Sea wave and tide tracking hydroelectric plant with height tank filling, and corresponding positioning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a new sea wave and tide tracking hydroelectric plant, for the production of electricity by exploiting the energy of sea waves which, conveyed within converging, focused and concentrated gates, are capable of overcoming the vertically movable banks of an elevated tank unit with variable capacity, by virtue of oblique artificial shorelines, the uppermost portion of which will be articulated and integral with the top of said movable banks. The water trapped high up in the tank unit will be free to fall at only one side of the rotors having shaped and counter rotating blades, forming the underlying turbine units, referred to as " Spin Turbines". The cascading water in the uncovered sectors of the turbine unit will generate a weight imbalance which will cause the rotors to rotate until the tank unit is completely emptied. The alternators or dynamos connected to the toothed side caps of the rotors will transform the mechanical energy into electricity. The turbine units will be liftable in a synchronized manner when arranged in sets, and the top of each will also form a portion of the base of the variable-capacity raised tank unit. The height of the turbine units and that of the movable banks, and therefore of the inclined planes, will be defined by an automation system which will have the task of optimizing the production of electricity in consideration of the tide height, the wave height, and the sensors installed in the plant.

Description

[0001] Sea wave and tide tracking hydroelectric plant with height tank filling, and corresponding positioning method

[0002] To : Daniele Spina Inventor : Daniele Spina

[0003] The present invention relates to a sea wave and tide tracking hydroelectric plant with height tank filling and a corresponding positioning method .

[0004] Background art

[0005] The present invention relates to the technical field of the production of electricity from renewable sources , in particular by exploiting the energy of sea waves .

[0006] There are several techniques for exploiting the energy of sea waves or that deriving from the variation in sea level due to tides .

[0007] For example, US 8 , 033 , 752 B2 describes a system for producing electricity from wave motion, creating an artificial stream; in this case, the system is anchored to the seabed .

[0008] However, anchoring on land is only possible a short distance from the coast , near which tidal ranges are much more accentuated as compared to the high seas , especially in some ocean areas where the waves are sufficiently energetic all year round . Therefore, the plant would be either too high with respect to the waves or submerged and thus inactive for much of the day .

[0009] The poor efficiency of such a system is thus strongly influenced by the variation in sea level caused by the tides , which is why a floating solution is usually preferred .

[0010] For example, EP 0 767 876 Bl describes a floating hydroelectric plant . JP S5346534 describes a marine hydroelectric plant connectable to the seabed by marine support means , comprising an inclined plane, a turbine assembly, a tank assembly ( 40 ) placed above the turbine assembly, in which the inclined plane opens into the tank and is movable .

[0011] However, the height tank filling hydroelectric plants (" Over Topper" ) of the floating type are not very productive and unable to intercept most of the energy present in each sea wave, in both the emerged and submerged parts thereof .

[0012] Purpose and object of the invention

[0013] It is the object of the present invention to provide a hydroelectric plant and a method for positioning such a plant which solve the problems of the prior art in whole or in part .

[0014] The present invention relates to a hydroelectric plant and a method according to the appended claims .

[0015] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0016] List of figures

[0017] The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with particular reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0018] — figure 1 shows a partial diagrammatic side section view of an embodiment of a hydroelectric plant according to the present invention;

[0019] — figure 2 shows in (a) an exploded axonometric view and in (b) a side section view of a rotor of a turbine unit according to the present invention;

[0020] — figure 3 shows a partial diagrammatic side section view of a turbine unit according to the present invention;

[0021] — figure 4 shows a partial isometric view of the unit in figure 3 ; — figure 5 shows an isometric view of the double rotor turbine unit in figure 3 inserted into a support structure ;

[0022] — figure 6 shows an isometric view of five double-rotor turbine units inserted into a support structure of an exemplary hydroelectric plant according to the present description;

[0023] — figure 7 shows an isometric view of twenty-five doublerotor turbine units inserted into a support structure of an exemplary hydroelectric plant according to the present description;

[0024] — figure 8 shows an isometric view of fifty turbine units of an embodiment of a sea wave and tide tracking hydroelectric plant with height tank filling, according to the present description;

[0025] — figure 9 shows an isometric view of the hydroelectric plant in figure 8 , in which an electrolysis system is further present on top of the plant ; and

[0026] — figure 10 shows a functional block diagram describing an embodiment of the automated method for positioning the hydroelectric plant of the present description .

