication with the external environment (11).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first valve (7) and the third valve (10) are one and the same valve.

8. Device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it comprises recovery means (15) shaped to receive and contain the second density liquid discharged from the transfer enclosure (6) via the discharge means (14).

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises feeding means (16) shaped to introduce second density liquid into the riser line (8).

10. Device (1) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the feeding means (16) draw second density liquid from the recovery means (15).

11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the upper transfer means (13) comprise: - an upper transfer upstream conduit (25) containing said second density liquid, extending from the second upper end (8a) of the riser conduit (8) to a waiting compartment (26) located in correspondence with the first upper end (4a) of the downpipe (4), - a fourth valve (27) shaped to selectively connect the upper transfer uppipe (25) and the waiting compartment (26) - a fifth valve (28) shaped to selectively connect the waiting compartment (26) and the downpipe (4).

12. Device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper transfer means (13) comprise second magnetic repulsion means (19b) configured to urge the movable element (2) towards the first upper end (4a) of the downpipe (4).

13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the upper transfer means (13) comprise a grasping arm (20) shaped to grasp said movable element (2) and to move it from the second upper end (8a) of the riser pipe (8) to the first upper end (4a) of the descent pipe (4).

14. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: - said movable element (2) extends between a first end (2a) and a second end (2b), - the first end (2a) and / or the second end (2b) are tapered.

15. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least one second electrical coil (21) is arranged around and extends along the riser pipe (8).

16. Method for generating electricity comprising the following steps: - allowing a moving element (2) comprising a permanent magnet (3) and having a first density to fall under the effect of gravity into a downpipe (4) around and along which is arranged at least one first electrical coil (5), from a first upper end (4a) of the downpipe (4) to a first lower end (4b) of the downpipe (4), and recovering at the terminals (5a, 5b) of said at least one first electrical coil (5) the electrical energy induced in said at least one first electrical coil (5), - transfer said mobile element (2) to a second lower end (8b) of a riser pipe (8) containing a liquid of a second density greater than the first density, and allow said mobile element (2) to rise to a second upper end (8a) of the riser pipe (8), - transfer said mobile element (2) to the first upper end (4a) of the descent pipe (4).

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that: - at least one second electrical coil (21) is arranged around and extends along the riser pipe (8), - when the moving element (2) is raised in the riser pipe (8), the electrical energy induced in said at least one second electrical coil (21) is recovered at the terminals (21a, 21b) of said at least one second electrical coil (21).

18. A method according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that: - the descent pipe (4) extends between its first upper (4a) and lower (4b) extremities in a descent direction (II) defined by terrestrial gravity, and / or - the ascent pipe (8) extends between its second upper (8a) and lower (8b) extremities in an ascent direction (II-II) defined by terrestrial gravity.

19. Use of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or of a method according to any one of claims 16 to 18 for charging a supercapacitor.

20. Use of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or of a method according to any one of claims 16 to 18 for charging an electric battery.

21. Use of a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or of a method according to any one of claims 16 to 18 for supplying an electrolyzer.

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