Water turbine system

Abstract

A water turbine system with facilitated installation, comprising: - a turbine assembly (104), comprising a turbine inlet (104i), a turbine outlet (104o) and a water turbine (104t) and configured to be fed at said inlet (104i) by a flow of water from a water source (101); - a generator (110) connected to said turbine assembly (104) and configured to produce electric energy to feed to a load (400), as a result of a rotation of said turbine (104t) due to said flow of water; - a power outlet (107o) operatively connected to said generator (110) and configured to be connected to said load (400); - a case (105) housing at least said turbine assembly (104) and said generator (110) and comprising a supporting frame (106) at least for said turbine assembly (104) and for said generator (110) and configured to be laid on a ground or building structure; wherein the water turbine system is configured to be transported and put in operation to produce said electric energy at an energy production place (700).

Description

[0001] GAI1P3W0

[0002] 'Water turbine system'

[0003] Field of the art

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of water turbines.

[0005] Background art

[0006] Hydroelectric power plants are worldwide employed for converting energy coming from water to electric energy. Known water turbine systems include concrete buildings realized in substantial proximity of dams or rivers or conduits, wherein turbines groups are coupled with generators. The rotation energy of each turbine group is provided to the generators, thereby causing the production of the electric energy.

[0007] The generators are then connected to power stations that transform the voltage at the output of the generators to high voltage (e.g. 380kV).

[0008] The generators are connected to the power distribution network following an appropriate synchronization procedure.

[0009] The construction of hydroelectric power plants requires huge economic investments and huge amounts of time. Therefore, designing and manufacturing of hydroelectric power plants is typically justified only by a very high amount of available water to be used for causing the rotation of the turbines and the subsequent production of electric energy justifies.

[0010] Furthermore, an attentive planning of the location of the hydroelectric power plant is required, in order to satisfy construction requirements, avoid legal controversies, and provide high energy conversion efficiency.

[0011] The Applicant has noted that many water streams or conduits that may be useful to allow the production of electric energy are still not exploited for this purpose due to the aforementioned drawbacks; therefore, Applicant has conceived a water turbine system that allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] The water turbine system object of the present disclosure is herewith disclosed in its main aspects, which can be combined together and / or with portions of the detailed description and / or claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect it is herewith disclosed a water turbine system with facilitated installation, comprising: GAI1P3W0

[0014] - a turbine assembly (104), comprising a turbine inlet (104i), a turbine outlet (104o) and a water turbine (104t) and configured to be fed at said inlet (104i) by a flow of water from a water source (101);

[0015] - a generator (110) connected to said turbine assembly (104) and configured to produce electric energy to feed to a load (400), as a result of a rotation of said turbine (104t) due to said flow of water;

[0016] - a power outlet (107o) operatively connected to said generator (110) and configured to be connected to said load (400);

[0017] - a case (105) housing at least said turbine assembly (104) and optionally said generator (110) and comprising a supporting frame (106) at least for said turbine assembly (104) and for said generator (110) and configured to be laid on a ground or supporting structure; wherein the water turbine system is configured to be transported and put into operation to produce said electric energy at an energy production place (700).

[0018] According to a further aspect it is herewith disclosed a water turbine system with facilitated installation, comprising:

[0019] - a turbine assembly (104), comprising a turbine inlet (104i), a turbine outlet (104o) and a water turbine (104t) and configured to be fed at said inlet (104i) by a flow of water from a water source (101);

[0020] - a power outlet (107o) operatively connected to said generator (110) and configured to be connected to said load (400);

[0021] - a case (105) housing at least said turbine assembly (104) and comprising a supporting frame (106)at least for said turbine assembly (104) and configured to be laid on a ground or supporting structure; wherein the water turbine system is configured to be transported and put into operation to produce said electric energy at an energy production place (700).

[0022] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system comprises a generator (110) connected to said turbine assembly (104) and configured to produce electric energy to feed to a load (400), as a result of a rotation of said turbine (104t) due to said flow of water.

[0023] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the case (105) is configured to house at least partially said generator (110).

[0024] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the supporting frame (106)is a supporting structure for said generator (110).

[0025] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said case (105) is a transportable case, and defines a confined environment housing at least said turbine assembly (104) and optionally said generator (110). GAI1P3W0

[0026] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said confined environment is substantially separated from an outer environment.

[0027] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the case (105) is a container, preferably in form of a substantially boxed structure.

[0028] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the case (105) comprises a lateral containment structure.

[0029] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the lateral containment structure comprises lateral walls and at least one top wall connected to said lateral walls.

[0030] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the lateral containment structure is substantially continuous.

[0031] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, at least said lateral walls are substantially continuous.

[0032] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the case (105) comprises at least one access opening (108) configured to allow an operator access at least to said turbine assembly (104) and to said generator (110).

[0033] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said case (105) is specifically configured to be transported by means of a truck and / or by means of aeronaval transport vehicles.

[0034] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said case (105) is configured to bear at least a weight of said turbine assembly (104) and, optionally, of said generator (110) and of an amount of water in use being present in said turbine assembly (104).

[0035] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said water turbine system (100) is configured to be removed from said energy production place (700) and transported and put into operation to produce said electric energy to a new energy production place (700).

[0036] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said case (105) is provided with spatial orientation elements configured to allow a setting of a tilt of said case (105) and / or supporting frame (106) with respect to said ground or building structure in such a way to cause a rotation of said turbine (104t) at a predetermined rotation plane.

[0037] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the predetermined rotation plane being substantially horizontal or vertical.

[0038] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said case (105) is configured to be laid directly on, and to be preferably fixed to, said ground at said energy production place (700) or on said supporting structure, preferably a pre-existing concrete structure, at said energy production place (700). GAI1P3W0

[0039] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) comprises an inlet conduit (103) connected to said water source (101) and to said turbine inlet (104i), and a water feeding group (102) arranged at an upstream end of said inlet conduit (103).

[0040] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water source (101) is a pressurized water source or cause a pressure of water in said inlet conduit (103).

[0041] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water feeding group (102) is configured to draw out water from the water source (101).

[0042] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water feeding group (102) comprises an upstream valve having at least:

[0043] - an open configuration, allowing water to flow in said inlet conduit (103),

[0044] - a closed configuration, impeding water to flow in said conduit (103).

[0045] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the upstream valve further comprises a partially opened configuration, in said partially opened configuration said upstream valve defining a water passage section lower than the water passage section at said open configuration.

[0046] According to a further non-limiting aspect, the water feeding group (102) is configured to draw out water from the water source (101) in a parallel connection to said water source (101) or is configured to be connected in series and / or downstream to said water source (101).

[0047] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) comprises a downstream valve (118) arranged at a downstream end of said inlet conduit (103).

[0048] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the downstream valve (118) is a three way valve.

[0049] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said three way valve has:

[0050] - an inlet connected to the downstream end of said inlet conduit (103);

[0051] - a first outlet connected to said turbine inlet (104i);

[0052] - a second outlet connected to a bypass conduit (104d), bypassing said turbine assembly (104) and causing a flow of water downstreams said turbine outlet (104o).

