Power generation facilities

Abstract

To provide power generation equipment which can effectively use water.SOLUTION: The power generation equipment has a main body 2 having a conduit 3 in which a power generation device 6a for generating power by a water flow is arranged, and a storage part 30 arranged at a downstream side of the conduit 3 of the main body 2. The main body 2 has a supply flow passage 5 and a power generation flow passage 6, the power generation flow passage 6 is piping having an intermediate part extending in a vertical direction, and arranged so that one end is immersed in the storage part 30, and the other end is located below the one end, the power generation device 6a is arranged in the intermediate part, the supply flow passage 5 has a plurality of stages of pumping chambers 5a to 5e which are arranged so as to be increased in height from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the conduit 3, and pumping devices 10 for pumping water from the lower pumping chamber to the upper pumping chamber are arranged at the plurality of stages of the pumping chambers 5a to 5e.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power generation facility. [Background technology]

[0002] Instead of thermal power generation using fossil fuels, power generation using natural energy has been attracting attention. One such power generation facility that uses natural energy is hydroelectric power generation, which uses water stored in a dam. However, this requires the construction of a dam, which requires very large-scale construction work, and there are only a limited number of locations where dams can be built.

[0003] As a hydroelectric power generation technology that uses water without constructing a dam, a technology that uses the siphon effect has been developed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2012-11119 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient amount of power generation, and there is a demand for a technology that can generate large amounts of power by utilizing the siphon effect.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a power generation facility capable of effectively utilizing water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] <Power generation facilities> The power generation equipment of the first invention comprises a main body having a water channel in which a power generation device that generates power using water flow is installed, and a storage section provided downstream of the water channel in the main body, the main body having a supply flow path that supplies water from the water channel to the storage section, and a power generation flow path that supplies water from the storage section and flows the supplied water to the upstream side of the water channel in the main body, the power generation flow path has an intermediate section extending vertically, and is a pipe arranged so that one end located downstream of the main body from the intermediate section is immersed in the storage section and the other end located upstream of the main body from the intermediate section is located lower than the one end, the power generation device is installed in the pipe, the supply flow path has multiple stages of pumping chambers arranged to increase in height from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water channel, and the pumping chamber is provided with a pumping device that pumps water from a lower pumping chamber to an upper pumping chamber. <Lift type> The power generation equipment of the second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the pumping device comprises a pumping container having an opening at the top and on the downstream side of the waterway, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the pumping container, and the lifting device is arranged to be movable between a lower water receiving position for receiving water from the lower pumping container or waterway of the lower pumping device provided in a lower pumping chamber located below the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is provided, and an upper water supply position for supplying water in the pumping container from the downstream opening on the downstream side of the waterway of the pumping container of the pumping device to the upper pumping container of the upper pumping device through the upper opening of the upper part of the upper pumping container of the upper pumping device provided in an upper pumping chamber located above the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is provided. The power generation equipment of the third invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the downstream opening on the downstream side of the pumping vessel is always open, and the pumping vessel and the pumping chamber are structured so that the downstream opening is liquid-tightly blocked by the downstream wall surface of the waterway in the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is installed and the downstream wall surface of the waterway of the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device while the pumping vessel moves between the lower water receiving position and the upper water supply position. The power generating facility of a fourth invention is the third invention, characterized in that a downstream opening on the downstream side of the pumping vessel is provided with an opening / closing door for opening and closing the downstream opening. <Seesaw type> The power generation equipment of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the pumping device comprises a swing axis that intersects with the flow direction of the waterway provided downstream of the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is provided, a pumping container provided on the swing axis so as to be swingable up and down, and a swinging device for swinging the pumping container, wherein the pumping container has an upstream opening provided on the upstream side of the waterway and an upper opening provided at the upper part, and the swinging device is provided so as to be movable between a lower water receiving position that receives water from the lower pumping container of the lower pumping device provided in a lower pumping chamber located below the pumping chamber in which the pumping container of the pumping device is provided or from the waterway, and an upper water supply position that supplies water in the pumping container to the upper pumping container of the upper pumping device through the upstream opening and upper opening of the upper pumping container of the upper pumping device provided in an upper pumping chamber located above the pumping chamber in which the swinging device is provided. The power generation equipment of the 6th invention is characterized in that, in the 5th invention, the downstream wall of the pumping vessel provided on the downstream side of the waterway forms an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the upper pumping vessel of the upper stage pumping device at the upper water supply position, and the inclined surface is arranged so that its upper end is positioned higher than the upper end of the upper stage pumping vessel of the upper stage pumping device which is positioned at the lower water receiving position at the upper water supply position. The power generation equipment of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in any of the first to sixth inventions, the power generation flow path is configured so that water flows from the storage section toward the upstream side of the water channel in the main body by the siphon effect. <Power generation facilities> The power generation facility of the eighth invention comprises a main body having a water channel in which a power generation device that generates power using a water flow is provided, and a storage section provided downstream of the water channel in the main body, the main body having a supply flow path that supplies water from the water channel to the storage section, and a power generation flow path that supplies water from the storage section and flows the supplied water to the upstream side of the water channel in the main body, the power generation flow path having an intermediate section extending vertically and one end located downstream of the main body from the intermediate section is immersed in the storage section and the other end located upstream of the main body from the intermediate section is positioned lower than the one end, the power generation device is provided in the piping, and the supply flow path comprises an upper flow path connected to the storage section, a lower flow path connected to the other end of the piping, and a pumping device having a lifting container that lifts and lowers between the lower flow path and the upper flow path while storing water, and pumps water from the lower flow path to the upper flow path. The power generation equipment of the 9th invention is characterized in that, in the 8th invention, the pumping device has a lifting chamber in which the lifting container lifts and lowers, an inlet connected to the lower flow path is provided on the lower side of the lifting chamber, and a drain outlet connected to the upper flow path is provided on the upper side of the lifting chamber, and the lifting container has a water receiving port that receives water from the inlet when it descends to a water supply position at the bottom of the lifting chamber, and a drain outlet that discharges water from the drain outlet when it rises to a drain position at the top of the lifting chamber. The power generation equipment of the 10th invention is characterized in that, in the 9th invention, the pumping device has a plurality of the lifting chambers arranged in a line along the flow direction of the lower flow path, and each lifting chamber is provided with a lifting container. The power generation equipment of the 11th invention is characterized in that, in any of the 8th to 10th inventions, the power generation flow path is configured so that water flows from the storage section toward the upstream side of the water channel in the main body by the siphon effect. <Marine power generation equipment> The power generation equipment of the 12th invention is a power generation equipment installed on a ship, and comprises a flow path section connecting an inlet provided on the bow side of the ship and an outlet provided on the stern side of the ship, and a power generation unit arranged in the flow path section, wherein the power generation unit has a power generation flow path connecting a water supply port connected to the inlet of the flow path section and a drain outlet located below the water supply port and connected to the outlet of the flow path section, and a power generation device that generates power using water falling from the water supply port toward the drain outlet is provided in the power generation flow path. The power generation facility of a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the twelfth aspect of the present invention, characterized in that the flow path portion is provided so that the outlet is located lower than the inlet. The power generation equipment of the 14th invention is characterized in that, in the 12th invention, the flow path section has an outlet located above the waterline of the ship, and is equipped with a pumping device that pumps water in the flow path section from a part of the flow path section downstream of the power generation section to the outlet. Effect of the Invention

