Supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system, comprising at least one turbine unit, submerged and attached to a platform (3), each unit comprising a first conduit (1) with a first vertical section (4) having a water inlet control device that can allow and block the passage of water iteratively and continuously, and a second section (6) having a decreasing slope and cross-section with a vertical-axis turbine (7), such that the water transversely hits the blades thereof. The shaft (8) thereof is connected to a generator (9) and a discharge conduit (10) is connected to the turbine (7). The mechanism comprises at least one tank (12) connected to the discharge conduit (10) to collect the volume of water that comes out of the turbine (7), with evacuation means for evacuating the water to the outer surface.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention corresponds to the technical field of renewable energies, specifically to a supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] The need to make greater use of renewable energy is now widely recognized, in order to combat climate change and be more environmentally friendly.

[0007] All renewable energy sources, and hydropower in particular, have certain drawbacks that prevent widespread energy production using them. Thus, in the case of hydropower, the planet has water resources, both natural and stored, that represent an immense source for potential energy production. However, in practice, it is not yet possible to meet excess demand, nor has it been possible to displace other non-renewable sources.

[0008] Thus, hydroelectric power presents problems such as the fact that it requires the continued existence of a body of water, which can be fresh or salty, but in any case, it requires either constant rainfall in the area or a coastal zone, so it cannot be applied in all regions of the planet.

[0009] In either case, in addition to the presence of a nearby body of water, favorable orographic conditions are required for the construction of reservoirs that allow for the generation of waterfalls or slopes to generate energy. This does not eliminate the added problem of drought, when, even with a reservoir, the water level is not sufficient to generate energy.

[0010] Likewise, given the scarcity of water during these periods of drought, discharging existing volumes of water to generate energy is not appropriate, as these flows normally return to the riverbed and continue downstream once the waterfall has been generated.

[0011] There are some cases in which these volumes of water are recovered in a downstream reservoir, but the infrastructure costs of creating the lower reservoir and the subsequent channeling to return these volumes to the original reservoir are excessive.

[0012] An example of such a system is reference document ES2582311, which requires a complex, extensive, and expensive network to connect an upper reservoir, where the accumulated water is discharged, to the lower reservoir at times of high energy demand or peak electricity consumption. Conversely, when there is less energy demand or low electricity grid consumption, the water accumulated in the lower reservoir is pumped to the upper reservoir, where it is retained until later use.

[0013] This system has several drawbacks, such as the fact that to make this process effective, very significant and costly alterations to the land must be made to create the aforementioned reservoirs, among many other undesirable environmental effects.

[0014] On the other hand, hydroelectric power generation systems have very specific locations, usually located near the coast or where there is already a reservoir with sufficient capacity to obtain the necessary energy. However, these reservoirs are few in number and most population centers are located far from them, so the cost of transporting energy to consumption areas is high.Furthermore, both these hydroelectric generation systems and the rest of renewable electricity generation systems, such as wind, solar, tidal and wave systems (among others) require the continued existence of constant weather conditions, whether a large body of water, wind, sun, currents or tides and waves (in each case), which are characterized by not being constant in nature, so they cannot ensure clean energy production at all times and sufficiently supply energy demand centers with it, without having to resort to other non-renewable sources.

[0015] One of the challenges facing current conventional renewable systems is precisely the ability to accumulate surplus renewable energy that has not been consumed, so that when there is a surge in renewable energy consumption or when it is required, it can be supplied easily without having to resort to other energy sources.

[0016] Today, this option is very underdeveloped, and the few advances in this regard are typically used for energy storage in both tidal farms and offshore wind farms, where battery systems are generally installed at great depths. Furthermore, these farms and parks are located far from demand centers, making access very limited, and their installation, maintenance, and energy transportation are extremely costly.

[0017] There are some attempts at auxiliary systems to store surplus energy for consumption during peak periods. An example of these systems is reference document US6861766, which proposes a supplementary electricity generation facility using a pumped-storage hydroelectric plant. This facility comprises two artificial water reservoirs, one upper and one lower, associated with a penstock and a reversible hydroelectric machine to supply supplementary electricity to an electrical power distribution network using the potential energy of the water stored in the upper reservoir. The energy required to drive the hydroelectric machine, which functions as a pump, is obtained from a wind turbine and is therefore not drawn from the grid, thereby reducing the consumption of electricity obtained from fossil or nuclear fuels.

