Emergency power supply system

Abstract

An emergency power supply system comprising a hydraulic turbine (1) having a peripheral edge provided with blades or buckets (1B), said hydraulic turbine (1) being housed in a casing (2) adapted to be put under a vacuum, said casing (2) comprising or being associated with a collector (20) adapted to be put under vacuum and adapted to collect water propeled onto the blades or buckets (1B) of the turbine when generating the required emergency supply power.

Description

[0001] Emergency power supply system

[0002] Abstract of the Disclosure

[0003] The object of the invention is an instantaneous emergency power supply system adapted at least to supply, possibly with the interposition of a gear, a torque to a shaft of an alternator (3) of an uninterrupted electric current supply device adapted to supply a given electric power to an electric circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption of electric power supply from a primary electric power source (11) at a given interruption time, before a restart of the primary power source (11) and / or a start of a secondary power source (1 Ibis) adapted to supply alone or together the given electric power to said electric circuit (CE).

[0004] The State of the Art

[0005] The invention relates to an instantaneous emergency power supply system adapted at least to supply, possibly with the interposition of a gear, a torque to a shaft of an alternator (3) of an uninterrupted electric current supply device adapted to supply a given electric power to an electric circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption of electric power supply from a primary electric power source (11) at a given interruption time, before a restart of the primary power source (11) and / or a start of a secondary power source (1 Ibis) adapted to supply alone or together the given electric power to said electric circuit (CE).

[0006] Said restarting of the primary power source (11) and / or starting of the secondary power source (1 Ibis) being operable in less than 60 seconds from said given interruption time, in particular in less than 30 seconds from said given interruption time, said instantaneous emergency power supply system being adapted to supply said torque to said alternator shaft (3) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second, preferably immediately for a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds.

[0007] The emergency system is designed to deliver excess torque to the alternator shaft, so that the consumer of electrical energy from a primary source of electrical energy does not notice a power cut in the latter, during the time required to supply the consumer with electrical energy from a secondary source of energy or from the restart of the primary source of energy.

[0008] Such a system finds applications in ‘No-Break’ devices, devices to avoid a power cut for the user.

[0009] ‘No-Break’ devices are well known. Large consumers of electrical energy want uninterrupted power. Computer data storage centres, hospitals, airports, certain production plants, the food sector, the pharmaceutical sector, etc. cannot tolerate a power cut, even for a few seconds.

[0010] For these consumers, a power cut often results in major damage, such as the loss of computer data storage, serious health risks for patients in hospitals, losses due to the breakdown of automated production lines, losses due to a breakdown in the cold chain, etc.

[0011] Generally, electrochemical battery stations provide a back-up power supply for consumers below 500 kW.

[0012] In southern countries, the heat of the ambient air (30 to 40°C) accelerates the ageing process of batteries, resulting in a relatively short lifespan (2 years, for example) thereof. To slow down this ageing process, the battery rooms need to be air-conditioned, which is not an insignificant cost. This solution with electrochemical battery stations requires rapid replacement of the batteries and therefore their recycling. This solution with a limited lifespan leads to environmental problems.

[0013] For power levels above 500 kW, heavy rotating machines are preferred, with the rotating flywheel serving as a means of storing back-up energy. These are special alternators designed to react within milliseconds following a power cut. These machines produce the energy that existed before the power cut for a few seconds, 8 to 15 seconds for example, the time it requires to switch on a generator, usually fitted with a diesel engine. The consumer is then on an ‘islanded’ network supplied by the generator. As soon as the electrical network is restored, the consumer is connected, as it was before the power cut, and the generator is taken out of service.