[0008] <Power generation facilities> According to the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, power generation using water can be efficiently carried out. <Marine power generation equipment> According to the twelfth to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the thrust of a ship can be utilized to generate electricity using water. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a power generating facility 1 of this embodiment provided with a pumping device 10. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a power generating waterway 6 of the power generating facility 1 of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a supply flow passage 5 of a power generation facility 1 of this embodiment provided with a pumping device 10. FIG. [Figure 4]These are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the pumping device 10, where (A) is a schematic explanatory diagram of the state in which the pumping container 11 provided in the pumping chamber 5e is positioned at the lower water receiving position, and (B) is a schematic explanatory diagram of the state in which the pumping container 11 provided in the pumping chamber 5e is positioned at the upper water supply position. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic plan view of a power generating facility 1 of the present embodiment provided with a pumping device 20. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a supply flow passage 5 of the power generation facility 1 of the present embodiment provided with a pumping device 20. FIG. [Figure 7] These are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the pumping device 20, where (A) is a schematic explanatory diagram of the state in which the pumping container 21 provided in the pumping chamber 5e is positioned at the lower water receiving position, and (B) is a schematic explanatory diagram of the state in which the pumping container 21 provided in the pumping chamber 5e is positioned at the upper water supply position. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic plan view of a power generating facility 1 in which a pumping device having a lifting vessel 40 is provided in a pumping chamber 5b. [Figure 9] 11 is a schematic plan view of a water passage 3 of a power generating facility 1 in which a pumping device having a lifting vessel 40 is provided in a pumping chamber 5b, and is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV in FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a supply flow passage 5 provided in a water pumping chamber 5b of a water pumping device having a lifting container 40. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a power generation waterway 6 of the power generation facility 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 1A is a schematic diagram of a marine power generating facility D, in which (A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (B), and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in (A). [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a marine power generating facility D equipped with a pumping device Sp. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another power generating device 6b provided in the power generating channel 6 of the power generating facility 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing another power generating device 6b provided in the power generating channel 6 of the power generating facility 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a power generation facility 1D according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the power generation facility 1 of this embodiment includes a main body 2 having a water channel 3 in which a power generation device 6a that generates power using a water flow is installed, and a storage section 30 provided in the main body 2 downstream of the water channel 3. The arrows in the figure indicate the flow of water.

[0011] <Storage section 30> As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the power generation facility 1 of this embodiment is provided with a storage section 30 adjacent to the main body 2. This storage section 30 has a storage space 30h capable of storing a predetermined amount of water. As described below, this storage section 30 has a function of storing water when it is supplied from the supply flow path 5 of the main body 2 and supplying the stored water to the power generation flow path 6 of the main body 2. For example, the storage section 30 is configured to receive water from the supply flow path 5 through a water receiving port 30a (see Fig. 3), such as an opening formed at the top end of the storage section 30 or an opening formed on the upper side surface of the side wall of the storage section 30.

[0012] <Main unit 1> As shown in FIG. 1, in a power generation facility 1 of this embodiment, a main body 2 includes a water channel 3, a supply flow path 5, and a power generation flow path 6.

[0013] In Fig. 1, two supply flow paths 5 and two power generation flow paths 6 are provided, but the number of supply flow paths 5 and power generation flow paths 6 is not particularly limited. The number of supply flow paths 5 and power generation flow paths 6 does not have to be the same. For example, two supply flow paths 5 and one power generation flow path 6 may be provided, or one supply flow path 5 and two power generation flow paths 6 may be provided. However, if the same number of supply flow paths 5 and power generation flow paths 6 are provided (i.e., one supply flow path 5 and one power generation flow path 6 are one set), the power generation equipment 1 of this embodiment with different power generation amounts can be easily designed and constructed by adjusting the number of sets.

[0014] <Waterway 3> As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 2 is provided with a water passage 3 for flowing water. More specifically, the main body 2 is provided with a water passage 3 for supplying water discharged from a power generation flow path 6 to a supply flow path 5. This water passage 3 is connected to a storage section 30 by the supply flow path 5 and the power generation flow path 6, and is provided so that water circulates between the water passage 3 and the storage section 30. Specifically, the water passage 3 has a first water passage 3a for flowing water toward the supply flow path 5, and a second water passage 3b for receiving water from the power generation flow path 6 and supplying the water supplied from the power generation flow path 6 to the first water passage 3a. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the water passage 3 can be provided so that the first water passage 3a and the second water passage 3b have parallel flow paths and flow in opposite directions.

[0015] In the following description, the upstream side of the direction in which water flows in the first water channel 3a (the right side in Fig. 1) is referred to as the upstream side of the water channel 3, and the downstream side of the direction in which water flows in the first water channel 3a (the left side in Fig. 1) is referred to as the downstream side of the water channel 3. Therefore, in the second water channel 3b of the water channel 3, the upstream and downstream of the water channel 3 where the water actually flows are reversed.