[0053] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the downstream valve (118) assumes an operative configuration causing water flow from said inlet to said first outlet and assuming an emergency configuration causing water flow from said inlet to said second outlet. GAI1P3W0

[0054] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system is configured to allow, preferably to automatically determine, a switching from said operative configuration to said emergency configuration in case of a damage, preferably an unwanted stop of said water turbine and / or of said generator.

[0055] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the upstream valve and the downstream valve (118) operatively cooperate.

[0056] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100), in case of damage, preferably an unwanted stop of said water turbine and / or of said generator, is configured to:

[0057] - first, cause a switching from said operative configuration to said emergency configuration of said downstream valve (118),

[0058] - then, cause a switching from said open or partially open configuration to said closed configuration of said upstream valve (102v).

[0059] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) comprises a power unit (107) operatively connected to said generator (110).

[0060] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the power unit (107) is configured to adapt at least one property of said electric energy to the requirements of said load (400).

[0061] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said power unit (107) is configured to feed said electric energy to said load (400) in a parallel-connection configuration.

[0062] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the load (400) is an electric energy distribution network.

[0063] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the power unit (107) is configured to be directly operatively connected to said electric energy distribution network.

[0064] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) is configured to be made operative at least by a connection of said inlet (104i) to said water source (101), and by a connection of said power outlet (107o) to said load (400).

[0065] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) is configured to be made operative by causing said power unit (107) perform a power synchronization with said load (400).

[0066] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said power synchronization is a phase where the turbine system is configured to:

[0067] - automatically and electronically detect at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400) GAI1P3W0

[0068] - adapt, preferably while still electronically and automatically detecting said at least one, preferably all, among said voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of said load (400), a rotation speed of said water turbine and / or of said generator (110), in such a way to make the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to be fed to said load (400), in particular to said electric energy distribution network, match the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400).

[0069] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the power unit (107) is configured to feed alternate voltage electric energy to said electric energy distribution network.

[0070] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said power unit (107) comprises a power switch (107p) having an open configuration stopping an electric energy transfer from said power unit (107) to said load (400) and / or isolating said power outlet (107o), and a closed configuration allowing an electric energy transfer from said power unit (1007) to said load (400) and / or feeding said power outlet (107o).

[0071] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said power unit (107) is configured to electronically detect at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400) and to cause an adaptation of a rotation speed of said water turbine and / or of said generator (110), in such a way to make the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400), in particular to said electric energy distribution network, match the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400).

[0072] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the power unit (107) is configured to:

[0073] - keep said power switch (107p) in said open configuration, or to cause an automatic switching of said power switch, when at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400) lie outside or go outside a safety range of closeness to the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400), or to keep said power switch (107p) during said synchronization phase, and

[0074] - switch to said closed configuration, or to keep said configuration, of said power switch, when at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400) lie inside or go inside a safety range of closeness to the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400), or after said synchronization phase.

[0075] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said water turbine comprises a first rotor (604) and a second rotor (605). GAI1P3W0

[0076] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, at least one between said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) is a reaction rotor or at least one between said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) is an impulse rotor.

[0077] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) are reaction rotors or said first rotor and said second rotor are impulse rotors.

[0078] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) are concentric and are configured to rotate simultaneously in two opposite directions on a same rotation plane or on parallel rotation planes.

[0079] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said first rotor (604) lies inside said second rotor (605).

[0080] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said rotation plane or planes are substantially horizontal.

[0081] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said rotation plane or planes are substantially vertical.

[0082] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said water turbine assembly (104) being configured to cause a simultaneous rotation of said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) and to provide a rotating force to said turbine shaft (111).

[0083] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, both said first rotor (604) said second rotor (605) are connected, and in use provide simultaneously a rotating force or torque, to said generator (110).

[0084] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said first rotor (604) is a reaction rotor and said second rotor (605) is an impulse rotor.

[0085] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the first rotor (604) is provided with a plurality of nozzles (604n) configured to spray water determining a rotation of said first rotor (604).

[0086] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the second rotor (605) is provided with a plurality of palettes (605p).

[0087] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the plurality of nozzles (604n) is configured to spray water towards said plurality of palettes.

[0088] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) is configured to operate with a water flow lying between a minimum water flow value and a maximum water flow value.

[0089] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said water turbine is adaptable, preferably operatively adaptable, to said water flow at least between said minimum water flow value and said maximum water flow value, preferably without needing to be stopped or slowed down. GAI1P3W0

[0090] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, at least a number of said nozzles and / or an opened or closed configuration thereof, and / or a number of said palettes, and / or a relative position and / or orientation between said nozzles and / or palettes, is adaptable, preferably operatively adaptable, to said water flow.

[0091] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said plurality of nozzles (604n) is removably installed and / or operatively installed in a removable way, and / or is at least partially selectively closeable in such a way to adapt a flow rate of the plurality of nozzles (604n) and / or of said first rotor (604).

[0092] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said plurality of palettes (605p) is removably installed and / or operatively installed in a removable way.

[0093] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said water turbine system (100) comprises a decoupling element arranged between the turbine assembly (104) and the generator (110) and configured to allow at least a mechanical disconnection of at least one turbine shaft (111) from a rotor of said generator (110).

[0094] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water turbine system (100) comprises a motion transfer group (200) operatively interposed between the turbine shaft (111) and the generator (110).

[0095] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the motion transfer group (200) comprises a rotation speed adapter.

[0096] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said rotation speed adapter is configured to impose a variation, preferably a fixed variation, of a rotation speed of at least one turbine shaft (111) with respect to a rotation speed of a rotor of said generator (110).

[0097] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said motion transfer group (200) is configured to engage with a shaft of said first rotor (604), with a shaft of said second rotor (605) and to transfer a rotation motion to said turbine shaft (111).

[0098] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said motion transfer group (200) is configured to reverse the rotation direction of at least one between a shaft of said first rotor (604), of a shaft of said second rotor (605) with respect to a rotation direction of said turbine shaft (111).

[0099] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said rotation speed adapter (200) comprises at least one planetary gear (203) engaged with an epicycloid crown (202).

[0100] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said turbine assembly (104) comprises a lower portion and an upper portion.

[0101] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, at least one of, preferably all of, said turbine inlet (104i) and turbine outlet (104o) are arranged at said lower portion. GAI1P3W0

[0102] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said generator (110) is arranged above said turbine assembly (104).

[0103] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said turbine assembly (104) comprises a left side and a right side.

[0104] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, at least one between said turbine inlet (104i) and said turbine outlet (104o) is arranged at said left side or right side.

[0105] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said case (105) comprises a first chamber (105a) and a second camber (105b), the first chamber (105a) being preferably hydraulically and / or electrically isolated from said second chamber (105b).

[0106] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, at least the turbine assembly (104), preferably the turbine assembly and the generator (110), being arranged in said first chamber (105a), the power unit (107) being arranged in said second chamber.

[0107] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said water source (101) comprises a water conduit (101).

[0108] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said turbine outlet (104o) is configured to cause water flow into a spillway (109) or outlet conduit.

[0109] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, said spillway is a concrete spillway (109) arranged downstream said water turbine system (100) and preferably below said water turbine system.