[0027] It is here specified that elements of different embodiments can be combined to provide further embodiments , without restrictions, by respecting the technical concept of the invention, as those skilled in the art will ef fortlessly understand from the description .

[0028] The present description also makes reference to the prior art for the implementation thereof in relation to the detail features not described, such as elements of minor importance usually used in the prior art in solutions of the same type .

[0029] When an element is introduced, it is always understood that there can be "at least one" or "one or more" . When a list of elements or features is given in this description, it is understood that the finding according to the invention " comprises" or alternatively " consists of" said elements .

[0030] When listing features within the same sentence or bullet list , one or more of the single features can be included in the invention without connection with the other features on the list .

[0031] Embodiment s

[0032] With reference to Fig . 1 , there is shown a sea wave (and tide ) tracking hydroelectric plant 1000 with height filling of a tank 300 along a vertical direction Z perpendicular to an average sea level LM ( sea water being generally indicated by 10 ) , designed with new criteria aimed at optimizing the efficiency and exploitation of the sea waves .

[0033] At the base of the hydroelectric plant 1000 according to the present invention there is a turbine unit 200 configured to convert the gravitational energy of the water 20 confined in a tank unit 300 , into electricity .

[0034] As seen in Fig . 1 , the hydroelectric plant 1000 can be fastened to a seabed 2000 through support means 510 . Said support means 510 can consist , for example, of poles anchored to the seabed 2000 .

[0035] The hydroelectric plant 1000 according to the present description comprises a first inclined plane 600 with a first lower end 620 , configured to be positioned at a height below the average sea level LM and a second upper end 625 , configured to be positioned at a height above the average sea level LM . In general, the upper end 625 is higher than the lower end 620 with respect to the direction of the gravitational force (vertical direction Z ) .

[0036] The turbine unit 200 is preferably positioned contiguously to said second upper end 625 .

[0037] In the hydroelectric plant 1000 according to the invention, the first inclined plane 600 comprises a first fixed portion 630 ranging from said first lower end 620 to an intermediate line 640 , located at a predefined intermediate height AIN with respect to the average sea level LM, and a second movable portion 650 , hinged to the portion 630 , ranging from said intermediate line 640 to said upper end 625 , up to a predefined maximum height AMA .

[0038] The second portion 650 is hinged to said first portion 630 along said intermediate line 640 , so that said second upper end 625 can be movable between said intermediate height AIN and a predefined maximum height AMA .

[0039] The turbine unit 200 is movable along the vertical direction Z , between a first position below the intermediate height AIN and a second position corresponding to said maximum height AMA .

[0040] Advantageously, the hydroelectric plant 1000 further comprises a water tank unit 300 placed above the turbine units 200 .

[0041] Said tank unit 300 comprises a tank base 310 , preferably but not exclusively extending in a horizontal direction parallel to the average sea level LM, which slides vertically together with the turbine unit 200 to adapt to changing wave height and tide conditions , and a plurality of movable banks 660 extending in the vertical direction Z from a movable bank base 661 to a top 662 of movable banks 660 .

[0042] The plurality of movable banks comprises a front movable bank 660 ( in the figures , for simplicity, it is the only movable bank shown) .

[0043] The banks 660 are vertically movable along the vertical direction Z , between said intermediate height AIN and the maximum predefined height AMA . The second upper end 625 of the second portion 650 of the inclined plane 600 is integral with the top of the front movable bank 660 , so as to follow the vertical movement thereof . The sea water 10 can thus rise up the two portions 630 , 650 of the inclined plane 600 and fall first into the tank unit above the turbine unit 200 , then into the turbine unit 200 .

[0044] As shown in Fig . 5 , the tank base 310 is open toward the turbine unit 200 preferably close to holes 315 located above the central portion of the turbine units 200 .

[0045] Two turbine unit walls 520 prevent the falling water from exiting from the tank unit 300 out of the turbine unit 200 .

[0046] The turbine unit 200 is a specific aspect of the invention, and it is herein referred to as a " Spin Turbine" . Such a turbine unit 200 is different from the known hydroelectric turbines , for example of the Kaplan, Pelton or Francis type .