[0014] Each time the electrical network is disconnected, the control machine runs at full power for a few seconds, between 8 and 15 seconds for example. However, the said machine must be capable of delivering its power at any time throughout the year, i.e. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, i.e. 8,760 hours a year. The machine is therefore electrically energised all year round, which represents a very high level of constant energy consumption. By way of example, a conventional 2,000 kW No-Break machine driving a heavy flywheel consumes between 70 and 80 kW at all times. This energy consumption is essentially due to the ventilation losses of the flywheel in its protective envelope. This energy consumption is required to keep the rated no-load speed of the alternator, to compensate the electrical excitation losses, but above all to compensate the ventilation losses of the flywheel rotating at the rated synchronism speed or at a multiple or sub-multiple thereof, i.e. 750, 1,000, 1,500 or 3,000 rpm if the network to be protected is at a frequency of 50 Hz. For a frequency of 60 Hz, these speeds are 1,800 rpm or 3,600 rpm.

[0015] To be more precise, in a conventional No-Break machine with a heavy flywheel, at the exact moment when the electrical network disappears, the kinetic energy of the flywheel is transformed into electrical energy for 10 or 12 seconds to ensure the continuity of the electrical power of the network, time required in which the generator takes over the supply of the electrical energy that the consumer network needed just before the power cut. In a conventional machine, there is always a transfer of energy carried out by an electrical machine drawing its energy from the kinetic energy of its rotor or flywheel, said rotor or flywheel being permanently driven in rotation. In these known No-Break machines with a heavy flywheel, the weight of the flywheel is calculated so that part of the kinetic energy of the flywheel enables to rotate the alternator to produce the electrical power required by the grid, before the generator takes over to supply electrical energy to the grid. In these machines, the alternator can be used as an engine to rotate the flywheel, or it can be combined with a driving engine.

[0016] Document US4827152 describes an instantaneous emergency power supply system adapted to supply, possibly with the interposition of a gear, a torque to a shaft of an alternator (3) of an uninterrupted electrical current supply device adapted to supply a given electrical power to an electrical circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption in the electrical supply from a primary electrical energy source (11) at a given interruption time, before a restart of the primary power source (11) and / or a start of a secondary power source (1 Ibis) adapted to supply alone or together the given electric power to said electric circuit (CE), wherein said restarting of the primary power source (11) and / or starting of the secondary power source (1 Ibis) being operable in less than 60 seconds from said given interruption time, in particular in less than 30 seconds from said given interruption time, said emergency power system being adapted to provide said torque to the alternator shaft (3) in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second during a maximum period of supply of torque to the alternator shaft (3) of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, said emergency power system comprising :

[0017] - an emergency energy storage means (5) comprising at least one reservoir (50) adapted to contain at least one volume of liquid under pressure, said at least one reservoir (50) also containing a gas, in particular air; and

[0018] - a hydraulic turbine (1) with a shaft (1A) adapted to generate at least one torque on the shaft of said alternator (3), said hydraulic turbine (1) being placed in a casing (2);

[0019] - at least one pipe system (41) having at least one inlet (41A) connected to said at least one reservoir (50), at least one outlet (4 IB) associated with at least one injector (401) adapted to direct the pressurised liquid leaving the at least one injector (401) towards the hydraulic turbine (1) to generate a torque on the shaft of the hydraulic turbine (1A),

[0020] - a switch means (40) comprising a shut-off means (40AIG) controlled by a mechanism (40B) adapted to allow at least passage of the shut-off means (40AIG) from a closed state preventing passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) to said hydraulic turbine (1), to an open state allowing passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) and the at least one injector (401) to said hydraulic turbine (1), wherein the casing (2) comprises and / or is associated with a collector (20) adapted to collect the liquid under pressure from the at least one reservoir (50) which is projected by the at least one injector (401) onto the hydraulic turbine (1), during the maximum period of torque supply to the alternator shaft (3) of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds.

[0021] Document EP0939477 discloses another system for supplying instantaneous emergency power of the type described here above.

[0022] In the present description, alternator means both a device suitable for use as a motor for rotating a shaft and suitable for generating an electric current, and a device comprising both alternator means and motor means.

[0023] Brief Description of the Invention

[0024] In the machine according to the invention, the energy required to drive the alternator during an electricity grid failure is supplied at least partially by a hydraulic turbine fed by a high-pressure water reservoir. The high pressure in the water tank is provided by a high-pressure air cushion. In the machine described in this invention, simple rotation of the turbine without supplying high-pressure water does not produce the energy required for the seconds required to switch on a generator.