[0016] <Supply channel 5> As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the main body 2 is provided with a supply flow passage 5 that supplies water supplied from the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the storage section 30. The water receiving port 30a of the storage section 30 described above is provided above the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3, and the supply flow passage 5 has a function of pumping water from the position of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the position of the water receiving port 30a of the storage section 30 and supplying the water of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the storage section 30. Specifically, the supply flow passage 5 is provided with a plurality of stages of pumping chambers 5a to 5e, and has a function of supplying the water of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the storage section 30 by sequentially pumping water by the pumping device 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5e excluding the pumping chamber 5a among the plurality of stages of the pumping chambers 5a to 5e. The details of the pumping device 10 will be described later.

[0017] <Power generation channel 6> As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 is provided with a power generation flow path 6 provided with a power generation device 6a that generates power by using the water in the storage section 30. The power generation flow path 6 is a pipe that flows the water in the storage section 30 toward the second water passage 3b of the water passage 3, and is composed of an upper pipe 7, an intermediate pipe 8, and a lower pipe 9. First, the intermediate pipe 8 is a pipe that is provided such that its axial direction extends vertically. The power generation device 6a is provided inside the lower part of this intermediate pipe 8. This power generation device 6a has the function of generating power by rotating a turbine or the like using the water flowing vertically inside the intermediate pipe 8.

[0018] The power generating device 6a is not particularly limited. For example, a known generator such as an underwater turbine generator manufactured by Imour Industrial Co., Ltd. may be used. The intermediate pipe 8 corresponds to the "middle part" in claim 1, and the lower end of the intermediate pipe 8 corresponds to the "other end located on the upstream side of the main body" in claim 1.

[0019] Furthermore, the power generating device may be provided at any position in the power generation flow path 6 as long as it is capable of generating power. For example, if a generator such as a tubular water turbine is used, it may be provided in the lower piping 9 as shown in Fig. 14 (see power generating device 6b in Fig. 14).

[0020] 2, one end of the upper pipe 7 is connected to the upper end of the intermediate pipe 8. This upper pipe 7 is a pipe formed in a substantially U-shape, and the other end 7a is immersed in the water W1 in the storage space 30h of the storage unit 30. This other end 7a of the upper pipe 7 corresponds to the "one end located downstream of the main body from the intermediate portion" in claim 1. Therefore, the other end of the upper pipe 7 is provided so as to be located above the lower end of the intermediate pipe 8.

[0021] 2, one end of the lower pipe 9 is connected to the lower end of the intermediate pipe 8. This lower pipe 9 is provided such that the other end 9a is immersed in the water W2 in the second water passage 3b of the water passage 3. This lower pipe 9 is formed such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow passage gradually increases from the one end connected to the lower end of the intermediate pipe 8 toward the other end. In other words, the lower pipe 9 is formed in a shape that functions as a general draft tube.

[0022] Since the power generation facility 1 of this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, when water is caused to flow from the other end of the upper pipe 7 to the other end of the lower pipe 9, a water flow due to the siphon effect can be generated in the power generation flow path 6. Then, the water flow in the power generation flow path 6 can be used to generate power by the power generation device 6a. Moreover, since the water in the water passage 3 is supplied to the storage space 30h of the storage unit 30 through the supply flow passage 5, the water can be circulated by flowing in the following order: storage unit 30 → power generation flow passage 6 → water passage 3 → supply flow passage 5 → storage unit 30 (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the water can be used effectively.

[0023] In the above example, the case where a water flow is generated in the power generation flow path 6 due to the siphon effect has been described. The power generation flow path 6 does not necessarily have to be structured to generate a water flow due to the siphon effect. For example, in the above example, the case where the upper pipe 7 is substantially U-shaped to generate a siphon effect has been described, but the upper pipe 7 does not necessarily have to be substantially U-shaped, and a water flow is generated in the power generation flow path 6 in which water flows from the other end 7a immersed in the water W1 in the storage space 30h of the storage unit 30 into the upper pipe 7 and flows to the other end 9a of the lower pipe 9 without generating a water flow by a power source such as a special pump. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the power generation flow path 6 may be structured such that water flows into the power generation flow path 6 simply by gravity from a reservoir 30 provided in the upper part of the main body 2.

[0024] <Water Pumping Device 10> Next, the pumping device 10 will be described.

[0025] <Multiple stages of pumping chambers 5a to 5e> First, the multiple stages of pumping chambers 5a to 5e in which the pumping device 10 is provided will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the supply flow passage 5 is provided with a plurality of pumping chambers 5a to 5e. The plurality of pumping chambers 5a to 5e have side walls formed on three sides other than the upstream side (the right side in Figs. 1 to 3), and the upstream side is an open chamber with no side wall (see Fig. 1). Of the plurality of pumping chambers 5a to 5e, the pumping chambers 5b to 5e other than the pumping chamber 5a located at the top are provided with a pumping device 10.

[0026] The pumping chamber 5a located at the top has a drain outlet provided in its side wall on the side of the storage section 30, and this drain outlet is connected to the water receiving port 30a of the storage section 30. Water pumped into the pumping chamber 5a is supplied to the storage section 30 through this drain outlet via the water receiving port 30a. When the side wall of the pumping chamber 5a on the side of the storage section 30 and the side wall of the storage section 30 are common to each other, the water receiving port 30a of the storage section 30 serves as the drain outlet.

[0027] <Water Pumping Device 10> As shown in FIG. 3, the pumping device 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5e includes a pumping container 11 and a lifting device 15 for lifting the pumping container 11 up and down.

[0028] <Pumping vessel 11> As shown in Fig. 3, the pumping vessel 11 is a hollow vessel having a space 11h into which water is supplied. The pumping vessel 11 includes a bottom wall 11a and side walls 11b-11d erected on the upstream edge and lateral edge of the bottom wall 11a (see Fig. 1). That is, the pumping vessel 11 has a structure in which an opening (upper opening) is provided at the top and an opening (downstream opening) is provided between the downstream ends of the two side walls 11c, 11d of the space 11h. The pumping vessel 11 is provided so that the bottom wall 11a and the downstream edges of the side walls 11b-11d can move in close contact with the downstream side wall 5w of the pumping chambers 5b-5e. In other words, the pumping vessel 11 is formed so that the gap between the downstream edge of the bottom wall 11a and the side walls 11b to 11d of the pumping vessel 11 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11) and the surface of the downstream side wall 5w of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e is almost liquid-tight. Moreover, as will be described later, the pumping vessel 11 is formed so that the gap between the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11 and the surface of the downstream side wall 5w of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e is almost liquid-tight even while the pumping vessel 11 moves to the upper water-supply position (see FIG. 4).