[0047] Fig . 2 shows a rotor 100 , contained inside a turbine unit 200 according to the present description : in (a) in isometric view and in (b) in side section .

[0048] The turbine unit 200 according to the present description comprises a first rotor 100 with a plurality of shaped blades 111 , each extending from a central hub 115 and comprising a first proximal portion 112 extending in a first direction and a second distal portion 114 connected to an end of said first proximal portion, with extension perpendicular to said first direction within a range of ±10 ° , preferably connected by means of an elbow portion 113 .

[0049] Advantageously, the first direction of the first straight proximal portion 112 has an inclination within a range of 10 ° from the tangential direction to the hub 115 , and said extension of the second distal portion 114 is in the direction of said inclination . The rotor 100 extends along a longitudinal axis Y and is delimited on the two longitudinal ends by as many caps 120 , 130 , preferably circular in shape .

[0050] Sectors 116 are thus formed which, on only one side of the rotor 100 , will be capable of receiving and retaining water for a certain time .

[0051] Advantageously, each of the two caps 120 , 130 consists of two wheels , preferably made of steel : the first smaller wheel 130 is configured to prevent the entry of water inside the central hub 115 , which would cause resistance to rotation and a weighing of the turbine 100 and, for example, can be toothed so as to interlock inside the hub 115 of the rotor 100 ; the second larger wheel prevents water from exiting from the sectors 116 between one blade 111 and the other of the rotor 100 and is preferably toothed, so as to put one or more alternators or dynamos 700 in direct rotation, which will thereby reach the number of revolutions required for the correct operation of the hydroelectric plant 1000 .

[0052] Preferably, said caps 120 , 130 can be manufactured through steel casting on sand dies , and subsequent grinding .

[0053] To limit the overall weight thereof , the rotors 100 are preferably constructed of aluminum by die casting, or laser cut layers .

[0054] The extreme ease of construction and therefore the low cost allow the multiple and modular installation of the turbine units 200 according to the present invention in a much cheaper manner than other systems , with the same yield .

[0055] The turbine units 200 are also capable of producing energy from only submersion, even partial, and wave emergence, as most of the water is retained by the shaped blades 111 on only one side, creating imbalance .

[0056] Advantageously, as shown in Fig . 3 , the turbine unit 200 comprises a second rotor 100 which is equal to the first rotor 100 , side by side therewith in the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction Z .

[0057] The first rotor 100 has a first direction of rotation and the second rotor 100 has a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation and the plurality of blades 111 in the first and second rotors 100 depart from the respective hubs 115 in opposite directions , so that the second distal portions 114 extend in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the respective rotor 100 .

[0058] According to an advantageous embodiment shown in Fig . 4 , each turbine unit 200 further comprises an obstacle 140 extending along an axial direction of the hub 115 and comprising two concave sides 145 extending along an arc of circumference less than or equal to 90 ° , which are arranged in front of said first and second rotors 100 , respectively, so as to form a gap between the obstacle 140 and the first and second rotors 100 ; said obstacle 140 is fastened between the first and the second rotor 100 on the side opposite said tank base 310 with respect to the vertical direction Z and forces the water column to follow a trajectory capable of making the first and the second rotor 100 rotate longer on the axis of rotation thereof , prolonging the thrust of the water also on the shaped blades 111 located below, which otherwise would not collaborate with the rotation .

[0059] Note that , as shown in Fig . 3 , the obstacle 140 could be formed by the two concave sides 145 only or, as shown in Fig . 4 , it could also have a base 146 to delimit a prism .

[0060] With reference to Fig . 2 , the output water is that which each sector 116 of the rotor 100 intercepts for almost the entire volume thereof , excluding inevitable dispersions , and will be released toward the sea close to the ends of the obstacle 140 , i . e . , the vertical projection of the hub .

[0061] Advantageously, as shown in Fig . 5 , each turbine unit 200 comprises first vertical movement means 400 , preferably a motor 430 and connection cables 420 , configured to lower or raise the turbine unit 200 .

[0062] This is useful for tide tracking, as the hydroelectric plant 1000 is not floating, but anchored to the seabed . The tide phenomenon, as is known, is more accentuated approaching coasts , while in open ocean the average tide height does not exceed two meters (microtidal regime ) .