[0025] The emergency machine or system according to the invention has one or more of the following advantages :

[0026] - the machine or system operates without the need for batteries. Operation of the machine requires the use of pressurised water. Operation of the machine does not require air conditioning.

[0027] - no risk of fire (overheated batteries are a fire hazard, especially when recharging).

[0028] - good conservation of the energy stored in the high-pressure tank. When batteries are used, they must be recharged periodically. In the event of maintenance of the machine according to the invention, with the rotation of the hydraulic turbine stopped, the energy stored in the tank is always available. In the case of maintenance on a conventional ‘No-Break’ machine, rotation of the flywheel has to be stopped, with the result that the flywheel's kinetic energy is lost, and restarting it after maintenance works also requires significant energy consumption. Even if the hydraulic turbine acts as a kind of flywheel, the weight of the hydraulic turbine will be less than that of a flywheel in a conventional ‘No-Break’ machine.

[0029] - the weight of the turbine to be rotated is low compared with the weight of the flywheel in a conventional ‘No-Break’ machine.

[0030] - low noise

[0031] - the energy consumption for driving with no load the hydraulic turbine of the machine according to the invention is low compared with that reuired by the motor for rotating the flywheel of a conventional ‘No-Break’ machine.

[0032] - the water used in the turbine is collected so that it can be reused during a high- pressure water refill step to the reservoir. Water recycling reduces water consumption. Recharging water under high pressure into the tank can be carried out over a long period of time, for example 5 to 30 minutes, which reduces the peak energy consumption for recharging the tank. This recharging can be carried out using an energy source from photovoltaic panels.

[0033] - possibility of disconnecting the machine according to the invention from the electrical circuit to be protected without losing the energy stored in the tank, for example during a maintenance operation on the hydraulic turbine. After the maintenance step, some of the stored energy can be used to act on the rotation of the hydraulic turbine when the machine is reconnected to the electrical circuit.

[0034] - simplified and time spaced maitenance works. (For a same emergency power, the turbine weighs much less than the flywheels in conventional systems with heavy flywheels, so the bearings and motors will be subjected to less stress. Moreover, by working under vacuum, less dust is bound to settle. The casing will tend to stay cleaner, as the jet of liquid on the turbine blades or buckets also acts as a kind of washing cycle for the turbine and casing. )

[0035] - Lower running costs.

[0036] The emergency power supply system of the invention is suitable for being used in UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) of the dynamic type, with a synchronous alternator coupled to the mains continuously (24 hours a day), these UPS operate at four levels:

[0037] Level 1 - an inductance or capacitor to oppose any variation in current Level 2 - the inertia of the turbine, which forms a kind of flywheel for the alternator, providing initial back-up energy to the alternator

[0038] Level 3 - the emergency system of the invention providing additional torque to the alternator

[0039] Level 4 - a power generator or another secondary or primary energy source (in the event of the primary energy source being restarted). The emergency power supply system of the invention is therefore an unit or element of a dynamic UPS. The emergency system of the invention is thus suitable for modernizing existing UPS, for example by replacing heavy flywheels of existing UPS by an emergency power system of the invention.

[0040] The instantaneous emergency power supply system according to the invention is a system of the type described in document US4827152 which has the following characteristics :

[0041] - the emergency power supply system is adapted to supply said torque to the shaft of the engine alternator in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second,

[0042] - the hydraulic turbine has a peripheral edge associated with blades and / or buckets;

[0043] - said at least one reservoir is adapted to contain at least one volume of liquid at a pressure greater than 100 x 105Pa, advantageously greater than 150 x 105Pa, preferably greater than 500 x 105 , in particular from 750 x 105to 5,000 x 105Pa,

[0044] - the mechanism (40B) controlling the obturation means (40AIG) is adapted to allow at least the passage of the obturation means (40AIG) from a closed state preventing the passage of liquid under pressure from the at least one reservoir (50) via the conduit system (41) to the blades or buckets (IB) of said hydraulic turbine (1), to an open state allowing liquid under pressure to pass from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) and the at least one injector (401) towards the blades and / or buckets (IB) of the said hydraulic turbine (1), in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, and

[0045] - the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) of the casing (2) and / or the collector (21) associated to said casing (2) forms an airtight casing assembly (2), said casing assembly (2) having connection means (22) adapted to be connected to vacuum means (12) for generating a vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, in said airtight housing assembly (2), the latter (2) being adapted to withstand said vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, or even less, such as less than 1,000 Pa, such as 500 Pa or even 200 Pa or less than 200 Pa.