[0029] Although not shown, the pumping container 11 provided in the pumping chamber 5e is designed so that the pumping container 11 can be lowered to a predetermined position even if water accumulates below the bottom wall 11a. For example, a through hole is provided in the bottom wall 11a of the pumping container 11, and a lid-like member that swings to open and close the through hole is provided. The lid-like member swings upward when water pressure is applied from below. Then, even if water accumulates in the pumping chamber 5e, the lid-like member swings to open the through hole, reducing water resistance and allowing the pumping container 11 to move downward.

[0030] As described later, when the pumping vessel 11 moves to the upper water supply position, the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11 moves along the upstream surface (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the front surface of the upper-stage pumping vessel 11) of the side wall 11b of the pumping vessel 11 provided in the upper-stage pumping chamber (pumping chamber 5d in FIG. 4). Therefore, the pumping vessel 11 is formed so that the gap between the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11 and the front surface of the upper-stage pumping vessel 11 is also almost liquid-tight.

[0031] <Lifting device 15> The lifting device 15 lifts and lowers the pumping container 11 between a lower water receiving position and an upper water supply position within the pumping chambers 5b to 5e. The configuration of the lifting device 15 is not particularly limited, but for example, a cylinder mechanism or the like can be adopted.

[0032] Here, the lower water receiving position is a position where the pumping vessel 11 of the pumping device 10 receives water supplied from the pumping vessel (lower pumping vessel) of the pumping device (lower pumping device) provided in the pumping chamber (lower pumping chamber) located in the lower stage (see FIG. 4(A)). For example, in the case of the pumping devices 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5d, the lower water receiving position is a position where water is supplied from the pumping vessel 11 of the pumping devices 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5c to 5e. Note that the pumping chamber 5e is a position where water is supplied from the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3. In other words, in the pumping chamber 5e, the upper end of the pumping vessel 11 is at a position where the upper opening is located below the water surface of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3, which is the lower water receiving position.

[0033] The upper water supply position is a position where water is supplied to the pumping vessel (upper pumping vessel) of the pumping device (upper pumping device) provided in the pumping chamber (upper pumping chamber) located above the pumping vessel 11 of the pumping device 10 (see FIG. 4(B)). For example, in the case of the pumping device 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5c to 5e, the upper water supply position is a position where water is supplied to the pumping vessel 11 of the pumping device 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5d. In the case of the pumping device 10 provided in the pumping chamber 5b, the upper water supply position is a position where the upper surface of the bottom wall 11a of the pumping vessel 11 is at the same height as the bottom surface of the pumping chamber 5a.

[0034] With the above-described structure, by sequentially operating the pumping devices 10 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5e, the water supplied from the first water passage 3 of the water passage 3 → pumping chamber 5da can be pumped in the order of pumping chamber 5e → pumping chamber 5d → pumping chamber 5c → pumping chamber 5b → pumping chamber 5a, and the water can be supplied from the pumping chamber 5a to the storage tank 30.

[0035] There is no particular limitation on the method for maintaining the relationship between the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11 and the surface of the downstream side wall 5w of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e, and between the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11 and the front surface of the upper pumping vessel 11 slidably and substantially liquid-tight. For example, a seal member or the like can be provided on the downstream edge of the pumping vessel 11, the surface of the downstream side wall 5w of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e, and the front surface of the upper pumping vessel 11 to make them liquid-tight.

[0036] The bottom wall 11a of the pumping vessel 11 may be horizontal, or may be an inclined surface inclined downward toward the downstream side. If the bottom wall 11a of the pumping vessel 11 is an inclined surface, water can be smoothly supplied from the pumping vessel 11 of the pumping device 10 to the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device in the upper pumping chamber at the upper water supply position.

[0037] Also, the pumping vessel 11 may have only the side wall 11b, and not have the side walls 11c and 11d. In this case, it is sufficient to maintain the spaces between the side surfaces of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e and the bottom wall 11a and the lateral edges of the side wall 11b of the pumping vessel 11 slidably and substantially liquid-tight.

[0038] <When installing an opening and closing door> In addition, the pumping vessel 11 may be provided with an opening (downstream opening) between the downstream edge of the side wall 11c and the downstream edge of the side wall 11d, for opening and closing the downstream opening. In this case, when the opening and closing door is closed, the bottom wall 11a, the side walls 11b to 11d, and the opening and closing door can maintain the space 11h liquid-tight except for the upper opening. Then, when the pumping vessel 11 rises to the upper water supply position, the opening and closing door may be opened. Then, as described above, it is not necessary to make the gap between the downstream edge of the bottom wall 11a and the side walls 11b to 11d of the pumping vessel 11 and the surface of the downstream side wall 5w of the pumping chamber 5b to 5e liquid-tight. In this case, the structure of the opening and closing door and the configuration for controlling the timing of opening the opening and closing door are not particularly limited. For example, a shutter that moves along the downstream opening is provided, this shutter is constantly biased upward by a spring or the like, and a protrusion that catches on this shutter is provided on the front surface of the upper-stage pumping vessel 11. Then, when the lower-stage pumping vessel 11 moves along the front surface of the upper-stage pumping vessel 11, the protrusion gets caught on the shutter, and when the lower-stage pumping vessel 11 rises, the shutter cannot follow the movement of the lower-stage pumping vessel 11, and the downstream opening is opened.

[0039] <Other pumping equipment 20> As shown in Figs. 5 to 7, the pumping devices provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5e are not limited to the pumping devices 10 described above, and may be pumping devices 20 as follows.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the water lifting device 20 includes a rocking device 25 that rocks the water lifting container 21.

[0041] <Water Pumping Vessel 21> As shown in Fig. 6, the water-pumping vessel 21 is a hollow vessel having a space 21h into which water is supplied. The water-pumping vessel 21 includes a bottom wall 21a and side walls 21b to 21d erected on the downstream edge and lateral edge of the bottom wall 21a (see Fig. 5). That is, the water-pumping vessel 21 has a structure in which an opening (upper opening) is provided at the top, and openings (upstream openings) are provided on the upstream side of the water passage of the two side walls 21c, 21d of the space 11h.