[0110] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the turbine outlet (104o) is configured to guarantee, in operation, a predetermined minimum water speed.

[0111] According to a further, non-limiting, aspect, the water conduit (101) is a penstock.

[0112] The following detailed description refers to the annexed figures, a brief description thereof is hereinafter provided.

[0113] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a water turbine system according to the present disclosure.

[0114] Figure 2 shows a further perspective view of a water turbine system according to the present disclosure.

[0115] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a connection between a turbine assembly, a generator, and a power unit.

[0116] Figure 4 shows a schematic hydraulic diagram of the water turbine system.

[0117] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the turbine assembly. GAI1P3W0

[0118] Figure 6 shows a section view of the turbine assembly.

[0119] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a part of said turbine assembly.

[0120] Detailed description

[0121] Reference number 100 identifies a water turbine system.

[0122] The water turbine system 100 comprises a turbine assembly 104, a generator 110 mechanically connected to the turbine assembly and a case 105.

[0123] The case 105 houses the turbine assembly 104 and the generator in a substantially closed structure which allows to isolate the turbine assembly 104 and preferably also the generator 110 from the outer environment.

[0124] In particular, the case 105 is configured to be laid on a ground or a pre-existing building structure, e.g. made in concrete.

[0125] The case 105 comprises a supporting frame 106 for the turbine assembly and the generator 110. The supporting frame 106 may comprise beams and traverses that withstand the overall weight of the turbine assembly 104 and of the generator 104, included the water that in use is contained within the turbine assembly 104.

[0126] The electric generator 110 may be provided with a stator portion and a rotor portion. The generator 110 may be an axial flux-type electric generator or a radial flux-type electric generator. When in the form of a radial flux-type generator, stator portion is arranged outside the rotor portion, and substantially encloses the rotor portion. When in the form of axial flux-type electric generator, the stator portion may be juxtaposed in front of the rotor portion.

[0127] In an embodiment, the rotor portion may rotate with respect to the outer portion around an axis which is substantially vertical.

[0128] As clearly shown in figure 1, contrarily to the traditional hydroelectric power plants, the water turbine system 100 is configured to be transported and put into operation for producing electric energy in at least one energy production place 700. The water turbine system of the present disclosure is configured to be installed and removed from one or more energy production places 700 for a plurality of times, by simple actions that will be hereinafter disclosed. GAI1P3W0

[0129] This technical feature allows to overcome the limitations of the traditional hydroelectric power plants, as the water turbine system 100 may be small-sized while still being significantly economically effective once operative.

[0130] In a simplified embodiment, the turbine assembly 104 comprises a turbine inlet 104i to be fed with a water source, a turbine outlet 104o discharging the water that has flown through the turbine and the generator 110 is provided with electric outlets 107o to be connected to a load 400 for feeding it with electric power.

[0131] As it will be apparent from the following description, the water turbine system 100 is easy to install and made operative; substantially it is sufficient to connect the turbine inlet 104i to a water source, the turbine outlet 104o to a spillway and the electric power outlets 107o to a load 400 to make the system of the present disclosure be operative.

[0132] In one embodiment, the turbine inlet 104i may be provided with a Venturi nozzle.

[0133] Figure 2 shows a non-limiting design of a spillway 109, in form of a chute spillway provided with a decline that allows water exiting the turbine system of the disclosure proceed at lower heights, preferably with a non-turbulent flow. In an embodiment, the spillway 109, arranged downstream the water turbine system 100 of the present disclosure and below said system, is configured to guarantee in operative conditions a predetermined minimum water speed that in turn allows to reduce the risk of stagnation. Clearly, they spillway 109 may be substituted with a conduit.

[0134] As it is clearly shown in figure 1, the case 105 is a transportable case. It comprises a containment structure that in a non-limiting embodiment comprises a top wall, four lateral walls connected to the top wall and a lower wall.

[0135] Preferably, albeit in a non-limiting extent, at least part of said lateral walls and / or of said top wall is substantially continuous.

[0136] Further embodiments of the containment structure may involve the presence of at least one pillar or equivalent structure or grilled structures that may help reducing the overall weight of the containment structure, increasing the air flow that may pass through the containment structure or that may help a user see into the containment structure.

[0137] The case 105 may be a container assuming a substantially boxed shape which is very effective to be transported by means of trucks and / or by means of aeronaval transport vehicles.

[0138] Particular embodiments of the case 105 may be in the form of standard-sized intermodal containers, which of course clearly facilitate the loading and transport on standard-sized vehicles. The case 105 may be provided with hooks allowing hoisting by means of cranes and / or helicopters. GAI1P3W0

[0139] In a preferred embodiment, the case 105 is provided with an access opening 108 preferably realized in form of a single or double swinging door; the access opening 108 allows an operator access at least the turbine assembly and the generator 110 to provide e.g. periodic servicing. In an embodiment, the case 105 is sized in such a way to allow an operator to enter and walk in the confined environment thereby defined while being in a substantial erected position.

[0140] A particular, non-limiting, embodiment of the case 105 is in the form of an intermodal container, preferably according to ISO standards. Other forms of substantially boxed-shape cases 105 are possible.

[0141] This technical feature allows easiness of transportation as traditional industrial intermodal transport vehicles are mechanically structured to house and sustain ISO standard intermodal containers.

[0142] Figure 1 shows a particular embodiment of the water turbine system 100, wherein the case comprises a first room housing the turbine assembly 104 and the generator 110 lying above the turbine assembly, and a second room, adjacent to the first room, housing a power unit 107 whose operation will be described in detail.

[0143] Optionally the case 105 may be provided with spatial orientation elements, which are preferably configured to allow an adjustment of orientation with respect to a horizontal plane. The spatial orientation elements allow an operator to set a tilt of the case 105, and thus of the supporting frame 106 and thus of the turbine assembly 104 and of the generator 110 with respect to the ground or building structure at the energy production place 700.

[0144] In some cases, in fact, the ground and the building structure may not be completely planar, and / or may not be oriented precisely in the plane, e.g. horizontal plane, at which the rotation of the turbine is designed to take place. Prior to the activation of the turbine, an operator may act on said spatial orientation elements to effectively compensate any inhomogeneity or wrong tilting at the energy production place 700 in order to cause a rotation of the turbine 104t at a predetermined rotation plane (in figure 1, horizontal plane). This helps to achieve a better efficiency of energy production.

[0145] Albeit figure 1 discloses an embodiment wherein the turbine is configured to rotate on a horizontal plane, such specific technical feature shall not be intended as limiting; in fact, the predetermined rotation plane may be alternatively substantially vertical. Other embodiments that have been conceived by the Applicant involve turbines arranged on rotation planes which are inclined with respect to a vertical axis and with respect to a horizontal axis.

[0146] Figure 1 shows an embodiment wherein the water turbine system 100 comprises an inlet conduit 103 connected to the water source 101 schematically represented by a water conduit. The diameter of the inlet conduit 103 is preferably lower with respect to the diameter of the water conduit which realizes the water GAI1P3W0 source 101: this allows a part of water still flow in the water conduit downstream the intersection with the inlet conduit 103 even if the system 100 of the present disclosure is fully operative and producing electric energy.