[0018] The economic cost and environmental impact of such a facility dedicated to the production of supplementary electrical energy is high, mainly considering the need to build a structure solid enough to support the upper reservoir, as well as the fact that its location is usually far from energy demand centers, which tends to increase the cost of transporting the energy produced.

[0019] Document US4443707 also proposes a similar system in which, outside of peak periods, electrical energy from the main distribution network is used to power a lift pump that allows the water recovered from a lower-level reservoir to be returned to a reservoir located at a higher level, thereby restoring potential energy for the next peak period. The upper and lower reservoirs are generally made up of natural ponds such as lakes or mines.

[0020] These systems are designed to complement current renewable energy generation systems, which are designed based on initial values ​​that may no longer be sufficient in the face of population growth, which generates increased energy demand. In these cases, it is necessary to supplement the demanded quantities with energy production from other sources.

[0021] Thus, it is necessary to find a way to accumulate renewable energy for when there is a production deficit and at the same time have it close and accessible for consumption in areas where clean energy is in demand, thus avoiding the need to meet demand with other polluting sources.

[0022] Therefore, an alternative auxiliary or supplementary system is required that can provide renewable energy to areas that demand clean energy when these climatic factors do not exist or do not have the minimum conditions for renewable energy production, as well as the capacity to accumulate potential energy close to energy demand centers at times when access to clean energy is not possible.

[0023] Description of the invention

[0024] The supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system, where the external system is connected to a supply network, presented here, comprises a support platform with flotation means and on it auxiliary power supply means connected to a transformer connected in turn to batteries for recharging and to the supply network and at least one turbine unit submerged and fixed to the platform.

[0025] The external system is also connected to these batteries, helping to recharge them in a first working situation in which the external system produces excess energy relative to the existing demand in the supply grid.

[0026] Each of these power generation units comprises a first conduit below the water level having a first vertical section, with an upper end for the inlet of a volume of water and a lower end, a connecting elbow connected to said lower end and a second section with a first end connected to the elbow and a second opposite end, which has a slope and a section decreasing towards the second end.

[0027] The unit also includes a device for controlling water ingress into the first conduit, connected to the batteries and capable of allowing and blocking the passage of water through the upper end of its first section, iteratively and continuously, for a second operating situation in which the production capacity of the external system is insufficient to supply the supply grid with renewable energy, either due to excess demand or due to the lack of minimum weather conditions for the external system to operate. It also has a vertical-axis turbine connected to the second end of the second section of the first conduit such that the water impacts transversely on the turbine blades, where the shaft is connected to the rotor of a generator located on the support platform. This generator is connected to the transformer.

[0028] It also has a discharge line connected to the lower end of the turbine.

[0029] The mechanism also comprises at least one tank connected to the discharge line of each unit to collect the volume of water exiting the turbine. This tank is located at a lower elevation than the turbine and has means of communication with the exterior surface and means for evacuating water for the first operating situation, up to an elevation higher than the water surface. These evacuation means are connected to the batteries.

[0030] Both the external renewable energy generation system and the auxiliary power supply means that are part of the mechanism, mentioned in this report, refer to all those known systems or those that can be implemented for renewable energy generation, such as solar, wind, tidal, wave systems (among others), which supply the renewable energy demand centers, so that the supplementary hydroelectric mechanism presented here has the objective of serving as support in the supply of the external system in certain work situations.

[0031] The supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system proposed here significantly improves the state of the art.

[0032] This is because it is a mechanism that does not actually consume water, as the volume of water used is released back into the same body of water, allowing it to be reused continuously and repeatedly. Furthermore, the operation of this mechanism does not depend on variable weather factors such as wind, sun, tides, waves, etc., as is the case with current systems, nor on certain orographic conditions (level differences for the construction of reservoirs). It allows its use at any time, including periods of drought, since, as a mechanism on a floating structure and having access to a minimum volume of water, whether fresh or salt, for its operation, it can operate whenever required.

[0033] Since the mechanism is attached to a platform with flotation devices and the turbines are located at a lower level, an artificial waterfall is created within the same body of fluid. The water falling due to the effect of gravity inside the mechanism drives the turbine by rotating its blades, which then turn the generator rotor, thereby generating energy. Therefore, if its application is at sea, neither dikes, dams, tanks, nor upper reservoirs are required to retain water for its operation.