[0042] <Oscillating device 25> The rocking device 25 rocks the pumping vessel 21 between a lower water receiving position and an upper water supply position in the pumping chambers 5b to 5e. Specifically, when the pumping vessel 21 is disposed at the upper water supply position described later, the rocking device 25 rocks the pumping vessel 21 so that the upper end of the downstream side wall 21b (downstream side wall) of the pumping vessel 21 is located at a height approximately equal to the upper surface of the bottom wall of the pumping vessel (upper pumping vessel) of the pumping device (upper pumping device) provided in the pumping chamber (upper pumping chamber) located above the pumping vessel 21 of the pumping device 20 (see FIG. 7). The configuration of the rocking device 25 is not particularly limited, but it can be configured, for example, by a rotating shaft 26 rotatably provided on the side wall of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e and a driving source (not shown) such as a motor that rotates the rotating shaft 26. That is, the rotating shaft 26 is provided near the upstream end of the upper pumping chamber, and the vicinity of the upper end of the downstream side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 is fixed to this rotating shaft 26. Then, by rotating the rotating shaft 26 with a drive source, the pumping vessel 21 can be swung between the lower water receiving position and the upper water supply position, and at the upper water supply position, water in the pumping vessel 21 can be supplied to the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device.

[0043] Here, the lower water receiving position is a position where the pumping vessel 21 of the pumping device 20 receives water supplied from the pumping vessel (lower pumping vessel) of the pumping device (lower pumping device) provided in the pumping chamber (lower pumping chamber) located at the lower level (see FIG. 7(A)). For example, in the case of the pumping devices 20 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5d, the lower water receiving position is a position where water is supplied from the pumping vessel 21 of the pumping device 20 provided in the pumping chambers 5c to 5e. Note that the pumping chamber 5e is a position where water is supplied from the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3. In other words, in the pumping chamber 5e, the position where the upper surface of the bottom wall 21a of the pumping vessel 11 is located below the water surface of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 is the lower water receiving position.

[0044] The upper water supply position is a position where water is supplied from the pumping vessel 21 of the pumping device 20 to the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device provided in the upper pumping chamber (see FIG. 7(B)). For example, in the case of the pumping devices 20 provided in the pumping chambers 5c to 5e, it is a position where water is supplied to the pumping vessel 21 of the pumping devices 20 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5d. In addition, in the case of the pumping device 20 provided in the pumping chamber 5b, it is a position where the upper end of the downstream side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 is at the same height as the bottom surface of the pumping chamber 5a.

[0045] With the above-described structure, by sequentially operating the pumping devices 20 provided in the pumping chambers 5b to 5e, the water supplied from the first water passage 3 of the water passage 3 → pumping chamber 5da can be pumped in the order of pumping chamber 5e → pumping chamber 5d → pumping chamber 5c → pumping chamber 5a, and the water can be supplied from the pumping chamber 5a to the storage tank 30.

[0046] The pumping vessel 21 may have only the side wall 21b, and may not have the side walls 21c and 21d. In this case, it is sufficient to maintain the side surfaces of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e and the lateral edges of the bottom wall 21a and side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 slidably and substantially liquid-tight. There is no particular limitation on the method for maintaining the side surfaces of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e and the lateral edges of the bottom wall 21a and side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 slidably and substantially liquid-tight. For example, a seal member or the like may be provided on the side surfaces of the pumping chambers 5b to 5e and the lateral edges of the bottom wall 21a and side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 to make them liquid-tight.

[0047] Furthermore, the downstream side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 may be formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the downstream side when the pumping vessel 21 is disposed at the upper water supply position. In other words, the downstream side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 may be formed as an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device when the pumping vessel 21 is disposed at the upper water supply position. If the downstream side wall 21b of the pumping vessel 21 is formed as such an inclined surface, water can be smoothly supplied from the pumping vessel 21 of the pumping device 20 to the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device in the upper pumping chamber at the upper water supply position.

[0048] Furthermore, when the pumping vessel 21 swings to the upper water supply position, water may enter the pumping chambers 5b to 5e (particularly the pumping chamber 5e) and cause resistance to the return of the pumping vessel 21 from the upper water supply position to the lower water receiving position. In order to return the pumping vessel 21 to the lower water receiving position against this resistance, the swinging device 25 may be provided with a device that generates a force to return the pumping vessel 21 from the upper water supply position to the lower water receiving position. For example, a spring that constantly generates a force to return the pumping vessel 21 from the upper water supply position to the lower water receiving position is provided between the pumping vessel 21 and the pumping chambers 5b to 5e. This can reduce the force with which the driving source rotates the rotating shaft 26 to return the pumping vessel 21 from the upper water supply position to the lower water receiving position.

[0049] Also, although not shown, the pumping container 21 can be returned to the lower water-receiving position by configuring the bottom wall 21a of the pumping container 21 to release water pressure even if water accumulates below it. For example, a through hole is provided in the bottom wall 21a of the pumping container 21, and a lid-like member that swings to open and close the through hole is provided. The lid-like member swings upward when water pressure is applied from below. Then, even if water accumulates in the pumping chamber 5e, the lid-like member swings to open the through hole, reducing water resistance and allowing the pumping container 21 to return to the lower water-receiving position.

[0050] <Power Generation Equipment 1C> In the power generating equipment 1C as described above, the supply passage 5 may be configured as follows.

[0051] As shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the main body 2 is provided with a supply flow passage 5 that supplies water supplied from the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the storage section 30. The water receiving port 30a (see Fig. 10) of the storage section 30 described above is provided above the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3, and the supply flow passage 5 has a function of pumping water from the position of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the position of the water receiving port 30a of the storage section 30, and supplying the water of the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 to the storage section 30. Specifically, the supply flow passage 5 is provided with a pumping chamber 5a connected to the water receiving port 30a, a water supply chamber 5c connected to the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3, and a plurality of pumping chambers 5b equipped with a pumping device that pumps the water in the water supply chamber 5c to the pumping chamber 5a.

[0052] <Multiple stages of pumping chamber 5a and water supply chamber 5c> The pumping chamber 5a is a flow path that is connected to the water receiving port 30a of the storage unit 30, and is a chamber to which the water pumped by the pumping device is supplied. The pumping chamber 5a corresponds to the upper flow path in the claims. The water supply chamber 5c is a flow path that is connected to the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3, and is a chamber to which water is supplied from the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 by the water pumping device. The water supply chamber 5c corresponds to the lower flow path referred to in the claims.