[0147] The water source may be a penstock feeding a further fixed turbine, of a traditional type.

[0148] In an embodiment the water source 101 is pressurized and thus keeps an adequate pressure in the inlet conduit 103 which allows the turbine 104t rotate to make the generator produce electric energy 110.

[0149] It may thus be inferred that the water turbine system 100 of the present disclosure is configured to operate in parallel connection to the water source 101, draining at least part of the water thereof at a predetermined point (spilling point) for then, preferably, re-introducing the water that exits from the turbine 104t back again into the water source 101, at a predetermined point placed downstream to the spilling point. The configuration here described shall not be intended as limiting, since other embodiments of the system are conceived in such a way to be connected in series (downstream) to the water source 101, in particular not leaving any possibility for the water coming from the water source to bypass the system.

[0150] It is furthermore noted that the water source 101 is not compulsorily realized by a water conduit; natural water streams may be equivalent types of water sources 101.

[0151] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the water turbine system 100 which is provided with a water feeding group 102, which is arranged upstream said inlet conduit 103. The water feeding group 102 is in particular arranged at a first end of the inlet conduit 103.

[0152] The water feeding group 102 may be realized in form of a small cabinet arranged at a predetermined distance with respect to the case 105, and it may comprise a valve which for the purposes of the present disclosure is mentioned as upstream valve 102v.

[0153] The upstream valve 102 v comprises:

[0154] - an open configuration, allowing water to flow in said inlet conduit 103,

[0155] - a closed configuration, impeding water to flow in said conduit 103.

[0156] Preferably, the upstream valve 102v is not simply an on-off valve but comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of, partially opened configuration(s), wherein a water passage section is lower than the water passage section of the open configuration.

[0157] The upstream valve 102 may be manually operated and / or may be remotely operated. GAI1P3W0

[0158] As shown in figure 1 and in figure 4, preferably the upstream valve 102 may cooperate with a downstream valve 118. It may be noted that the system here disclosed may be provided with the sole downstream valve 118 according to the technical features here disclosed, without being provided with the upstream valve 102.

[0159] Preferably, albeit in a non-limiting extent, the downstream valve 103 is arranged at a downstream end of said inlet conduit 103 and is arranged inside the case 105 or in close proximity and outside thereof.

[0160] As schematically shown in figure 4, the downstream valve 118 is a three way valve having:

[0161] - an inlet connected to the downstream end of said inlet conduit 103;

[0162] - a first outlet connected to said turbine inlet 104i;

[0163] - a second outlet connected to a bypass conduit 104d, bypassing said turbine assembly 104 and causing a flow of water downstream said turbine outlet 104o.

[0164] Albeit in theory the presence of the downstream valve 118 is not necessary, practically its presence is actually preferable. The turbine and / or the generator may stop suddenly, due to malfunction or the turbine 104t may start to leak water in the case 105. In such cases it is convenient to withdraw water from flowing into the turbine inlet 104i in order to carry out reparations.

[0165] Thus, the downstream valve 118 assumes an operative configuration causing water flow from said inlet to said first outlet and assumes, alternatively to said operative configuration, an emergency configuration causing water flow from said inlet to said second outlet.

[0166] The water turbine system of the present disclosure is configured to allow, preferably to automatically determine by means of appropriate servoactuators, a switching from said operative configuration to said emergency configuration in case of a damage, e.g. an unwanted stop of said water turbine and / or of said generator.

[0167] It is noted that the switching is progressive, and the cross section of the first outlet progressively reduces while the cross section of the second outlet progressively expands. This prevents or at least relevantly reduces the risk of water hammers back to the inlet conduit 103.

[0168] Preferably the operation of the downstream valve is faster than the operation of the upstream valve.

[0169] In a preferred embodiment, the two valves operatively cooperate to cause a full stop of the turbine 104t. In particular while the downstream valve 118 progressively switches from the operative configuration to the emergency configuration, the upstream valve 102v moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, preferably slower than the motion of the downstream valve 118 in such a way that the full closure of the upstream valve 102v takes place at an instant of time sufficiently far from the instant of time GAI1P3W0 at which the downstream valve 118 has completed the switching from the operative to the emergency configuration bringing the cross section of the first outlet to zero.

[0170] It may be thus inferred that in an embodiment, the water turbine system 100 is configured to:

[0171] - first, cause a switching from said operative configuration to said emergency configuration of said downstream valve 118,

[0172] - then, cause a switching from said open or partially open configuration to said closed configuration of said upstream valve 102v.

[0173] Specifically, the water turbine system 100 of the present disclosure is configured to be connected, in particular to be directly connected, to the load 400 which is actually an electric energy distribution network. Due to the specific features of any electric energy distribution network, the connection of a power system thereto takes place substantially in parallel.

[0174] In particular the electric energy distribution network may have a complex structure, may extend on a geographic size area and may be provided with several power sources which are simultaneously active to provide electric energy to a plurality of users. Thus, in the electric energy distribution network the relevant power flows imply precise synchronization in order to avoid damages. Some embodiments of the energy distribution network may be in the form of a star network, of a triangle network or a hybrid star-triangle network.

[0175] Excepting the theoretical hypothesis wherein the electric energy distribution network is devoid of any other operative voltage source, the water turbine system 100 needs to adapt the electric energy produced to the requirements of the distribution network. Otherwise, at least relevant losses may take place and - in the worst case scenarios - relevant damages may be caused to the overall assembly realized by the power unit 107 and the generator 110.

[0176] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the electric energy distribution network in form of a load 400 fed by a three phase line from the outlets 107o. Conveniently a power switch 107p is provided at the power unit 107 to allow the electric connection of the system therein disclosed to the electric energy distribution network only when appropriate. Thus, it is apparent that a particular, non-limiting, embodiment of the generator 110 is in the form of a three-phase generator, configured to produce a sinusoidal alternate voltage at its outputs.

[0177] It may be noted that the outlets 107o may be directly connected to a voltage increase transformer, in particular to a three phase voltage increase transformer, part of the electric energy distribution network. GAI1P3W0

[0178] In particular the power switch 107p may be configured to operate at high voltages, e.g. up to, or above, 380kV. Figure 3 shows a governor 107g of the power unit 107, receiving an active power input signal coming from the outlets of the generator 110. The governor 107g further receives a speed signal from the shaft 111 exiting on the top of the turbine assembly 104. The governor 107g electronically processes the two aforementioned signals to feed an output signal to a servo 112 determining a control (reduction, increase, keeping) of a rotation speed of the turbine 104t.

[0179] Controlling the rotation speed of the turbine 104t may be performed by appropriately actuating one of the valves herein described or even an additional service valve (acceleration by means of an increase of the crosssection of the valve movable body, deceleration by means of a reduction of the cross-section of the valve movable body), and / or by means of a braking of the turbine shaft (e.g. by means of a fluid circulation member or by means of an electrodynamic or magnetic coupling capable of providing a reverse torque on the rotation shaft).