[0046] According to advantageous embodiments, the emergency power system according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics: - the hydraulic turbine (1) is a variable -pressure turbine, in particular a variablepressure Pelton turbine or a variable-pressure Turgo turbine.

[0047] Such a Pelton or Turgo turbine is advantageously a turbine comprising at least :

[0048] - a turbine body (110),

[0049] - a wheel (13) with a periphery (130) of diameter (D) greater than 300mm, advantageously greater than 1,000mm, the said wheel (103) being mounted so as to rotate relative to the turbine body (110) around an axis of rotation (104);

[0050] - a series of buckets (105) mounted at regular intervals along the periphery (130) of the wheel (103), each bucket (105) being in the form of a single shell or two half-shells (150, 151) symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (106), said half-shells (150, 151) defining a peripheral edge (105P) extending substantially in a plane, said half-shells (150, 151) being connected together along a central rib

[0051] (152) located in the plane of symmetry (106), each bucket (105) having a free end wall (153) remote from the periphery (130) of the wheel (103), said free end wall

[0052] (153) being provided with an indentation (154) the size of which is greater than that of the diameter of the jet (djet) of the injector, each half-shell (150, 151) having a bottom (150A, 151A), while the indentation (154) of one of said buckets (105) defines an opening (154) of each half-shell (150, 151) of the said one of said buckets in consideration (105);

[0053] - at least one injector (401) with a passage outlet (1 IIP) characterised by an outlet diameter (ds) which corresponds substantially to the diameter of the jet (djet) of water leaving the injector (401), the said injector (401) being arranged to direct the jet of water successively towards one or more buckets (105) of the wheel (103) for its rotation about the axis of rotation (104), in such a way that the central axis of said jet leaving the injector (401) defines a tangent to a turbine circle (CT) whose centre is located on the axis of rotation (104) of the wheel (103), said turbine circle (CT) being characterised by a turbine diameter (DT) greater than the diameter (D) of the periphery (130).

[0054] The outlet diameter (ds) is determined by the flow continuity method, i.e.: in any cross-section through which water passes in the injector, the instantaneous average speed of the water in one cross-section multiplied by the surface area of said one cross-section is constant from one cross-section to the next.

[0055] For each injector, the outlet diameter is defined on the basis of these design characteristics, and its flow cross-section, which varies according to the position of the needle. The variation in outlet diameter or flow cross-section can be continuous or discontinuous, for example in steps, for example with outlet diameters varying by steps of 2 to 5mm, for example with outlet diameters varying between a minimum of 3 to 60mm and a maximum varying from 9 to 120mm. Preferably, the variation in outlet diameter varies at most between a minimum diameter and a maximum diameter less than three times the minimum diameter, in particular less than 2.5 times the minimum diameter. The outlet diameter dsl for a given injector is determined, for example, by calibration with maximum water pressure. The displacement of the injector needle is then calibrated to determine the passage cross-section and the outlet diameter, as a function of the flow rate of water passing through the injector, with the water always supplied at constant pressure. This makes it possible to convert a diameter ds2 into a displacement of the needle relative to its position for the outlet diameter dsl.