[0034] Another advantage of this mechanism is that it can be expanded with as many units as necessary, subject to appropriate separation and safety measures. This allows multiple units of the mechanism to operate simultaneously, thereby constantly increasing power while operating in the same area with the same existing fluid. This is especially true if this mechanism is installed in a reservoir or similar facility with an existing hydroelectric plant, as a backup for the plant itself, as the system can operate in that location, avoiding having to open the floodgates and lose the accumulated water downstream.

[0035] It is a flexible and fully modifiable mechanism, whose parameters, such as flow rate and height, can be adjusted to the desired power. Thus, if the reservoir or coastal area is located with a lower height than desired, this can be compensated by increasing the pipe's diameter by increasing its flow rate. Conversely, if the dam is sufficiently high or it is installed offshore, a lower flow rate can be chosen, while compensating for the greater height. The mechanism's auxiliary power supplies consist of a network of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and / or wind turbines, among others, that will produce renewable energy.When there is a surplus or excess of energy produced by the external system that is not consumed by the energy demand cores, the network of solar panels and / or wind turbines on the platform begins to operate to recharge the mechanism's battery pack. This is also when the necessary weather conditions (wind, sun, waves, etc.) are met for both the external system and the auxiliary power supplies to operate. This is an initial working situation in which the batteries are recharged during times of excess supply of renewable energy and is therefore associated with lower electricity prices.

[0036] The surplus renewable energy accumulated in the battery pack is used to operate the water control device to start or stop the turbine operation, as well as in the emptying phase of the fluid accumulated after the turbine operation in the lower tank through the evacuation means, among other uses that may be given to said surplus renewable energy accumulated in the battery pack.

[0037] The activation of the water control device to allow the passage of water for the turbine occurs in a second working situation in which the demand for renewable energy required by the energy consumption cores is greater than the production of the external system (which is associated with higher electricity prices), or the weather conditions are not appropriate for both the external system and the auxiliary power supply means to work then, part of the energy stored in the batteries is used to operate the supplementary hydroelectric mechanism.

[0038] To operate this mechanism, the water inlet control device is activated using the energy stored in the batteries, thereby allowing water to flow through to power the turbine. Thus, in the aforementioned situation, the supplementary hydroelectric mechanism proposed here comes into operation to provide renewable energy to energy consumption centers during times of renewable energy shortages, thus discouraging these demand centers from seeking alternative, non-renewable sources. It is therefore in these cases that the mechanism can act as an auxiliary or supplementary source.

[0039] Once the fluid has been used in the mechanism, it remains at rest in the lower reservoir.

[0040] When a second working situation ceases to exist, i.e. when the electrical demand from the grid is reduced (which is associated with lower electricity prices) or the weather conditions become favorable again for the generation of renewable energy, the water inlet control device is blocked (preventing the operation of the mechanism) since in this case there is a surplus of renewable energy or a greater supply of it and therefore, the demand cores do not require auxiliary or supplementary sources as described in said mechanism.

[0041] For its part, the tank is emptied in a first working situation, in which there is again a surplus of renewable energy produced by the external system and said renewable energy production is not consumed by the energy demand cores, and minimum weather conditions are met to allow the operation of both the external system and the network of renewable energy systems that make up the auxiliary supply media. In such a scenario, the water (whether fresh or salt) that has been accumulating in the lower tank of the mechanism begins to be emptied through emptying systems such as hydraulic pumps or similar, as well as an Archimedean screw.

[0042] To operate these evacuation systems, the surplus renewable energy previously accumulated in the battery pack, as described above, is used.

[0043] An additional advantage is that, since the mechanism is floating and the transformer is connected to the supply grid, the mechanism can be located close to a power station, population center, industrialized area, etc., greatly reducing wiring costs.

[0044] The advantage of being a floating mechanism is that it has virtually unlimited access (especially if located at sea) to the potential energy of the fluid surrounding it.

[0045] In this way, this mechanism allows the accumulation or supply, as an auxiliary means, of the potential energy of the surrounding water to transform it into hydroelectric energy and be able to supply demand centers when they do not receive energy from the external system due to the absence of favorable weather conditions or peak demand. Therefore, this mechanism is significantly advantageous given the shortcomings of current renewable energy generation systems.