[0180] It is in particular observed that the voltage present on the load is characterized by:

[0181] - a specific waveform, commonly sinusoidal in the traditional electric energy distribution networks;

[0182] - a specific frequency, e.g. 50 Hz or 60 Hz;

[0183] - a specific voltage value, e.g. 150kV RMS;

[0184] - a specific instant phase angle,

[0185] - a specific phase sequence, on the outlet lines exiting from the energy outlet 107o (in figure 3, three lines).

[0186] Such parameters shall be matched by the system 100 of the present disclosure in order to allow an effective and safe energy production.

[0187] It is noted that this specific feature, i.e. the configuration and destination to feed electric energy distribution lines, differentiates the system 100 from those - simpler - turbine and generator assemblies which are configured to be connected in series to a load which is otherwise unpowered. These assemblies do not need to face the technical problem of being synchronized to a powered network.

[0188] Applicant notes that matching a sinusoidal waveform is quite common as traditional generators produce alternate voltages with sinusoidal waveforms due to their intrinsic construction.

[0189] The use of a governor 107g will help to keep good synchronization to the electric energy distribution network even in case the volume of water instantly feeding the turbine may variate up to a certain extent; the GAI1P3W0 governor 107g thus allows the system 100 of the present disclosure be self-controlling; there is no need to keep a constant surveillance of qualified operators to keep appropriate functioning and energy production.

[0190] When the turbine is not operative, the power switch 107p is kept in the open configuration in order to prevent the herewith disclosed system absorb current from the electric distribution network.

[0191] During the startup of the turbine, when the power unit 107, through the governor, detects that the voltage, frequency, phase sequence and phase angle of the voltage upstream the power switch 107p match those present on the load 400, i.e. match those present downstream the power switch 107p, the power switch 107p can be switched from the open configuration to the closed configuration thus determining the actual connection with the network.

[0192] More in particular, the water turbine assembly of the present disclosure is configured to carry out a synchronization phase with the load.

[0193] The turbine system, through the action of the power unit 107, is configured to:

[0194] - automatically and electronically detect at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load 400;

[0195] - adapt a rotation speed of said water turbine and / or of said generator 110, in such a way to make the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load 400, in particular to said electric energy distribution network, match the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load 400.

[0196] The adaptation phase above described is carried out while still electronically and automatically detecting said at least one, preferably all, among said voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of said load 400, in a recursive control up to a moment when at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load 400 lie inside or go inside a safety range of closeness to the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load 400. At this moment the governor locks the system, which is kept synchronized with the network.

[0197] Preferably, albeit in a non-limiting extent, the power unit 107 can be configured to disconnect the system from the load 400 in case of emergency. This technical feature prevents the risk of causing damages to the load 400; this technical feature is particularly important in case the load 400 is an electric distribution network, as any electrical issue in the herewith disclosed system may reflect on a wide area and on a relevant plurality of users and / or generators. GAI1P3W0

[0198] An emergency condition may be a short circuit in the power unit 107, in particular occurring upstream the power switch 107p, or may be a short circuit in the generator 110, or a sudden lowering of the rotation speed of the turbine 107t, or may be a sudden blockage of the turbine 107t.

[0199] The power unit 107 may be provided with sensors capable of detecting immediately any emergency condition and immediately cause a switching from the closed configuration to the open configuration for the power switch 107p. Should an emergency condition take place, it is important to switch the configuration of the power switch 107p substantially immediately and preferably within a maximum time delay of some seconds.

[0200] In the present disclosure, cotidentifies the rotation speed of the turbine 107t and cogidentifies the rotation speed of the rotor of the generator 110. In one embodiment, cotidentifies the rotation speed of shaft 111 of the turbine 107t.

[0201] The system according to the present disclosure may comprise a rotation speed adapter configured to cause a variation, preferably a fixed difference between the rotation speed cotof the turbine 107t and the rotation speed cog of the generator. Should such rotation speed adapter not be present, thus cog= cot. The rotation speed adapter is clearly operatively interposed between the turbine and the generator.

[0202] In one particular embodiment, the device is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the generator 110, since the turbine 107t may rotate too fast to allow the generator 110 produce electric current at a suitable frequency.

[0203] Preferably albeit in a non-limiting embodiment, the turbine may comprise a first rotor 604 and a second rotor 605. Albeit these two rotors may have similar characteristics, in one preferred embodiment the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 have different characteristics that imply a different behavior when the turbine is operative. This allows to obtain benefits of distinct types of turbines and increases the overall efficiency of hydraulic energy conversion over a wide variety of operative situations.

[0204] In particular, in one embodiment the first rotor 604 is a reaction rotor while the second rotor 605 is an impulse rotor. This is the solution depicted in the annexed drawings, which shall not be intended as limiting. Indeed, alternatively, the first rotor and the second rotor may be both reaction rotors or, in contrast, may be both impulse rotors.

[0205] The embodiment shown in the annexed figures is such that the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 are concentric. The first rotor 604 lies substantially into the second rotor and can be circumscribed by an ideal circumference whose diameter is lower than a diameter of the palettes which constitute the water collector of the second rotor 605.

[0206] In the embodiment of the annexed figures the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 are arranged to rotate on a rotation plane which is substantially horizontal. Other embodiments conceived by the Applicant involve GAI1P3W0 rotors 604, 605 rotating on a rotation plane which is substantially vertical. In particular the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 rotate on a same rotation plane or on substantially parallel planes.

[0207] When the rotors are arranged to rotate on a rotation plane which is substantially horizontal, the feeding of the water to the turbine may be provided from a bottom portion thereof; as well the outlet of the turbine may be arranged at a bottom portion thereof.

[0208] Generally, it may be inferred that a preferred embodiment of the claimed turbine system is characterized by having a water feeding conduit aligned orthogonally with respect to the rotation plane of the turbine 104t.

[0209] In contrast, when the rotors are arranged to rotate on a rotation plane which is substantially vertical, the feeding of the water to the turbine may be provided from a side (left, right) thereof; the outlet of the turbine may be arranged at a bottom portion thereof.

[0210] Having a first and a second rotor that rotate substantially horizontally allows to limit the overall vertical extension of the turbine group, even for large diameters of rotors, leaving enough space in the container to install an appropriately sized generator 110 and, should the case may be, an appropriately robust rotation speed adapter.

[0211] In an alternative embodiment, the generator 110 may not be contained in the container. In this case, preferably, a top wall of the container may be provided with a hole at which a rotation shaft protrudes; for instance, a flanged element may be provided for allowing a reliable connection with the rotor portion of the generator 110; this latter is thus arranged above the container albeit it may be connected rigidly thereto for the purpose of providing an effective stabilization during the rotation. This configuration is convenient should the turbine system be manufactured or transported without the generator 110, as it allows freedom in the choice of selection of an appropriately sized generator by the final user.

[0212] In use, the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 rotate simultaneously to provide rotation torque to the generator 110. Thus, the rotation torque received by the generator 110 is the result of the torque provided by the outer second rotor 605 and the inner first rotor 604.