[0056] The preferred turbine has one or more of the following details:

[0057] * the injector (401) is a variable flow injector with a variable passage outlet (11 IP) defining an outlet diameter (ds) varying as a function of the effective hydraulic pressure, the said variable outlet diameter (ds) varying at least between at least a first outlet diameter (dsl) to ensure a first flow of water leaving the injector (401) for a first hydraulic pressure (Pl) corresponding to the maximum hydraulic pressure, and a second outlet diameter (ds2) at least 20% greater (advantageously from 20 to 40% greater, for example 25% or 30% greater) than the said first outlet diameter (dsl) for a second hydraulic pressure at least 30% (for example from 30 to 75%, or even from 40 to 70%, from 45%, from 50%, from 60 to 66%) lower than the maximum hydraulic pressure,

[0058] * the half-shells (150, 151) of each bucket (105) define each a cavity characterised by a maximum width measured perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (106) of between 1.3 and 1.9 times said second outlet diameter (ds2) of the injector (401), a maximum length measured parallel to the plane of symmetry (106) of between 2.2 to 3 times said second outlet diameter (ds2) of the injector (401), and a maximum depth measured from the plane of the peripheral edge (105A) in a direction parallel to the plane of symmetry (106) of between 0.8 and 1.2 times (in particular 1.05 to 1.15 times) said second outlet diameter (ds2) of the injector (401),

[0059] * the indentation (154) in each bucket (105) has two lateral edges with end parts that are distant from each other by a distance of between 1 and 1.2 times (in particular 1.05 to 1.15 times) said second outlet diameter (ds2) of the injector (401),

[0060] * each bucket (105) has an outer surface opposite the cavities (150, 151) having a longitudinal channel located under the central rib (152), said longitudinal channel having a bottom, at least part of which is located between a first longitudinal plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (106) and passing through the points of the cavities located at maximum depth, and a second longitudinal plane (P2) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (6) and intersecting the central rib (152). The second longitudinal plane P2 is, for example, the plane P5P in which the perimeter of the cavities (150, 151) extends or another plane intersecting the central rib (152) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (106), in particular a plane intersecting the indentation (154) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (106), or a plane perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (106) tangent to the indentation (154) in the vicinity of its end closest to the bottom of the cavities (150, 151). Advantageously, the number of buckets is an odd number, for example from 19 to 33, or even more depending on the diameter of the wheel. Tests have shown that using an odd number of buckets ensures better stability in terms of efficiency, and less vibration during rotation. For maximum hydraulic fluid pressures in excess of 250 x 105Pa, the wheel diameter will be greater than 130cm, while the number of buckets will be between 34 and 50.

[0061] * the turbine is associated with one, two or three variable flow injectors, preferably with a single variable flow injector.

[0062] * the variable flow injector(s) is / are connected to a control device modifying the outlet diameter at least as a function of the effective hydraulic pressure, to ensure a flow of water to one or more buckets (105) in succession substantially equal to a predetermined water flow rate or within a variable water flow rate range between 0.9 and 1.1 times a predetermined water flow rate.

[0063] * the variable flow injector(s) is / are adapted to modify the central axis of the jet substantially parallel to a given axis, in particular substantially in the same plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel. Advantageously, the central axis of the jet leaving the injector deviates from the axis of rotation of the wheel when the hydraulic pressure or the head decreases. This change is preferably made in such a way that the jet leaving the injector is always parallel to a predetermined direction. Moving the central axis of the jet, for example, changes the distance between this axis and the axis of rotation of the wheel on a distance comprised between 1 mm and 50 mm. It has been noted that even a changement on a small distance can have a significant impact on efficiency, and / or on less cavitation or on less vibration.

[0064] * the injector (401) is a variable flow injector with a variable passage outlet (11 IP) defining (a) an outlet diameter (ds) variable as a function of the effective hydraulic pressure, and (b) a variable central jet axis substantially parallel to a given axis, said variable outlet diameter (ds) and said variable central jet axis varying at least between, on the one hand, a first outlet diameter (dsl) to ensure a first flow of water leaving the injector (401) for a first hydraulic pressure corresponding to the maximum hydraulic pressure, said first flow of water leaving the injector (401) along a first jet axis located at a first distance from the axis of rotation (104) of the wheel (103), and, on the other hand, a second outlet diameter (ds2) at least 20% (for example from 20 to 40%) greater than said first outlet diameter (dsl) for a second hydraulic pressure (P2) at least 30% (for example from 30 to 75%) lower than the maximum hydraulic pressure, said second outlet diameter (ds2) ensuring a second flow of water leaving the injector (401) along a second jet axis substantially parallel to said first jet axis and located at a second distance from the axis of rotation (104) of the wheel (103), said second distance being greater than said first distance.