[0046] It is therefore a highly effective supplementary hydroelectric mechanism, capable of providing clean energy in the quantities needed and when it is most needed, while avoiding the limitations of location and water consumption that these mechanisms currently present.

[0047] Brief description of the drawings

[0048] In order to assist in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical embodiment thereof, a series of drawings are provided as an integral part of said description, where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0049] Figure 1.- Shows an elevation view of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a profile view of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 3.1 and 3.2 show views of the plant and a detailed perspective view of the platform of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Figure 4.- Shows a sectional view of the turbine and the tank of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0052] Figure 5.- Shows a detailed view of the turbine and reservoir of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0053] Figure 6.- Shows a detailed view of the water inlet control device of the hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0054] Figure 7.- Shows a detailed view of the movement of the second conduit of the water inlet control device of the hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Figure 8.- Shows an elevation view of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Figure 9.- Shows a profile view of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0057] Figure 10.- Shows a plan view of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0058] Figure 11 shows a sectional view of the water evacuation means of a hydroelectric power generation mechanism, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0059] In view of the figures provided, it can be seen how in a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system proposed here, where the external system is connected to a supply network, comprises a support platform (3) with flotation means, and on it auxiliary power supply means connected to a transformer (11) which in turn is connected to batteries (30) for recharging and to the supply network, as shown in Figures 3.1 and 3.2.

[0060] For its part, the external system is also connected to said batteries (30) for recharging in a first working situation in which the external system produces an excess of energy with respect to the existing demand in the supply network.

[0061] In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the transformer (11) is connected to the mainland supply network by means of a power cable (31).

[0062] The mechanism further comprises at least one turbine unit that is submerged and fixed to the platform (3).

[0063] As shown in Figures 2, 5 and 7, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention a mechanism with two turbine units is considered.

[0064] Each of these units comprises a first conduit (1) located below the water level which, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, has a first vertical section (4) with an upper end (4.1) for the inlet of a volume of water and a lower end (4.2), a connecting elbow (5) connected to said lower end (4.2) and a second section (6) with a first end (6.1) connected to the elbow (5) and an opposite second end (6.2).

[0065] This second section (6) has a slope and a decreasing section towards the second end (6.2), as can be seen in Figures 1, 4 and 5. Each unit also has a device for controlling the entry of water into the first conduit (1) connected to the batteries (30), capable of allowing and blocking the passage of water through the upper end (4.1), in an iterative and continuous manner, for a second working situation in which the production capacity of the external system is insufficient to supply the supply network, and in turn, when the minimum conditions necessary (wind, sun, etc.) for the operation of the external system as well as the auxiliary power supply means do not exist.

[0066] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device comprises a second conduit (2) whose diameter and length are smaller than those of the first conduit (1) and is arranged concentrically inside. In addition, this second conduit (2) has upper and lower ends (2.1, 2.2).

[0067] The control device also has connection means between both first and second conduits (1, 2) capable of allowing the second conduit (2) to move between a first position completely submerged under the water level capable of allowing the entry of water into the first conduit (1), as shown in Figure 7, in the first conduit (1) on the right, and a second position with its upper end (2.1) located above the water level capable of blocking the entry of water into the first conduit (1), as shown in said Figure 7, in the first conduit (1) on the left.

[0068] Likewise, the mechanism comprises a vertical axis turbine (7) connected to the second end (6.2) of the second section (6) of the first conduit (1), as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. In this way, the water that falls due to the effect of gravity from the first section (4) of the first conduit (1), upon reaching the second end (6.2) of the second section (6), strikes the blades of the turbine (7) transversely. The shaft (8) of the turbine (7) is connected to the rotor of a generator (9) located on the support platform (3), such that the rotation of the blades drives the rotation of the rotor, thus transforming the hydraulic energy into mechanical energy. The generator in turn is connected to the transformer (11).

[0069] The elbow (5) between the first and second section (4, 6) of the first pipe (1) has an angle between 15 and 60 e , which in this first preferred embodiment of the invention is, specifically, 30 e. In this way, this inclination and the reduction in section that said second section (6) presents from the elbow (5) to the union with the turbine (7), which takes place at 90 e , allows the fluid to enter the turbine (7) so that, at the water index transverse to its blades, as previously indicated.