[0063] In general terms , within 24 hours there will be :

[0064] - a first low tide peak;

[0065] - a first high tide peak after six hours , which will require the gradual raising of the system;

[0066] - a second low tide peak after a further six hours , during which the system will be allowed to gradually return to the low tide level due to the gravity thereof ; and

[0067] - a second high tide peak after a further six hours , during which the system will need to be raised again .

[0068] Said first vertical movement means 400 act on the couplings 440 of the structure 400 supporting the turbine unit 200 , at horizontal plates 310 which for example can form the overall base of the tank unit 300 . Therefore, the tank unit 300 will have a variable capacity based on the height of the movable banks 660 and the vertical positioning of the turbine units 200 themselves .

[0069] Advantageously, the hydroelectric plant 1000 further comprises second vertical movement means 450 ( shown only as a block in Fig . 10 ) , preferably motors 570 and connection cables (not shown in the figures ) , one for each portion of movable bank 660 , configured to lower or raise the plurality of movable banks 660 independently of each other, but synchronized on each side of the plant .

[0070] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment , the hydroelectric plant 1000 of the present invention comprises a plurality of turbine units 200 placeable side by side in the plane perpendicular to said vertical direction Z .

[0071] Figs . 6 and 7 show a plant with five and twenty-five turbine units 200 with double rotor 100 , respectively . Said turbine units 200 are conveniently hung on supports 410 positioned inside a fixed structure 500 , preferably in steel and concrete, anchored to underwater piles 510 embedded in the seabed and can be raised or lowered through the motor 430 and the cables 420 to track the variable tide and wave heights determined by the management software described below .

[0072] The wheels preferably forming the two caps 120 , 130 described above are compressed longitudinally toward the rotor 100 by means of a mechanical shaft (not shown in the figures ) to the ends of which clamping rings are screwed from the outside (not shown in the figures ) . The shaft latitudinally crosses the hub 115 of the rotor 100 and forms the fulcrum around which each turbine unit 200 rotates . It is fastened or resting on bearings (not shown in the figures ) , preferably magnetic levitation bearings .

[0073] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment , shown in Fig . 8 , to facilitate the entry of water from sea waves into the tank unit 300 from all directions , the hydroelectric plant 1000 further comprises a second 601 and a third 602 inclined plane ( identical to the first inclined plane 600 ) , which, together with the first inclined plane 600 form three contiguous artificial shorelines .

[0074] Each inclined plane 600 , 601 , 602 is connected above to the respective front movable bank 660 , and laterally to two converging gates 610 , preferably made of steel sheet or concrete .

[0075] Said inclined planes 600 , 601 , 602 and gates 610 are installed on three consecutive sides of the plant 1000 , covering an angular distance of 270 ° in the plane perpendicular to said vertical direction Z , so as to intercept the waves coming from each direction, excluding the direction of the coast from which no significant waves come . This side is used for installation operations and for maintenance and access to the plant .

[0076] Said inclined planes 601 , 602 , 603 are articulated at the height of respective intermediate lines 640 so as to be able to adapt to the lowering or elevation of the movable banks 660 to which they are fastened along the upper end 625 .

[0077] The gates 610 , starting from the edges of the structure receiving the turbine units 200 , will continue for a certain length in the direction of the diagonal projection of the plant 1000 , and will also be supported by piles 510 embedded in the seabed or equivalent support means .

[0078] The height of the gates 610 outside the average sea level LM will progressively reach a higher height than that of the top of the tank unit 300 to channel the wave, while the submerged part of the gates will be necessary to also trap the majority of the wave energy in the submerged part thereof .

[0079] The gates 610 converging toward the inlet of the tank unit 300 prevent the dispersion of the wave energy, which is sectioned and intercepted off said gates 610 and then channeled and concentrated toward the tank unit 300 by means of the artificial shorelines 600 , 601 , 602 .

[0080] When the wave meets the artificial shorelines 600 , 601 , 602 , the so-called shattering (or breaking) occurs , in which the wave loses the features of regularity (translation in time and space ) and essentially non-dissipative motion . Through concentration, focusing, constructive interference and reflection phenomena, the water of the wave is concentrated in a much more limited space without however losing the energy thereof , so as to generate a sharp increase in the wave height .