[0065] * the spacing between the second distance and the first distance is less than 10%, advantageously less than 5% of said first distance. This spacing is, for example, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% of the first distance. This small distance change makes it possible to partially compensate for a loss of pressure in the water supplied to the injector.

[0066] * a control device adapts said second outlet diameter (ds2) by substantially following a function depending at least on the power 3 / 4 of the ratio of the maximum hydraulic pressure to the second hydraulic pressure.

[0067] * a control device adapts said second output diameter by following a curve or a set of pre-established curves to reduce turbine vibrations or to reduce cavitation effects. The curve or curves are in particular established by tests varying the outlet diameter (ds2) and / or the position of the injector, for variable fall heights or variable water pressure, these tests then measuring the turbining yield, the vibrations at the turbine rotation shaft (for example measured by a temperature sensor to measure heating), and / or the effects of any cavitation (for example in the form of a noise sensor). Other vibration and / or cavitation sensors are also possible.

[0068] According to the invention, the turbine comprises or is associated with a vibration sensor and / or a cavitation sensor, and with a control device adapting said second outlet diameter by following a curve or a set of pre-established curves on the basis of turbine vibrations or turbine cavitations for at least one series of different water flow rates and for at least one series of different water pressures, said control device adapting the outlet diameter (ds2) and / or the position of the injector, to reduce or avoid any cavitation and / or to reduce vibrations, while ensuring a turbine efficiency greater than 88%, in particular greater than 90%.

[0069] * combinations of two or more of these details.

[0070] - the shut-off means (40AIG) comprises a movable needle (40AIG) relative to an internal passage of the injector (401) between a first shut-off position preventing the passage of liquid through and out of the injector (401) and an open position allowing maximum passage of liquid through and out of said injector (401) towards the hydraulic turbine (1).

[0071] - the movable needle (40AIG) is controlled by a trigger (40GG).

[0072] - the emergency power system comprises a means (12) for generating a vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, connected by said connection means to said housing assembly or casing, said means for generating a vacuum (12) advantageously being an electric vacuum pump with a connection adapted to be connected at least to the primary energy source and / or a vacuum pump with a shaft adapted to be driven by the shaft of the hydraulic turbine (1) and / or the shaft of the alternator (3) and / or the shaft of a motor means (30) driving at least the alternator (3) at least when the primary energy source is not interrupted. - the said at least one reservoir (50) has a total volume greater than the volume of pressurised liquid directed by the at least one injector (401) towards the blades or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1) in order to supply the torque required by the shaft of the alternator (3) during the maximum period of supply of torque to the shaft of the alternator (3), it being understood that the said at least one reservoir (50) is intended to contain a further volume of liquid under a pressure greater than 10 x 105Pa, advantageously under a pressure greater than 20 x 105Pa, for example from 30 x 105Pa to 100 x 105Pa, or even much more, after the maximum period of supply of torque.

[0073] Said at least one reservoir (50) intended to contain a given maximum volume of liquid at a given maximum pressure for a given torque during a given maximum period has a volume such that, after the given maximum period, said at least one reservoir still contains a volume of liquid at a pressure corresponding to 0.3 to 0.4 times said given maximum pressure.

[0074] - the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) associated with the casing (2) is / are associated with a vent (14) controlled by a valve (14A). Advantageously, the system comprises a control means opening the valve (14A) when the closure means (40AIG) passes from a closed state to an open state. This is useful for limiting the evaporation of liquid when water is directed onto the turbine blades or buckets, and for ensuring a substantially constant pressure (equal to atmospheric pressure) in the casing (2) during a turbining operation.