[0070] The turbine unit further comprises a discharge line (10) connected to the lower end of the turbine (7), as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.

[0071] In this first embodiment it is shown that the generator (9) and transformer (11) are located inside a machine room (29) on the platform (3), which isolates them from the weather and at the same time keeps them accessible for maintenance and possible repairs.

[0072] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, the mechanism also has a tank (12) connected to the discharge pipe (10) for collecting the volume of water exiting the turbine (7). This tank (12) is located at a lower level than that of the turbine (7) and has means of communication with the outer surface and means for evacuating the water in the first working situation, up to a level higher than that of the water surface, where these evacuation means are connected to the batteries (30).

[0073] Since the tank (12) is connected to the exterior surface, it is an open, non-pressurized tank. In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, it is made of polyethylene or another material capable of being sufficiently robust to not deform under the high pressures it may be subjected to at considerable depths and to be durable against the deterioration caused by continuous contact with water, both fresh and salt water. Furthermore, the dimensions of the tank (12) are such that it can hold a large mass of fluid without compromising the buoyancy of the structure even when it is full of fluid. In turn, the maximum level of fluid that can accumulate in the tank (12) is equal to or less than the water outlet from the discharge line (10), to avoid obstructing the entry of the fluid into the tank (12).

[0074] In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 1, 4 and 6, the water inlet control device comprises activation means formed by two first cables (13) having a first end (13.1) connected to the upper end (2.1) of the second conduit (2) at diametrically opposite points and a second end (13.2) connected to a rocker (14) capable of transmitting an ascending and descending vertical movement to said first cables (13), where the rocker (14) is connected to the batteries (30).

[0075] In this first preferred embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the auxiliary power supply means are formed by a framework of renewable energy systems comprising at least one solar panel (15) and at least one wind turbine (16) for generating wind energy to recharge the batteries (30). Said auxiliary power supply means have the function of recharging the batteries (30) when the minimum climatic conditions exist for the operation of the solar panels (15) and the turbines (16) of the auxiliary power supply means of the mechanism, as well as when there is a surplus of renewable energy produced by the external system that feeds the electrical grid and therefore the consumption centers have covered the necessary demand for renewable energy.

[0076] It is then when the auxiliary power supply means formed in this case by solar panels (15) and windmills (16) can allocate the surplus and unconsumed energy that they are producing to recharge the set of batteries (30), so that this generated energy is stored in the batteries (30), in order to be able to use it in certain working situations of the mechanism, such as the second working situation in which the alternate passage of water for the turbine is allowed through the water control device and the first working situation in which the lower tank (12) of the mechanism is emptied of the accumulated water through evacuation means such as hydraulic or similar pumps (22) and / or the Archimedes screw (25), among other working phases that may require said energy accumulated in the batteries (30).

[0077] In other embodiments, the auxiliary means of feeding the batteries (30) may be formed only by solar panels or only by wind energy generating mills or other means of producing renewable energy.

[0078] In this way, in this case proposed here, through part of the energy stored in the batteries (30) the control device that will generate the continuous movement of ascent and descent of the rocker (14) can be actuated, producing the displacement up and down of the second conduit (2) in an uninterrupted and alternating manner for the turbine. The actuation of the control device occurs, as already mentioned, in a second working situation in which the external system is not capable of covering the demand for renewable energy required by the supply network (which is associated with episodes of higher electricity prices) and prevent it from ending up consuming non-renewable sources or, in the absence of minimum weather conditions of sun, wind, etc. for the operation of both the external system and the auxiliary means of feeding the mechanism.

[0079] When an opposite situation occurs, in which there is an excess supply of renewable energy produced by the external system or systems and therefore the consumption centers do not demand renewable energy and in turn, when the minimum climatic conditions exist for the operation of both the auxiliary supply means and the external system, the batteries stop supplying energy to the water control device so that it remains at rest, preventing the passage of fluid towards the first conduit (1 ), and the turbine (7) of the mechanism. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection means between the first and second conduits (1 , 2) are formed by a first annular-shaped projection (17) that emerges from the lower end (2.2) of the second conduit (2) towards the outside, a second projection (18) with an annular shape that emerges from an intermediate section of said second conduit (2) towards the outside and, a stop element (19) of annular shape that emerges from the inner surface of the first conduit (1) and is located at a height such that, in the first position of the second conduit (2), the second projection (18) is in contact with the stop element (19), and in the second position of the second conduit (2), the first projection (17) is in contact with the stop element (19).