[0081] By virtue of the inertial mass thereof proportional to its speed, the wave will spill water into the tank unit 300 for a good part of the hours during the year, especially in the ocean areas to the North and South of the planet .

[0082] Advantageously, the plurality of movable banks 660 can be raised independently of each other, as well as with respect to the set of turbine units 200 .

[0083] In particular, when the waves are particularly high, the movable banks 660 rise to allow a greater filling capacity of the tank unit 300 , benefiting the production of electricity .

[0084] In contrast , when the waves are particularly low, the movable banks 660 are lowered and the tank unit will have, in this case, a lower filling capacity, but regardless not zero .

[0085] Advantageously, the raising process of the turbine units 200 and thus also of the movable banks 660 is controlled by digitized systems which, by incorporating the oceanographic forecasts of the heights of the two daily tides , the local marine-weather forecasts and the data obtained from the plant sensors , drive the first and second vertical movement means 400 , 450 required to obtain the optimal positioning of the turbine units 200 at all times , so that they can always meet the wave trough, allowing the falling water previously accumulated in the tank unit 300 to be completely drained .

[0086] Note that during the passage of the wave, the first and second rotors 100 of the turbine units 200 could be stopped or slowed down because, being partially submerged, they will have a limited weight imbalance and a strong resistance of the shaped blades 111 located on the outer sides of the rotors 100 ; this phenomenon will be reduced because the crest of the wave below the turbines will undergo little oscillation by virtue of the obstacle formed by the artificial shorelines 600 , 601 , 602 . The radius of the turbines 100 , the number of turbine units 200 , the height and length of the gates 610 are conveniently sized based on the marine conditions of the place where the hydroelectric plant 1000 is installed . In general, the higher the average wave height , the larger the plant , resulting in increased electricity production, and vice versa .

[0087] The objective is to allow an effective operation of the plant 1000 even in periods of minimum wave motion, and hence the need to arrange gates 610 of adequate length for the site .

[0088] The production sequence is organized as follows : a) the focused wave is trapped inside the tank unit 300 with a frequency which generally varies from 6 to 12 seconds , depending on the wave height ; b) once the wave crest passes , the wave trough passes , which will leave the first and second rotors 100 fully emerged and free to rotate without friction or water resistance, with a frequency less than the wave frequency; c) through the openings 315 arranged on the tank base 310 , the water falls from the tank unit 300 toward the first and second rotors 100 of the turbine units 200 , at the sides having the concave sectors 116 between the two rotors 100 of the turbine unit 200 ; d) the weight imbalance between the two sides of the first and second rotors 100 causes them to rotate ; e ) the alternators or dynamos 700 rotated by the toothed caps 120 of the first and second rotors 100 convert the mechanical energy into electricity .

[0089] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment , shown in Fig . 9, the hydroelectric plant 1000 according to the present description could be coupled to an electrolysis system 800 . Said electrolysis system 800 is preferably installed above the tank unit 300 , utilizing the structure 500 fastened to the seabed as a foundation .

[0090] Through electrolysis , oxygen and green hydrogen can be produced in a simple, ecological and economical manner simply by breaking down the water present in the hydroelectric plant 1000 in a substantially infinite quantity .

[0091] The electrolysis system 700 would also form an excellent storage system for the electricity produced, which could not be constant during the day and during the year, or could be produced at times when it is not actually required by the grid .

[0092] As shown in Figs . 8 and 9, it is useful to support the hydroelectric plant 1000 with a ship with a crane 750 which withdraws the gases produced from the on-site storage and transports them to the destination ports and also allows the transport of the turbine units 200 both during installation and subsequent maintenance . Mooring would be safe in the unproductive leeward quadrant facing the shore behind .

[0093] With reference to Fig . 10 and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment , the hydroelectric plant 1000 of the present description comprises an automation system 900 , provided with a central data processing unit 910 , configured to control the first and second vertical movement means 400 , 450 so as to obtain the maximum productivity of the hydroelectric plant 1000 at all times and in all sea conditions .