[0075] - the system comprises a control device acting on at least the opening of the injector (401) so as to rotate the hydraulic turbine at a speed at least substantially equal to the synchronising speed of the alternator (3), or at least substantially equal to a multiple or sub-multiple of the synchronising speed of the alternator.

[0076] - the emergency power system comprises a hydraulic circuit (60) connecting said at least one collector (20) to said at least one tank (50), said hydraulic circuit (60) comprising a high pressure pump (61) adapted to pump liquid from the manifold (20) and deliver it in compressed form to said at least one reservoir or tank (50).

[0077] - said at least one reservoir or tank (50) has a connection (51) with a valve (52) adapted to vent gas from said at least one reservoir or tank (50) and / or adapted to be connected to a source of compressed gas.

[0078] - the system comprises a control device (100) receiving at least information about the state of the electrical circuit (CE), and information about the state of said at least one reservoir or tank, said control device (100) being adapted to operate one or more, advantageously the following instructions :

[0079] - as soon as a signal is received relating to an interruption in the power supply to the said electrical circuit (CE), opening of the closure means (4A) to ensure the passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir or tank (50) to the blades and / or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1), to generate an additional torque on the turbine shaft (torque additional to that generated by the flywheel constituted at least by the hydraulic turbine);

[0080] - After a period of torque supply to the alternator shaft, on receipt of a signal from the electrical circuit confirming its electrical supply by restarting the primary energy source or by starting the secondary energy source, closure of the shut-off means (4A) to prevent pressurised water from the reservoir or tank (50) from flowing towards the blades and / or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine, and / or activation of the high-pressure pump to return liquid from the collector (20) to the at least one tank or reservoir (50), advantageously after stopping vacuum generation in the casing (2) or the collector (20) and after opening of the vent (14) of the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) ;

[0081] - as soon as the at least one tank or reservoir (50) is refilled with pressurised liquid by the high-pressure pump (60), the high-pressure pump is stopped, a vacuum is generated in the casing (2) and the collector, and the hydraulic turbine (1) is driven by the shaft of the alternator (3) or its motor component (30).

[0082] - the injector is arranged with respect to the hydraulic turbine (1) in such a way that, in its open position, the high-pressure water leaving the injector takes less than 10 milliseconds, advantageously in or less than 5 milliseconds, to reach one or more blades or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1).

[0083] - the system comprises an alternator (3), the hydraulic turbine (1) forming a flywheel for said alternator.

[0084] - a combination of two or more of these features.

[0085] The invention also relates to an uninterrupted electrical power supply device comprising at least one generator set as a secondary power source, and an instantaneous emergency power supply system according to the invention, associated with an alternator unit, and advantageously with the device for creating a vacuum (vacuum pump). The power supply device preferably also includes an inductor or capacitor to stabilise the current at the time of the power cut, before the alternator is able to produce the current to stabilise the network.

[0086] This instantaneous emergency power supply device is dimensioned to prevent the electrical circuit (CE) from experiencing a too great drop in frequency and / or voltage before the start of a generator.

[0087] A further object of the invention is the use of a power supply device according to the invention, to supply instantaneously and uninterruptedly a given electrical power to an electrical circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption in the electrical supply from a primary electrical energy source (11) at a given interruption time, by the thrust of water under pressure onto the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine to generate torque on the shaft of the alternator (3) before the primary electrical energy source is restarted and / or the generator is started up, and by operating the generator, if the primary energy source unit is not restarted, in which the casing (2) in which the hydraulic turbine is located is placed under a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, at least as long as the primary electrical energy source is not interrupted.

[0088] In one embodiment, the water leaving the injector of the said supply system of the supply device acts on the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine in a casing placed under a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, in which the injector (401) passes from a closed state to an open state in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second during a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, and the liquid leaving the injector touches one or more blades or buckets of the hydraulic turbine (1) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second.

[0089] According to another embodiment, as long as the pressurised liquid does not leave the injector of the said supply system of the supply device to act on the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine, the casing is maintained at a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, wherein the injector (401) changes from a closed state to an open state in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, for a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, wherein when the injector (401) changes from the closed state to the open state, the casing is put under a pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure, and wherein the liquid leaving the injector touches one or more blades or buckets of the hydraulic turbine (1) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second.