[0080] In this preferred embodiment, the connection means between the first and second conduit (1, 2) comprise at least one sealing gasket arranged between the first and / or the second projection (17, 18) and the first conduit (1) and / or between the stop element (19) and the second conduit (2).

[0081] According to another aspect, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanism comprises a protection grid (20) at the upper end (4.1) of the first section (4) of the first conduit (1), which has an upper face (20.1) located at a height above said upper end (4.1) such that it allows the second conduit (2) to move to its second position.

[0082] With this grid (20) the entry into the first conduit (1) of water dirt, plastics, fish, animals, unwanted bodies, etc. that could hinder the operation of the turbine (7) and even damage it is prevented.

[0083] In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanism comprises a protective conduit (21) for the turbine (7) and its shaft (8), as shown in Figure 4. This protective conduit (21) has a first end (21.1) such that it allows the containment of the turbine (7) and a second end (21.2) open located at a level higher than that of the water surface. With this protective conduit (21), isolation from the fluid is achieved both for the turbine (7) and for the shaft (8) and the rest of the elements of the turbine such as gears... and, at the same time, as the protective conduit (21) is open at its second end (21.2), the turbine (7) remains accessible for maintenance work.

[0084] As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for evacuating water from the tank (12) comprise at least one hydraulic pump (22) connected to the batteries (30) and located inside the tank (12) anchored to its base and at least one vertical evacuation pipe (23) with a first end (23.1) connected to a pump (2) and a second end (23.2) located at a level higher than that of the platform (3), which allows the water to drain over the water surface.

[0085] In this first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, there are two hydraulic pumps (22) that form part of the evacuation means, each of them connected to an evacuation pipe (23). As these evacuation pipes (23) have their second end (23.2) at a height higher than the water level at their outlet, it falls into the body of water and can be used again.

[0086] In this first preferred embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the means of communication between the tank (12) and the outer surface are formed by at least one additional conduit (24) having a first end (24.1) connected to the tank (12) and a second end (24.2) open at a level higher than that of the water surface, where said additional conduit (24) has a diameter such that it allows the passage of an evacuation conduit (23) through its interior. In this case, since the mechanism has two evacuation conduits (23), it has two additional conduits (24) for the protection of each of these evacuation conduits (23).

[0087] Since the additional conduit (24) has a second open end (24.2), it allows air to enter the interior of the tank (12), thus preventing it from being airtight and its interior from being under pressure. It must be taken into account that the entire mechanism has connections to the outside by means of conduits open to said outside, as is the case of the second conduit (2), the protection conduit (21) of the turbine (7) and the additional conduit (24). In this way, air is allowed to enter the conduit network, preventing hermeticism and a vacuum from being generated and, thereby, preventing pressure from being generated inside the conduits, thus favoring the free circulation of water due to the effect of gravity. This opening to the outside of the conduits also allows access to them for maintenance work.

[0088] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in Figures 8 to 11, the means for evacuating water from the tank (12) comprise at least one Archimedean screw (25) as a complement to the extraction pumps (22). This screw (25) has a first end (25.1) connected to one side of the tank (12) close to the base thereof and a second end (25.2) located at a level higher than that of the water surface, where the screw (25) is connected to the batteries (30).

[0089] In this way, the water contained in the tank (12) enters the Archimedes screw (25) and, as the latter rotates, the water rises along the screw (25) until it reaches its second end (25.2). As said second end (25.2) is located above the sheet of water, the water contained in the tank (12) drains into the same mass of water, avoiding its consumption and allowing its unlimited reuse.

[0090] Therefore, the evacuation means in the first embodiment have extraction pumps (22) connected to the batteries (30) and, in the case of this second embodiment, it is the screw (25) that is connected to the batteries (30).