[0094] Advantageously, as shown in the block diagram in fig . 10 , the automation system 900 comprises :

[0095] — internal sensors Ii, including one or more of the following : o wave sensors Si, configured to detect the type, height , direction, speed and frequency of the waves directed toward the hydroelectric plant 1000 ; o turbine unit height sensors S2, configured to detect the height of the turbine units 200 ; o movable bank height sensors S3, configured to detect the height of the movable banks 660 ; o operation sensors S4 on all moving members for the continuous remote check-up of the hydroelectric plant 1000 (optional ) ; o productivity and efficiency sensors S5 of the alternators or dynamos 700 (optional ) ; o sensors Se for the presence of foreign objects spilled by the waves into the tank unit 300 and not exited through the sectors of the first and second rotors 100 (optional ) ; and o high quality cameras S7, preferably of the " speed dome" type, placed on the overhead cranes , for the capillary visual inspection of the entire area of the hydroelectric plant 1000 (optional ) ;

[0096] - real-time satellite data I2, including : o type, height , direction, speed and frequency of the waves directed toward the hydroelectric plant 1000 ; and o tide level ;

[0097] - marine-weather forecasts ( forecast data) I2, including : o type, height , direction, speed and frequency of the waves directed toward the hydroelectric plant 1000 ; and o tide level .

[0098] The operation of an automation system 900 according to the present description is as follows .

[0099] Assuming that a wave directed toward the hydroelectric plant 1000 with an approaching direction perpendicular to one of the sides of the hydroelectric plant 1000 is detected by the wave sensors Si, the automation system 900 will raise at most the three movable banks 660 located on the three consecutive sides corresponding to directions other than that of the wave and will position the movable bank 660 corresponding to the direction of the wave ( integral with the end 625 of the movable portion 650 of the inclined plane 600 , 601 , 602 ) at a height between the maximum AMA and the minimum horizontal AME, so as to allow the maximum filling of the tank unit 300 depending on the wave and tide height .

[0100] Moreover, all the turbine units 200 must be positioned at an optimal height whereby, when the wave trough passes , they will be able to drain all the water intercepted in the tank unit 300 . In fact , the greater the distance from the sea surface, the greater the discharge capacity but , on the other hand, the smaller the filling capacity of the tank unit 300 equal to the height of the end 625 of the movable portion 650 of the inclined plane 600 , 601 , 602 .

[0101] In order to obtain a correct balance, it will be necessary to constantly check the height and period of the wave trough within the plant perimeter . It should be recalled that that perimeter is protected by the three partially submerged inclined banks which face the open sea and intercept the wave energy, thus it will be affected in a limited manner by the wave movement .

[0102] When the wave arrives from an intermediate quadrant , i . e . , from a direction not perpendicular to one of the sides of the hydroelectric plant , the automation system 900 will raise at most the two movable banks 660 located on the two consecutive sides opposite the direction of the wave and will position the further two movable banks 660 corresponding to the direction of the wave at a height between the maximum AMA and the minimum horizontal AME, so that the inclined plane can allow the maximum filling of the tank unit 300 depending on the wave and tide height .

[0103] For example, in the case of a wave perpendicular to the gate 610 , although it will be split , it will be channeled on two contiguous sides toward the tank unit 300 partly at an angle of 45 ° and partly by virtue of the reflection of the opposite gate 610 .

[0104] It could be necessary, for example in the event of an impact of overly energetic waves , to avoid filling the tank unit 300 to the maximum because the turbine units 200 could not have the time required to drain the water into the turbine unit 200 , or the mother wave could create a disturbance by raising the sea level under the same turbine units 200 , creating friction and hindering the free rotation of the first and second rotors 100 . In this case, the remaining three movable banks 660 could also be lowered to allow the water to exit from the top of the tank unit 300 on all sides of the plant , to avoid clogging the tank unit 300 and the interference of the counter-energy of the undertow from the artificial bank against the new wave .

[0105] The interaction between the data with the wave features detected by the sensors , the real-time satellite data and the forecast weather data will be managed by the central data processing unit 910 of the automation system 900 , which will also be able to use a simulator, so as to best position the movable parts at each predetermined time interval .

[0106] As already mentioned, the sensor data can be examined by operators or by specific algorithms , for example artificial intelligence, also with the aid of adjustable cameras positioned on the cranes installed above the turbine units 200 , also required for the initial installation and maintenance thereof , which in non-productive moments can be easily coupled and replaced . Advantages of the invention

[0107] The hydroelectric plant according to the invention allows generating electricity from wave motion in an efficient and cost-effective manner .