[0213] The above configuration shall not be considered limiting; indeed, the system according to the present disclosure may be comprise mechanical disconnectors configured to disconnect the first rotor 604 and / or the second rotor 605 from the generator 110. The result is that in some operative configurations only one between the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 actively produces mechanical power (torque) transferred to the generator 110 for causing production of electric energy; the remaining rotor may be left rotating freely, or may be braked, in order to be stopped and / or be kept stopped. GAI1P3W0

[0214] In the embodiment of the annexed figures, the first rotor 604 and the second rotor 605 are counter-rotating rotors: in use they rotate in opposite directions (e.g. the inner rotor in clockwise direction, the outer rotor in anti-clockwise direction).

[0215] Counter-rotating rotors may have the technical advantage of limiting the overturning torque transmitted to the case, especially in case of sudden variation of rotation speed; the overturning torque is the torque that the turbine assembly, or the overall assembly of the turbine assembly and of at least the rotor of the generator 110, transfer to the case.

[0216] When the construction of the turbine assembly is that depicted in the annexed figures, and thus in case the turbine rotates in the horizontal plane, the overturning torque may induce a moment of rotation of the case on a horizontal plane.

[0217] In fact, it may be the case that both the first and the second rotor 604, 605 slow down or increase their speed suddenly due to a variation of the flow rate at the turbine inlet 104i. Overturning moment may be therefore at least partially compensated.

[0218] When in form of reaction rotor, preferably the first rotor 604 comprises a plurality of nozzles 604n at least radially departing from a center portion 604c of the first rotor 604. The nozzles 604n may be in an even or uneven number, but shall be kept at equal angles of distance to keep an equilibrated structure.

[0219] Each of the nozzles sprays water in a direction identified e.g. in figure 6 by letter "D", which is not radial with respect to the center portion 604c of the first rotor 604; the direction assumed by the water is not aligned, but in contrast is significantly inclined, with respect to an ideal line radially exiting from the center portion of the first rotor at the position of the nozzle 604n.

[0220] Each of the nozzles comprises a radially inner portion 606, closer to the center portion 604c of the first rotor 604, and a radially outer portion 607, farther to the center portion 604c of the first rotor 604. A cross section of the nozzle 604n at the radially inner portion 606 may be greater than the cross section of the nozzle 604n at the radially outer portion 607. Such variation of cross section shall not be considered limiting, as the cross section may be left substantially unaltered while moving from the radially inner portion 606 to the radially outer portion 607.

[0221] In an embodiment, the shape of the inner wall 604i of the nozzle 604 at the radially inner portion may be substantially circular. Such circular shape may be kept throughout the extension of the nozzle 604n up to, and including, the radially outer portion 607. Alternatively, while the shape of the inner wall of the nozzle at the radially inner portion may be substantially circular, the shape of the inner wall at the radially outer portion, and in particular at the outlet 608 of the nozzle at the radially outer portion 607, may be ovoidal or GAI1P3W0 identifying a geometric figure having a major axis and a minor axis, preferably being orthogonal one to the other.

[0222] The second rotor 605 comprises a plurality of palettes 605p configured to collect water sprayed from the nozzles 604n of the inner rotor 604. The palettes 605p are arranged substantially in front of the nozzles 604n of the first rotor. The palettes 605p comprise a concave portion which is configured to be sprayed by the water exiting from the nozzle 604n.

[0223] Preferably, albeit in a non-limiting extent, the overall number of the palettes 605p is larger than the number of the nozzles. This is partially due to the larger diameter assumed by the second rotor with respect to the first rotor 604.

[0224] In use, the force of the water exiting from the outlet of the nozzles 604n imposes a rotation force which is contrary to the flow of the water. Water flown outside the nozzles 604n impacts to at least one palette of the second rotor 605, and at this point causes an impact force that forces the second rotor 605 to start rotating in a direction which may be considered having the same direction of the water flow; this causes the second rotor to start a rotation which is in an opposite sense with respect to the first rotor 604.

[0225] Preferably, the number and / or the relative position of the nozzles 604n of the first rotor 604 is adaptable, and in particular is operatively adaptable.

[0226] Alternatively, or in combination, the number and / or the relative position of the palettes 605p of the second rotor 605 is adaptable, and in particular is operatively adaptable.

[0227] A particular embodiment of the system object of the present disclosure is such that the relative position and / or orientation of the nozzles 604n with respect to the palettes 605p is adaptable. This allows to achieve particular effectiveness and flexibility of usage for the disclosed water turbine system: without huge efforts, the turbine (first rotor 604, second rotor 605) may be adapted in such a way to be adapted to a wide variety of water flows at the turbine inlet 104i; this in turn translates in a high energy conversion efficiency over a wide variety of operative conditions for water flows. The need to realize and design separate, distinguished, designs for the turbine assembly according to the specific needs in terms of water is therefore reduced. There is only the need to check whether an actual configuration of the turbine assembly in terms of number of nozzles / palettes, and / or position or reciprocal orientation, is the best for the specific configuration: in negative case, the operator may adapt the turbine configuration in such a way to determine a new configuration maximizing the energy conversion efficiency.

[0228] Nozzles 604n may be removably flanged to the center portion of the first rotor 604. The number of the nozzles may be adapted, specifically increased or reduced keeping in mind that the rotor shall be kept equilibrated. Nozzles 604n being removed may be substituted with caps arranged at the flange. GAI1P3W0

[0229] Alternatively, nozzles may still be left in place, but may be selectively closed by a cap. Of course, removing the nozzles 604n from the first rotor causes a different inertia of the first rotor 604; reduction of the inertia, i.e. reduction of the overall weight of the inner rotor due to the removal of nozzles 604n may be useful in case of reduced water flow rates at the turbine inlet 104i.

[0230] As well, the number of the palettes of the second rotor 605 may be operatively adapted, specifically increased or reduced, still bearing in mind that the second rotor shall be kept equilibrated.

[0231] In view of the above description, it is clear that the water turbine system object of the present disclosure is configured to operate with a water flow lying between a minimum water flow value and a maximum water flow value.

[0232] Thus, said water turbine is adaptable, preferably operatively adaptable, to said water flow at least between said minimum water flow value and said maximum water flow value, preferably without needing to be stopped or slowed down.

[0233] In one embodiment, the turbine shaft 111 is the shaft of the turbine assembly 104. When there is a first rotor and a second rotor, the turbine assembly 104 is connected to, or comprises, a motion transfer group configured to transfer the rotation motion of the shaft of the first rotor and of the shaft of the second rotor to the to the turbine shaft 111.

[0234] The two shafts above have a same rotation axis, which preferably coincides with the rotation axis of the rotor of the generator.

[0235] The role of the motion transfer group 200 is to transform two counter-rotating motions, i.e. the rotation of the shaft of the inner rotor and the shaft of the outer rotor, to a rotation motion in a single direction.

[0236] The motion transfer group 200 comprises an epicycloid crown 202 provided with inner teeth 202t. The epicycloid crown 202 contains a shaft head 201 of the shaft of the first rotor, which is fixed in rotation with the first rotor. The shaft head 201 comprises a portion that assumes the form of a geared wheel 201a; such portion is a top portion of the shaft head 201, and has a larger diameter with respect to a bottom portion of the shaft head 201.