[0053] <Multiple-stage pumping chamber 5b> The pumping chamber 5b is a chamber in which a pumping device that pumps water from the water supply chamber 5c to the pumping chamber 5a is installed. The pumping chamber 5b has a lifting space in which the lifting container 40 of the pumping device lifts and lowers. The pumping chamber 5b has an inlet s communicating with the first water passage 3a of the water passage 3 at the bottom (see FIG. 9), and a drainage outlet e communicating with the pumping chamber 5a at the top (see FIG. 8). The inlet s and drainage outlet e are provided with a blocking door that liquid-tightly blocks the inside of the lifting space from the outside, that is, the inside of the lifting space from the water supply chamber 5c and the pumping chamber 5a. The blocking door is opened and closed according to the lifting container 40 of the pumping device. In other words, the blocking door provided at the inlet s is opened when water is supplied from the water supply chamber 5c to the lifting container 40 of the pumping device, and is operated to close when a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the lifting container 40 of the pumping device. In addition, the shutoff door provided at the drain outlet e is opened when water is supplied from the lifting container 40 of the pumping device to the pumping chamber 5a, and is operated to close when the supply of water to the pumping chamber 5a is completed.

[0054] <Water pumping equipment> As shown in Fig. 10, the lifting container 40 of the water pumping device is provided in the lifting space of the water pumping chamber 5b so as to be able to move up and down. The lifting container 40 is formed in a structure having a storage space capable of storing water therein. The lifting container 40 also has a water receiving port at its top and a drainage port on its side. The drainage port on the side is provided with a blocking door that can block communication between the storage space and the outside.

[0055] The water lifting device includes a lifting device 41 for lifting and lowering the lifting container 40. The lifting device 41 is a hoist such as a winch, and one end of a wire 41w wound around a drum is connected to the lifting container 40. Therefore, the lifting container 40 can be lifted and lowered in the lifting space by winding and unwinding the wire 41w using the lifting device 41. The lifting container 40 can be lifted and lowered stably in the lifting space by guiding the lifting and lowering of the lifting container 40 by a guide device such as a rail or a wheel. The lifting device is not particularly limited as long as it is configured to lift and lower the lifting container 40 in the lifting space of the water pumping chamber 5b. For example, the lifting device may be a cylinder mechanism such as the lifting device 15 in FIG. 3. A crane may also be used as the lifting device.

[0056] In addition, when using electric equipment such as an electric crane or an electric hoist as the lifting device, it is preferable to install a solar power generation system having a solar panel and a power storage device on the main body 2, etc., and directly supply the power generated by the solar panel to the lifting device such as the electric crane or the electric hoist, or to charge the power generated by the solar panel in a power storage device and supply it from the power storage device to the lifting device when necessary. In addition, as described later, when the power generation system of the present invention is installed on the ground or in a location close to the ground, the solar power generation system that supplies power to the lifting device, etc. may be installed on the ground, or the solar panel may be installed on the ground and the storage battery may be installed on the main body 2 of the power generation system of the present invention. In the case where the lifting device has a cylinder mechanism (see Figures 3 and 4) or when water is pumped by the swinging device 25 (see Figures 6 and 7), the power can be supplied from the power storage device in the same way. In addition, the equipment that supplies power to the lifting device, etc. is not limited to the solar power generation system, and it is also possible to adopt equipment that can generate power using natural energy. For example, natural energy power generation facilities such as wind power generation facilities and tidal power generation facilities can also be used. In this case, the natural energy power generation facility may be installed in the main body 2 of the power generation facility of the present invention, or may be installed on land or sea adjacent to the power generation facility of the present invention.

[0057] In addition, it is desirable that the power storage device has a function of charging a small storage battery or the like. If the power storage device has such a function, in the event of a disaster, if the power storage device is used to charge a small storage battery or the like and the small storage battery or the like is transported to a necessary location, power can be supplied to a location far from the power generation facility of the present invention. In addition, the power generated by the power generation facility of the present invention and the power stored in the power storage device can be used for various purposes. For example, hydrogen may be produced using the power generation facility of the present invention or the power stored in the power storage device, and the hydrogen may be stored in a hydrogen storage container such as a cartridge. Then, if hydrogen is produced using surplus power during normal times, the hydrogen can be used in the event of a disaster. In addition, the produced hydrogen can be supplied to facilities that require hydrogen even in the event of a disaster. In this case, the power generation facility of the present invention may be equipped with a hydrogen production facility, or power may be supplied from the power generation facility of the present invention to a hydrogen production facility provided separately.

[0058] The lifting device may be provided with both an electric crane and an electric hoist, and the two may be operated alternately. When a plurality of electric cranes and electric hoists are provided, some of the electric cranes and electric hoists may be operated simultaneously, and some of the electric cranes and electric hoists may be stopped. In other words, the electric cranes and electric hoists may be used by switching between them as appropriate, or may be used simultaneously.

[0059] The water pumping device is controlled to lower the lifting container 40 to a position where water can be supplied from the water supply chamber 5c into the storage space of the lifting container 40 through the water receiving port and the supply inlet s of the pumping chamber 5b when the lifting container 40 moves downward. For example, the water receiving port of the lifting container 40 is controlled to lower to a position where the upper end of the water receiving port is at the same height as the bottom surface of the water supply chamber 5c, or to a position where the upper end of the water receiving port is lower than the water level in the water supply chamber 5c. The shutoff door provided at the supply inlet s is controlled to open when the lifting container 40 is placed at the above-mentioned position, and close when a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the lifting container 40 of the water pumping device.

[0060] The pumping device is controlled to raise the drainage outlet of the lifting container 40 to a position where the water in the storage space of the lifting container 40 can be supplied to the pumping chamber 5a through the drainage outlet and the drainage outlet e of the pumping chamber 5b when the lifting container 40 moves upward. For example, the drainage outlet of the lifting container 40 is controlled to raise to a position where the lower end of the drainage outlet is at the same height as the bottom surface of the pumping chamber 5a, or where the lower end of the drainage outlet is higher than the water level in the pumping chamber 5a. The shutoff door provided at the drainage outlet e of the pumping chamber 5b is controlled to open when water is supplied from the lifting container 40 of the pumping device to the pumping chamber 5a, and close when the supply of water to the pumping chamber 5a is completed.