[0108] The plant allows effectively adapting to the variability of the sea height caused by the tides and further allows focusing the wave by increasing the height thereof with the same energy .

[0109] Preferred embodiments have been described above and variations of the present invention have been suggested, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and changes without departing from the related scope of protection, as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A marine hydroelectric plant (1000) attachable to a seabed (2000) by means of seabed support means (510) , comprising :- a first inclined plane (600) with a first lower end (620) and a second upper end (625) ;- a turbine unit (200) placed contiguously to said second upper end (625) ;- a tank unit (300) placed above said turbine unit (200) , the hydroelectric plant (1000) being characterized in that:- the tank unit (300) comprises a tank base (310) with a horizontal extension direction parallel to an average sea level (LM) , as well as a plurality of movable banks (660) extending in a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the average sea level (LM) from a movable bank base (661) to a movable bank top (662) , wherein the plurality of movable banks comprises a front movable bank (660) ;- first and second vertical movement means (400,450) are further comprised, the first and second vertical movement means (400,450) being configured to independently move along the vertical direction (Z) the turbine unit (200) and the movable banks (660) of the plurality of movable banks (660) respectively;- in the first inclined plane (600) : o the first lower end (620) is configured to be placed at a height below the average sea level (LM) and the second upper end (625) is configured to be placed at a height above the average sea level (LM) ; o a first fixed portion (630) is comprised, the first fixed portion (630) ranging from said first lower end (620) to an intermediate line (640) of the firstinclined plane located at a predefined intermediate height (AIN) above the average sea level (LM) , as well as a second movable portion (650) ranging from said intermediate line (640) to said second upper end (625) , wherein :- the turbine unit (200) is movable in the vertical direction (Z) between a first position below the predefined intermediate height (AIN) and a second position below a predefined maximum height (AMA) above the average sea level (LM) ;- the tank base (310) is integral with the turbine unit (200) ;- in the first inclined plane (600) : o the second movable portion (650) is hinged to the first fixed portion (630) along said intermediate line (640) ; o the second upper end (625) is integral with the top (662) of the front movable bank (660) ; and- the movable bank top (662) is movable in the vertical direction (Z) between said intermediate height (AIN) and the predefined maximum height (AMA) .

2. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 1, wherein said turbine unit (200) comprises a first rotor (100) with a hub (115) from which a plurality of blades (111) depart, wherein each blade (111) of said plurality of blades is composed of a first proximal portion (112) connected to the hub (115) , extending in a first direction, and a second distal portion (114) connected to an end of said first proximal portion and having an extension perpendicular to said first direction within a range of ±10°.

3. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 2, wherein the first proximal portion (112) and the second distalportion (114) of blades (111) are connected by an elbow portion (113) .

4. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first direction of the first proximal portion (112) has an inclination within a range of 10° from the tangent to the hub (115) , and wherein said extension of the second distal portion (114) is in the direction of said inclination .

5. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said turbine unit (200) comprises a second rotor (100) identical to said first rotor (100) and placed side-byside to the first rotor (100) in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) ;- the first rotor (100) has a first direction of rotation and the second rotor (100) has a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation; and- the plurality of blades (111) in the first and second rotors (100) depart from the respective hubs (115) in opposite directions, such that the second distal portions (114) extend opposite to the direction of rotation of the respective rotor (100) .

6. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 5, wherein between said first and second rotor (100) an obstacle (140) is installed on the side opposite to said tank base (310) with respect to the vertical direction (Z) , said obstacle (140) extending along an axial direction of the hub (115) and comprising two concave sides (145) extending along an arc of circumference less than or equal to 90° in the plane perpendicular to said axial direction, which are arrangedopposite respectively to said first and said second rotor (100) so as to form a gap between the obstacle (140) and the first and the second rotor (100) .

7. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second inclined plane (601) is further comprised, the second inclined plane (601) being contiguous to said first inclined plane (600) perpendicularly to said vertical direction (Z) , wherein between and above said first (600) and said second inclined plane (601) a wall (610) extending in the vertical direction (Z) is comprised.

8. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 7, wherein a third inclined plane (602) is further comprised, the third inclined plane (602) being contiguous to said first (600) or second (601) inclined plane, perpendicularly to said vertical direction (Z) , wherein between and above said third (600) and said first (602) inclined plane or between and above said third (600) and second (602) inclined plane a wall (610) extending in the vertical direction (Z) is comprised.

9. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 8, wherein said first (600) , said second (601) and said third (602) inclined plane cover an angular distance of 270° in the plane perpendicular to said vertical direction (Z) .

10. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hydroelectric plant (1000) comprises a plurality of turbine units (200) placeable side- by-side in the plane perpendicular to said vertical direction (Z) .

11. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to any one ofthe preceding claims, comprising an automation system (900) equipped with a data processing unit (910) , and wherein said data processing unit (910) is configured to receive the following as input :- data acquired from a plurality of sensors (II) included in the hydroelectric plant and comprising: o wave sensors (SI) , configured to detect type, height, direction, speed and frequency of waves directed towards the hydroelectric plant (1000) ; o turbine unit height sensors (S2) , configured to detect the height of the turbine units (200) along the vertical direction (Z) ; and o movable banks height sensors (S3) , configured to detect the height of the movable banks (660) along the vertical direction (Z) ;- real-time satellite data (12) ;- marine-weather forecast data (13) , wherein said real-time satellite data (12) and said marineweather forecast data (13) comprise type, height, direction, speed and frequency of waves directed towards the hydroelectric plant (1000) and the tide level, respectively current and expected, wherein the data processing unit (910) is configured to output to the first (400) and the second vertical movement means (450) respectively, based on said data acquired from the plurality of sensors (II) , the realtime satellite data (12) and the marine weather forecast data (13) , first output data (01) relating to a positioning height of the turbine units (200) and second output data (02) relating to a positioning height of the movable banks (660) .

12. A hydroelectric plant (1000) according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of sensors (II) further comprises:- operating sensors (S4) , configured to check the status ofthe hydroelectric plant (1000) ;- productivity sensors (S5) , configured to check the amount of electricity generated by the hydroelectric plant (1000) ;- foreign object presence sensors (S6) , configured to detect the presence of objects within the turbine unit (200) ; and- high quality cameras (S7) , configured to remotely inspect the hydroelectric plant (1000) .

13. A method of positioning a hydroelectric plant (1000) , wherein the hydroelectric plant (1000) is according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the following steps are performed:A. acquiring, by the data processing unit (910) , data from said plurality of sensors (II) , real-time satellite data (12) , weather-marine forecast data (13) ;B. calculating, by the data processing unit (910) , on the basis of said data acquired from the plurality of sensors (II) , the real-time satellite data (12) and the sea-weather forecast data (13) , first output data (01) relating to a positioning height of the turbine units (200) and second output data (02) relating to a positioning height of the moving banks (660) ; andC. providing, by the data processing unit (910) , the first output data (01) and the second output data (02) to the first (400) and the second vertical movement means (450) respectivelyD. using the second vertical movement means (450) , moving the plurality of movable banks (660) on the basis of the first output data (01) ; andE. using the first vertical movement means (400) , move the turbine units (200) on the basis of the second output data (02) .

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein in step B the calculation of the first (01) and the second (02) output data is performed according to the following sub-steps:Bl . identifying a wave approach direction as the direction of a wave directed toward the hydroelectric plant (1000) ;B2. associating the front bank (660) with said wave approach direction,B3. between the second output data (02) :- calculating a first optimal positioning height (02- 1) of the front bank (660) based on the data acquired in step A; and- setting a second positioning height (02-2) of the remaining banks (660) of the plurality of banks (660) equal to the predefined maximum height (AMA) ;B4. calculating a second optimal positioning height (02) of the turbine units (200) on the basis of the data acquired in phase A, wherein in step D, among the plurality of movable banks (660) :- the front bank (660) is moved so that the top (662) of said front bank (660) is at the first optimal height (02- 1) with respect to the vertical direction (Z) ;- the remaining banks (660) of the plurality of banks (660) are moved so that the top (662) of said remaining banks (660) is at the predefined maximum height (AMA) with respect to the vertical direction (Z) , and wherein in step E, the turbine units (200) are moved so that the tank base (310) is at the optimum height (02) with respect to the vertical direction (Z) .

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