[0237] A plurality of, preferably three, planetary gears 203 are arranged into the epicycloid crown 202 and are provided with a top geared wheel 203a and a lower geared wheel 203b.

[0238] The top geared wheel 203a and the lower geared wheel 203b are integral, thus rotate solidly.

[0239] The diameter of the top geared wheel 203a is larger than the diameter of the lower geared wheel 203b. The top geared wheel 203a gears with the inner teeth 202t of the epicycloid crown 202. GAI1P3W0

[0240] The lower geared wheel 203b gears with the geared wheel 201a of the shaft head 201. Such latter geared wheel 201a assumes the form of solar gear, and lies in the center of the epicycloid crown 202.

[0241] Three pinions 204 are each introduced in a central hole of a respective planetary gear 203, and are engaged in respective holes of a top plate 204t of the motion transfer group 200.

[0242] The top geared wheel 203a further gears with a geared portion 111c of the turbine shaft 111. This latter rotates on the same axis of the shaft head 201 but lies at a higher height with respect to the solar gear.

[0243] The epicycloid crown 202 receives the motion of the shaft of the second rotor. The construction of the motion transfer group 200 is such that the rotation direction of the shaft of the first (inner) rotor is the same rotation direction of the turbine shaft 111. This does not imply that further constructions of the motion transfer group 200 may be such that the rotation direction of the shaft of the first (inner) rotor is opposite to the rotation direction of the turbine shaft 111.

[0244] Below the epicycloid crown 202, there is a lower plate 204w that closes the motion transfer group 200 at a bottom portion thereof and isolates it from the center portion of the first rotor 604. The lower plate 204w in arranged above a flanged connection element 204k.

[0245] In one embodiment, the inlet 104i and the outlet 104o of the turbine assembly 104 are both arranged at a bottom portion thereof. This particular configuration allows to save space above the turbine, and favors an easy designing of the wheel turbine system object of the present disclosure. In particular, due to the movable configuration, the inlet conduit 103 may be connected in correspondence of a low or even bottom portion of the case 105. It may thus be convenient to feed the turbine assembly 104 from the bottom.

[0246] Furthermore, having the inlet and the outlet of the turbine assembly 104 at a bottom portion thereof further eases the operative accessing of an operator to the turbine assembly, as no conduits are present at a level where the operator may act.

[0247] It is noted that, in one non-limiting embodiment, due to the construction of the two rotors, the inlet 104i and the outlet 104o are concentric and are arranged in such a way that the inlet 104i lies at a center portion of the outlet 104o. The center of the inlet and the center of the outlet are arranged on the rotation axis of the turbine assembly.

[0248] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings; therefore, the reference numbers and signs in the following claims are provided for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility thereof, and shall not be intended as limiting.

[0249] It is finally clear that to the object on the present invention, additions and adaptations may be provided without for this departing from the scope of protection of the annexed claims.

Claims

GAI1P3W0Claims1. A water turbine system with facilitated installation, comprising:- a turbine assembly (104), comprising a turbine inlet (104i), a turbine outlet (104o) and a water turbine (104t) and configured to be fed at said inlet (104i) by a flow of water from a water source (101);- a generator (110) connected to said turbine assembly (104) and configured to produce electric energy to feed to a load (400), as a result of a rotation of said turbine (104t) due to said flow of water;- a power outlet (107o) operatively connected to said generator (110) and configured to be connected to said load (400);- a case (105) housing at least said turbine assembly (104) and said generator (110) and comprising a supporting frame (106) at least for said turbine assembly (104) and for said generator (110) and configured to be laid on a ground or supporting structure; wherein the water turbine system is configured to be transported and put into operation to produce said electric energy at an energy production place (700).

2. A water turbine system according to claim 1, further comprising a generator (110) connected to said turbine assembly (104) and configured to produce electric energy to feed to a load (400), as a result of a rotation of said turbine (104t) due to said flow of water; and wherein the case (105) at least partially houses said generator (110) and comprises a supporting frame (106) supporting said generator (110)3. A water turbine system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said case (105) is a transportable case, and defines a confined environment housing at least said turbine assembly (104) and said generator (110), said confined environment being substantially separated from an outer environment, preferably wherein the case (105) is a container, preferably in form of a substantially boxed structure; the case (105) comprising a containment structure, preferably comprising lateral walls and at least one top wall connected to said lateral walls, and at least one access opening (108) configured to allow an operator access at least to said turbine assembly (104) and to said generator (110), said case (105) being specifically configured to be transported by means of a truck and / or by means of aeronaval transport vehicles.GAI1P3W04. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said case (105) is configured to bear at least a weight of said turbine assembly (104) and, optionally, of said generator (110) and of an amount of water in use being present in said turbine assembly (104) and / or wherein said water turbine system (100) is configured to be removed from said energy production place (700) and transported and put in operation to produce said electric energy to a new energy production place (700).

5. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said case (105) is provided with spatial orientation elements configured to allow a setting of a tilt of said case (105) and / or supporting frame (106) with respect to said ground or building structure in such a way to cause a rotation of said turbine (104t) at a predetermined rotation plane, preferably wherein the predetermined rotation plane is substantially horizontal or vertical.

6. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said case (105) is configured to be laid directly on, and to be preferably fixed to, said ground at said energy production place (700) or on said supporting structure, preferably a pre-existing concrete structure, at said energy production place (700).

7. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising an inlet conduit (103) connected to said water source (101) and to said turbine inlet (104i), and a water feeding group (102) arranged at an upstream end of said inlet conduit (103), and wherein the water source (101) is a pressurized water source or cause a pressure of water in said inlet conduit (103); the water feeding group (102) being configured to draw out water from the water source (101); the water feeding group (102) comprising an upstream valve having at least:- an open configuration, allowing water to flow in said inlet conduit (103),- a closed configuration, impeding water to flow in said conduit (103); preferably the upstream valve further comprising a partially opened configuration, in said partially opened configuration said upstream valve defining a water passage section lower than the water passage section at said open configuration,GAI1P3W0 preferably wherein the water feeding group (102) is configured to draw out water from the water source (101) in a parallel connection to said water source (101) or is configured to be connected in series and / or downstream to said water source (101).

8. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a downstream valve (118) arranged at a downstream end of said inlet conduit (103), the downstream valve (118) being a three way valve having:- an inlet connected to the downstream end of said inlet conduit (103);- a first outlet connected to said turbine inlet (104i);- a second outlet connected to a bypass conduit (104d), bypassing said turbine assembly (104) and causing a flow of water downstreams said turbine outlet (104o); the downstream valve (118) assuming an operative configuration causing water flow from said inlet to said first outlet and assuming an emergency configuration causing water flow from said inlet to said second outlet; the water turbine system being configured to allow, preferably to automatically determine, a switching from said operative configuration to said emergency configuration in case of a damage, preferably an unwanted stop of said water turbine and / or of said generator.