[0061] With the above-described structure, by raising and lowering the lifting container 40 of the pumping device provided in the pumping chamber 5b, the water in the water supply chamber 5c can be pumped to the pumping chamber 5da, and water can be supplied from the pumping chamber 5a to the storage tank 30.

[0062] <About the pumping room 5b> In the above example, a case where a plurality of pumping chambers 5b are provided has been described, but the number of pumping chambers 5b provided is not particularly limited. Only one pumping chamber 5b may be provided, or two or more may be provided. When a plurality of pumping chambers 5b are provided, the arrangement of the plurality of pumping chambers 5b is not particularly limited. As shown in Figs. 8 to 10, if the plurality of pumping chambers 5b are provided along the longitudinal direction of the water supply chamber 5c, there is an advantage that the power generation equipment can be made compact.

[0063] <About the lifting container 40> It is desirable that the lifting container 40 has a structure that allows it to descend to a predetermined position even if water accumulates in the lower part of the water pumping chamber 5b. For example, a through hole is provided in the bottom wall of the lifting container 40, and a lid-like member that swings to open and close the through hole is provided. The lid-like member swings upward when water pressure is applied from below. Then, even if water accumulates in the water pumping chamber 5b, the lid-like member swings to open the through hole, reducing water resistance and allowing the lifting container 40 to move downward.

[0064] <About the power generation equipment> In the power generation facility 1C, the power generation device may be installed at any position in the power generation flow path 6 as long as it is capable of generating power. For example, if a generator such as a tubular water turbine is used, it may be installed in the lower piping 9 as shown in Fig. 15 (see power generation device 6b in Fig. 15).

[0065] <About power generation channel 6> The power generation flow path 6 does not necessarily have to be structured to generate a water flow due to the siphon effect. It may be structured so that water flows into the power generation flow path 6 simply by gravity from a reservoir 30 provided in the upper part of the main body 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 16, a water reservoir 30 may be provided in the upper part of the main body 2, and water may flow into the power generation flow path 6 from a reservoir space 30h in the reservoir 30. In this case, the upper piping 7 may simply be an L-shaped pipe.

[0066] <Installation of power generation facilities> The power generating equipment of the present invention may be installed in any place, such as on the ground or on a ship. When installed on the ground, the power generating equipment may be installed in a building such as a factory. The main body 2 may have a float structure that allows it to float on a river, on the sea, in a reservoir, etc. If it has a float structure, the power generating equipment can be installed on a river, on the sea, in a reservoir, etc., and moved to a place where electricity is needed by towing it by a ship when necessary. In addition, when a water storage place such as a pool or a reservoir is provided adjacent to a facility or factory where power supply is prioritized even in the event of a disaster such as a hospital or public facility, the power generating equipment may be installed in the water storage place. When the power generating equipment is installed on a river, on the sea, or in a reservoir, the main body 2 of the power generating equipment may be connected to a pole erected on the ground of the river or the like so that it can be moved in the axial direction. Then, the power generating equipment of the present invention can be maintained in a stable state even if the water level of the river or the like fluctuates while preventing it from being washed away.

[0067] <Marine power generation equipment> In the case of a ship, a power generation facility D can be provided as shown in FIG. As shown in Fig. 12, a power generation facility D is provided at the bottom of the ship S. The power generation facility D is made up of a flow passage section Sh and a power generation unit SD. As shown in Fig. 12(B), the power generation facility D has a plurality of flow passage sections Sh and a plurality of power generation units SD, but the number of flow passage sections Sh and power generation units SD is not particularly limited and may be one. In the following explanation, one flow passage section Sh and a power generation unit SD provided in the flow passage Sh will be explained.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 12, an inlet Sa of the flow passage Sh is provided on the bow side of the bottom SB of the ship S. An outlet Sb of the flow passage Sh is provided on the bottom SB of the ship S on the stern side of the inlet Sa so as to be located lower than the inlet Sa. The inlets Sa and Sa are connected to each other by piping or the like. In other words, the flow passage Sh is formed by piping or the like.

[0069] A power generation unit SD is provided between the inlet Sa and the outlet Sb of the flow path Sh. The power generation unit SD has a power generation flow path that forms a part of the flow path Sh. The power generation flow path has an upstream flow path Sh1 that connects a water supply port that is connected to the inlet Sa of the flow path portion Sh and the power generation unit SD, and a downstream flow path Sh2 that connects the outlet Sb located below the water supply port and the power generation unit SD. In other words, the power generation flow path is provided so that water supplied from the water supply port falls toward the drain port. A power generation device is provided in this power generation flow path between the water supply port and the drain port. This power generation device generates power by using water that falls from the water supply port toward the drain port. The power generation device may be provided at any position in the water flow path as long as it is capable of generating power. For example, the power generation unit SD may be a vertical pipe, and a generator such as a tubular water wheel may be used in the downstream flow path Sh2.

[0070] If the above-described power generation equipment D is installed on a ship S, water will flow in through the inlet Sa on the bow side at all times while the ship is sailing, pass through the flow path Sh and flow out the outlet Sb on the stern side. When the water passes through the power generation section SD of the flow path Sh, electricity can be generated by the power generation device.

[0071] In the above example, the outlet Sb on the stern side is provided below the inlet Sa, but it is sufficient that the outlet Sb is provided below the inlet Sa while the ship S is sailing. When the ship S is stopped or in a state where the ship S is retreating (when sailing toward the stern), the inlet Sa and the outlet Sb may be provided at a position where the inlet Sa and the outlet Sb are at the same height, or at a position where the outlet Sb is above the inlet Sa.

[0072] Also, when the outlet Sb is formed at a position lower than the water line, that is, when the outlet Sb is located underwater, there is a possibility that water will not flow from the inlet Sa to the outlet Sb in the flow path Sh. Therefore, the outlet Sb may be provided at a position higher than the water line, and a pumping device Sp may be provided to pump the water in the flow path Sh to the outlet Sb (see FIG. 13). The configuration of the pumping device Sp is not particularly limited, but the pumping device adopted in the above-mentioned power generation equipment 1 can be adopted as the pumping device Sp. Note that, when a plurality of flow path sections Sh are provided, the pumping device Sp may be provided for each waterway Sh. Also, a common pumping device Sp may be provided for a plurality of flow path sections Sh. In other words, one pumping device Sp may be used to pump water from a plurality of flow path sections Sh. In this case, the installation space for the pumping device Sp can be reduced, and therefore the installation space for the entire power generation equipment D can also be reduced.