[0091] As previously mentioned, after a first process of fluid entry through the water control device, once the turbine process has been carried out, this fluid remains at rest in the tank (12) until it is drained in a first working situation.In order to carry out said drainage process, the evacuation means such as the extractor pumps (22) and / or the Archimedes screw (25) are fed for their operation by the energy accumulated in the batteries (30) that have been previously recharged, either with the surplus energy that the auxiliary means of feeding, such as the network of solar panels (15) and mills (16) themselves, have been producing at times when there was surplus renewable energy produced by the external system that the demand nuclei did not need for their consumption, or by the possible contribution of excess renewable energy produced by the external system that has not been consumed by the demand nuclei and that is derived to recharge the batteries (30).

[0092] Therefore, the energy required to meet the energy cost of emptying the tank (12) comes from said surplus renewable energy. In turn, said draining process begins when a first working situation is reached in which minimum climatic conditions exist that allow the operation of both the external system and the auxiliary means of feeding itself and there is an excess supply of renewable energy (which is associated with periods of lower electricity prices) that the energy demand centers do not require for their consumption.

[0093] For recharging the batteries (30) the power supply means formed by solar panels (15) and / or wind energy generating mills (16) installed on the platform (3) are in turn connected to the transformer (11) and to the set of batteries (30) and all the connections run through the interior of the additional conduits (24).

[0094] In the first preferred embodiment, the platform's flotation means (3) are formed by floats (26) connected to each other by steel bars (27), as shown in Figures 1, 3.1 and 4. These bars (27) have at their ends means for flexible connection with said floats (26).

[0095] Likewise, the pipes have flexible joining means similar to those of the bars with the floats, in their connection with other pipes or elements of the mechanism, in such a way that both the platform (3) and the network of pipes, turbine, tank... allow the whole to adapt to waves, tides and / or currents that may arise at the location of the mechanism.

[0096] Furthermore, the mechanism comprises means for connecting the floats (26) to the platform (3) capable of allowing said platform (3) to have a certain height above the water surface. This facilitates maintenance and accessibility.

[0097] Furthermore, in this first embodiment, the mechanism comprises means for securing the platform (3) to the bottom of the body of water, formed by second steel cables (28) adjustable in length, with a first end (28.1) fixed to the platform (3) and a second end (28.2) anchored to the bottom. Being adjustable, they allow their length to be adapted to possible unevenness of the fluid.

[0098] In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the first end (28.1) of the second cables (28) may be fixed to the flotation means.

[0099] These second stainless steel cables (28) prevent the platform (3) from moving due to currents, tides or waves.

[0100] The assembly formed by the floats (26), the steel bars (27) and the means of joining the floats (26) to the platform (3) are sufficiently robust to be able to support the components of the floating platform (3) in its upper part and in turn with a buoyancy coefficient that can keep said platform (3) afloat, both of the upper and lower elements, taking into account the weight that the framework of the lower part can carry, such as the lower pipes, tanks, turbines, water pumps and the weight of fluid that fits both in the pipes and the water tank, as well as the Archimedes screw assembly.

Claims

CLAIMS 1- Supplementary hydroelectric mechanism for an external renewable energy generation system, where the external system is connected to a supply network, characterized in that it comprises a support platform (3) with flotation means, and on it auxiliary power supply means connected to a transformer (11) connected in turn to the supply network and to batteries (30) for recharging, where the external system is also connected to said batteries (30) for recharging in a first working situation in which the external system produces an excess of energy with respect to the existing demand in the supply network and, at least one turbine unit, submerged and fixed to the platform (3), where each unit comprises - a first conduit (1) below the water level having a first vertical section (4) with an upper end (4.1) for inlet of a volume of water and a lower end (4.2), a connecting elbow (5) connected to said lower end (4.2) and a second section (6) with a first end (6.1) connected to the elbow (5) and an opposite second end (6.2), having a slope and a section decreasing towards the second end (6.2); - a device for controlling the entry of water into the first conduit (1) connected to the batteries (30), capable of allowing and blocking the passage of water through the upper end (4.1) of its first section (4), in an iterative and continuous manner, for a second working situation in which the production capacity of the external system is insufficient to supply the supply network; - a vertical axis turbine (7) connected to the second end (6.2) of the second section (6) of the first conduit (1) such that the water impacts transversely on the blades of the turbine (7), where the axis (8) is connected to the rotor of a generator (9) located on the support platform (3) and connected to the transformer (11), and; - a discharge line (10) connected to the lower end of the turbine (7); where the mechanism comprises at least one tank (12) connected to the discharge pipe (10) for collecting the volume of water that comes out of the turbine (7), located at a lower level than that of the turbine (7) and having means of communication with the outer surface and means of evacuation of the water in the first working situation, up to a level higher than that of the water sheet and connected to the batteries (30). 2- Mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the device for controlling the entry of water into the first conduit (1) comprises a second conduit (2) whose diameter and length are smaller than those of the first conduit (1) and is arranged concentrically inside it, and has upper and lower ends (2.1, 2.2), connection means between both first and second conduits (1, 2) capable of allowing the second conduit (2) to move between a first position completely submerged below the water level capable of allowing water to enter the first conduit (1), and a second position with its upper end (2.1) located above the water level capable of blocking the entry of water to the first conduit (1). 3- Mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the water inlet control device comprises activation means formed by two first cables (13) having a first end (13.1) connected to the upper end (2.1) of the second conduit (2) at diametrically opposite points and a second end (13.2) connected to a rocker (14) capable of transmitting an upward and downward vertical movement to said first cables (13), where the rocker (14) is connected to the batteries (30).