9. A water turbine system according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the upstream valve and the downstream valve (118) operatively cooperating and wherein the water turbine system (100), in case of damage, preferably an unwanted stop of said water turbine and / or of said generator, is configured to:- first, cause a switching from said operative configuration to said emergency configuration of said downstream valve (118),- then, cause a switching from said open or partially open configuration to said closed configuration of said upstream valve (102v).

10. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, further comprising a power unit (107) operatively connected to said generator (110), the power unit (107) being configured to adapt at least one property of said electric energy to the requirements of said load (400);GAI1P3W0 preferably wherein said power unit (107) is configured to feed said electric energy to said load (400) in a parallel-connection configuration, and / or preferably wherein the load (400) is an electric energy distribution network, and wherein the power unit (107) is configured to be directly operatively connected to said electric energy distribution network.

11. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, being configured to be made operative at least by a connection of said inlet (104i) to said water source (101), and by a connection of said power outlet (107o) to said load (400); preferably configured to be made operative by causing said power unit (107) perform a power synchronization with said load (400), preferably wherein said power synchronization is a phase where the turbine system is configured to:- automatically and electronically detect at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400)- adapt, preferably while still electronically and automatically detecting said at least one, preferably all, among said voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of said load (400), a rotation speed of said water turbine and / or of said generator (110), in such a way to make the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400), in particular to said electric energy distribution network, match the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400).

12. A water turbine system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the power unit (107) is configured to feed alternate voltage electric energy to said electric energy distribution network, and wherein said power unit (107) comprises a power switch (107p) having an open configuration stopping an electric energy transfer from said power unit (107) to said load (400) and / or isolating said power outlet (107o), and a closed configuration allowing an electric energy transfer from said power unit (1007) to said load (400) and / or feeding said power outlet (107o).

13. A water turbine system according one or more of claims 10-12, wherein said power unit (107) is configured to electronically detect at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400) and to cause an adaptation of a rotation speed of said water turbine and / or of said generator (110), in such a way to make the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400), inT1GAI1P3W0 particular to said electric energy distribution network, match the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400).

14. A water turbine system according to claim 12 or to claim 13, wherein the power unit (107) is configured to:- keep said power switch (107p) in said open configuration, or to cause an automatic switching of said power switch, when at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400) lie outside or go outside a safety range of closeness to the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400), or to keep said power switch (107p) during said synchronization phase, and- switch to said closed configuration, or to keep said configuration, of said power switch, when at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage of the electric energy to feed to said load (400) lie inside or go inside a safety range of closeness to the at least one, preferably all, among a voltage, frequency, phase sequence, phase angle of the voltage on said load (400), or after said synchronization phase.

15. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said water turbine comprises a first rotor (604) and a second rotor (605), and wherein at least one between said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) is a reaction rotor or wherein at least one between said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) is an impulse rotor, or wherein said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) are reaction rotors or wherein said first rotor and said second rotor are impulse rotors.

16. A water turbine system according to claim 14, wherein said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) are concentric and are configured to rotate simultaneously in two opposite directions on a same rotation plane or on parallel rotation planes, preferably wherein said first rotor (604) lies inside said second rotor (605), preferably wherein said rotation plane or planes are substantially horizontal or wherein said rotation plane or planes are substantially vertical.GAI1P3W017. A water turbine assembly according to one or more of claims 15-16, said water turbine assembly (104) being configured to cause a simultaneous rotation of said first rotor (604) and said second rotor (605) and to provide a rotating force to said turbine shaft (111); and wherein both said first rotor (604) said second rotor (605) are connected, and in use provide simultaneously a rotating force or torque, to said generator (110).

18. A water turbine system according one or more of claims 14-17, wherein said first rotor (604) is a reaction rotor and said second rotor (605) is an impulse rotor, and wherein the first rotor (604) is provided with a plurality of nozzles (604n) configured to spray water determining a rotation of said first rotor (604), wherein the second rotor (605) is provided with a plurality of palettes (605p), and wherein the plurality of nozzles (604n) is configured to spray water towards said plurality of palettes.

19. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, being configured to operate with a water flow lying between a minimum water flow value and a maximum water flow value, and wherein said water turbine is adaptable, preferably operatively adaptable, to said water flow at least between said minimum water flow value and said maximum water flow value, preferably without needing to be stopped or slowed down.

20. A water turbine system according to one or more of claims 18-19, wherein at least a number of said nozzles and / or an opened or closed configuration thereof, and / or a number of said palettes, and / or a relative position and / or orientation between said nozzles and / or palettes, is adaptable, preferably operatively adaptable, to said water flow, preferably wherein said plurality of nozzles (604n) is removably installed and / or operatively installed in a removable way, and / or is at least partially selectively closeable in such a way to adapt a flow rate of the plurality of nozzles (604n) and / or of said first rotor (604) and / or wherein said plurality of palettes (605p) is removably installed and / or operatively installed in a removable way.

21. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a decoupling element arranged between the turbine assembly (104) and the generator (110) and configured to allow at least a mechanical disconnection of at least one turbine shaft (111) from a rotor of said generator (110) and / or comprising a motion transfer group (200) operatively interposed between the turbine shaft (111) and the generator (110);GAI1P3W0 preferably wherein the motion transfer group (200) comprises a rotation speed adapter (200) configured to impose a variation, preferably a fixed variation, of a rotation speed of at least one turbine shaft (111) with respect to a rotation speed of a rotor of said generator (110) and / or wherein said motion transfer group (200) is configured to reverse the rotation direction of at least one between a shaft of said first rotor (604), of a shaft of said second rotor (605) with respect to a rotation direction of said turbine shaft (111).

22. A water turbine element according to claim 21, wherein said motion transfer group (200) is configured to engage with a shaft of said first rotor (604), with a shaft of said second rotor (605) and to transfer a rotation motion to said turbine shaft (111), said motion transfer group (200) comprising at least one planetary gear (203) engaged with an epicycloid crown (202); and / or wherein said motion transfer group (200) is configured to reverse the rotation direction of at least one between a shaft of said first rotor (604), of a shaft of said second rotor (605) with respect to a rotation direction of said turbine shaft (111).

23. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said turbine assembly (104) comprises a lower portion and an upper portion, and wherein at least one of, preferably all of, said turbine inlet (104i) and turbine outlet (104o) are arranged at said lower portion, and preferably wherein said generator (110) is arranged above said turbine assembly (104), or wherein said turbine assembly (104) comprises a left side and a right side, and wherein at least one between said turbine inlet (104i) and said turbine outlet (104o) is arranged at said left side or right side.

24. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said case (105) comprises a first chamber (105a) and a second camber (105b), the first chamber (105a) being preferably hydraulically and / or electrically isolated from said second chamber (105b), at least the turbine assembly (104), preferably the turbine assembly and the generator (110), being arranged in said first chamber (105a), the power unit (107) being arranged in said second chamber.

25. A water turbine system according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said water source (101) comprises a water conduit (101) and wherein said turbine outlet (104o) is configured to cause waterflow into a spillway (109) or outlet conduit, preferably a concrete spillway (109) arranged downstream said water turbine system (100) and preferably below said water turbine system, and / or wherein the turbine outlet (104o) is configured to guarantee, in operation, a predetermined minimum water speed.

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