[0073] In addition, when installing power generation equipment D on a ship sailing on the sea, it is desirable that the devices and components that make up the power generation equipment D (steel pipes, steel plates, hydroelectric power generation equipment, etc.) be made of materials that have excellent corrosion resistance to seawater. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The power generating facility of the present invention is suitable as a structure to be installed in a waterway having a low waterway, a high waterway and a bank, and in various other locations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Power generation facilities 2 Main unit 3. Waterways 5 Supply Channel 5a~5e Pumping room 6 Power generation flow path 6a Power generation equipment 6b Power generation equipment 10. Pumping equipment 11. Pumping vessel 15 Lifting device 20 Pumping equipment 21 Pumping vessel 25 Rocking device 30 Storage section 40 Lifting vessel D. Power generation facilities S ship SB hull Sh flow passage Sa inlet Sb outlet SD Power Generation Department Sp Pumping Equipment

Claims

1. A main body having a water channel and a power generation device that generates power using a water flow; A storage section provided downstream of the water channel of the main body, The body includes: A supply flow path that supplies water from a water channel to the storage portion; a power generation flow path through which water is supplied from the storage section and through which the supplied water flows to an upstream side of the water channel in the main body, The power generation flow path includes: a pipe having an intermediate portion extending in a vertical direction, one end of the pipe being located downstream of the intermediate portion of the main body and immersed in the storage portion, and the other end of the pipe being located upstream of the intermediate portion of the main body and positioned lower than the one end; The power generation device is provided in the piping, The supply flow path is It has multiple stages of pumping chambers that increase in height from the upstream side to the downstream side of the waterway, The pumping chamber includes: A pumping device is provided to pump water from the lower pumping chamber to the upper pumping chamber. The pumping device is A lifting vessel having an opening at an upper portion and at a downstream side of the waterway; and a lifting device for lifting and lowering the water lifting container, The lifting device is a lower water receiving position for receiving water from a lower pumping container or a waterway of a lower pumping device provided in a lower pumping chamber located below the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is provided; The pumping vessel of the pumping device is provided so as to be movable between a downstream opening on the downstream side of the waterway and an upper water supply position where water in the pumping vessel is supplied to the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device through an upper opening at the top of the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device provided in an upper pumping chamber located at the upper level of the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is provided. The power generation facility is characterized by:

2. The downstream opening of the water lifting vessel is always open, The pumping vessel and the pumping chamber are While the pumping vessel moves between the lower water receiving position and the upper water supply position, the downstream opening is liquid-tightly closed by the downstream wall surface of the water passage in the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is installed and the downstream wall surface of the water passage of the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device. The power generation facility according to claim 1 .

3. A door for opening and closing the downstream opening is provided at the downstream opening of the water pumping container. The power generation facility according to claim 2 .

4. The pumping device includes: A swing shaft intersecting a flow direction of a water channel provided downstream of the pumping chamber in which the pumping device is provided; A water lifting vessel provided on the swing shaft so as to be swingable in the vertical direction; A rocking device for rocking the water lifting vessel, The lifting vessel comprises: The waterway has an upstream opening provided on the upstream side of the waterway and an upper opening provided at an upper portion thereof, The rocking device is a lower water receiving position for receiving water from a lower pumping container or a waterway of a lower pumping device, the lower water receiving position being provided in a lower pumping chamber located below the pumping chamber in which the pumping container of the pumping device is provided; and an upper water supply position where water in the pumping vessel of the upper pumping device is supplied to the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device through an upstream opening and an upper opening of the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device provided in an upper pumping chamber located at the upper level of the pumping chamber in which the swinging device is provided. The power generation facility according to claim 1 .

5. The pumping vessel comprises: a downstream wall provided on the downstream side of the waterway is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the upper pumping container of the upper pumping device at the upper water supply position, The inclined surface is The upper end of the inclined surface is provided so as to be located at the upper water supply position above the upper end of the upper pumping vessel of the upper pumping device that is disposed at the lower water receiving position. The power generation facility according to claim 4.

6. The power generation flow path is The water flows from the reservoir to the upstream side of the waterway in the main body by the siphon effect. The power generation facility according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A main body having a water channel and a power generation device that generates power using a water flow; A storage section provided downstream of the water channel of the main body, The body includes: A supply flow path that supplies water from a water channel to the storage portion; a power generation flow path through which water is supplied from the storage section and through which the supplied water flows to an upstream side of the water channel in the main body, The power generation flow path includes: a pipe having an intermediate portion extending in a vertical direction, one end of the pipe being located downstream of the intermediate portion of the main body and immersed in the storage portion, and the other end of the pipe being located upstream of the intermediate portion of the main body and positioned lower than the one end; The power generation device is provided in the piping, The supply flow path is An upper flow path communicated with the reservoir; a lower flow passage communicating with the other end of the pipe; and a water pumping device having a lifting container that lifts and lowers between the lower flow path and the upper flow path while storing water therein, the lifting container pumping water from the lower flow path to the upper flow path. The power generation facility is characterized by:

8. The pumping device includes: The lift container has a lift chamber in which it moves up and down, An inlet port communicating with the lower flow path is provided on a lower side of the lifting chamber, A drain port communicating with the upper flow path is provided on the upper side of the lifting chamber, The lifting container is The elevator has a water inlet that receives water from the inlet when the elevator descends to a water supply position at the bottom of the elevator chamber, and a drain outlet that discharges water from the drain outlet when the elevator ascends to a drain position at the top of the elevator chamber. The power generation facility according to claim 7.

9. The pumping device includes: The elevator includes a plurality of the elevator chambers arranged in a line along a flow path direction of the lower flow path, The lifting container is provided in each lifting chamber. The power generating facility according to claim 8 .

10. The power generation flow path is The water flows from the reservoir to the upstream side of the waterway in the main body by the siphon effect. The power generation facility according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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