4. Mechanism according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein the connection means between the first and second conduits (1, 2) are formed by a first annular-shaped projection (17) that emerges from the lower end (2.2) of the second conduit (2) towards the outside, a second annular-shaped projection (18) that emerges from an intermediate section of said second conduit (2) towards the outside, and an annular-shaped stop element (19) that emerges from the inner surface of the first conduit (1) and is located at a height such that in the first position of the second conduit (2), the second projection (18) is in contact with the stop element (19), and in the second position of the second conduit (2), the first projection (17) is in contact with the stop element (19). 5- Mechanism according to claim 4, wherein the connection means between the first and second conduit (1, 2) comprise at least one sealing gasket arranged between the first and / or the second projection (17, 18) and the first conduit (1) and / or between the stop element (19) and the second conduit (2). 6- Mechanism according to any of claims 2 to 5, comprising a protective grid (20) at the upper end (4.1) of the first section (4) of the first conduit (1), which has an upper face (20.1) located at a height above said upper end (4.1) such that it allows the second conduit (2) to move to its second position. 7- Mechanism according to any of the previous claims, comprising a protective conduit (21) for the turbine (7) and its shaft (8), with a first end (21.1) such that it allows the containment of the turbine (7) and a second open end (21.2) located at a level higher than that of the water surface. 8- Mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elbow (5) of the first conduit (1) has an angle between 15 and 60 e . 9- Mechanism according to any of the previous claims, wherein the means for evacuating water from the tank (12) comprise at least one hydraulic pump (22) connected to the batteries (30) and located inside the tank (12) anchored to its base and at least one vertical evacuation pipe (23) with a first end (23.1) connected to a pump (22) and a second end (23.2) located at a level higher than that of the platform (3), which allows the water to drain over the water surface. 10- Mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the means of communication of the tank (12) with the outer surface are formed by at least one additional conduit (24) that has a first end (24.1) connected to the tank (12) and a second end (24.2) open at a level higher than that of the water surface, where said additional conduit (24) has a diameter such that it allows the passage of an evacuation conduit (23) through its interior. 11- Mechanism according to any of the previous claims, wherein the means for evacuating the water from the tank (12) comprise at least one Archimedes screw (25) that has a first end (25.1) connected to a side of the tank (12) close to the base thereof and a second end (25.2) located at a level higher than that of the water surface, where the screw (25) is connected to the batteries (30). 12- Mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary power supply means are formed by at least one solar panel (15) for recharging the batteries (30). 13- Mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary power supply means are formed by at least one wind energy generating mill (16) for recharging the batteries (30). 14- Mechanism according to any of the previous claims, wherein the platform's flotation means (3) are formed by floats (26) connected to each other by means of steel bars (27), where these bars (27) have at their ends flexible connection means with said floats (26). 15- Mechanism according to claim 14, comprising means for connecting the floats (26) to the platform (3) capable of allowing said platform (3) to have a certain height above the water surface. 16- Mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, comprising means for securing the platform (3) to the bottom of the body of water, formed by second steel cables (28) adjustable in length, with a first end (28.1) fixed to the platform (3) or to the flotation means and a second end (28.2) anchored to the bottom. 17- Mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the transformer (11) is connected to the mainland supply network by means of a power cable (31).

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