[0090] Advantageously in these uses, a measurable and stable torque is generated on the turbine shaft directly or indirectly driving the alternator in less than 50 milliseconds. Preferably, said at least one reservoir or tank contains as liquid an advantageously aqueous medium having a saturated vapor pressure at -10°C of less than 100 Pa, advantageously less than 50 Pa, preferably less than 30 Pa, said medium preferably being an aqueous medium comprising from 10 to 50% by weight of a compound chosen from the group consisting of monoethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0091] Still another object of the invention is a method for retrofitting an uninterrupted power supply device of the dynamic type, with flywheel and synchronous alternator continuously coupled to the main network, in which the flywheel mounted to act on the alternator shaft is removed, and in which a system according to the invention is mounted, to transform the power supply device with flywheel into a device according to the invention with hydraulic turbine.

[0092] Further features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in which reference is made to the attached drawings, representing preferred embodiments or parts thereof.

[0093] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0094] In these drawings

[0095] - Figure 1 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit associated with an uninterrupted power supply device comprising at least one generator unit and an instantaneous emergency power supply system;

[0096] - Figures 2 to 9 are schematic views of operating steps of the device according to the invention;

[0097] - Figure 10 is a schematic view of a Pelton turbine suitable for a system according to the invention;

[0098] - Figure 11 is a perspective view of a bucket of the turbine of Figure 10;

[0099] - Figure 12 is a schematic view of a Pelton turbine preferred for the system according to the invention;

[0100] - Figures 13 and 14 are longitudinal sectional views of the injector of the turbine of Figure 12, with the needle in closed and open positions;

[0101] - Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the injectors of Figures 12 and 13, along lines XV-XV and XVI-XVI respectively;

[0102] - Figure 17 is a view of another turbine preferred for the system according to the invention;

[0103] - Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a modified needle injector;

[0104] - Figures 19 and 20 are cross-sectional views of the injector of Figure 18 with the needle respectively in a first position controlling a first jet with a first diameter centred along a first axis, and in a second position controlling a second jet with a diameter larger than said first diameter and centred along a second axis parallel to said first axis but more distant from the axis of rotation of the wheel; - Figures 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views of Figures 19 and 20 respectively, along lines XXI-XXI and XXII-XXII; and

[0105] - Figure 23 is a perspective view of a second way of making the modified needle.

[0106] In these drawings, the same reference signs are used to designate identical means or means having the same or equivalent function.

[0107] Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0108] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an instantaneous emergency power supply device (SAC) according to the invention and adapted to supply a given or required electrical power to an electrical circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption in the electrical power supply from a primary electrical energy source (11) at a given interruption time, before a restart of the primary power source (11) and / or a start of a secondary power source, for example a generator (1 Ibis), adapted to supply alone or together the given electrical power to said electrical circuit (CE) supplying for example a data storage centre or a hospital, wherein said restarting of the primary power source (11) and / or starting of the secondary power source (1 Ibis) being operable in less than 60 seconds from said given interruption time, in particular in less than 30 seconds from said given interruption time, said instantaneous emergency power system being adapted to supply power to the electrical circuit in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 seconds, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second for a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds. The emergency power supply system is designed to prevent the circuit (CE) from experiencing a too long a voltage drop before a generator unit is started.

[0109] The instantaneous emergency power supply or UPS device (SAC) according to the invention (basic device represented by the dashed frame, this basic system may comprise one or more additional elements) comprises at least :

[0110] - an inductor or capacitor (not shown) to stabilise the current at the time of disconnection;

[0111] - an emergency energy storage means (5);

[0112] - at least one alternator unit (3) comprising at least one stator and one rotor adapted, when put in rotation, to produce electrical energy;

[0113] - transfer means (8) adapted to transfer the electrical energy produced by said at least one alternator unit (3) to said electrical circuit (CE);

[0114] - a circuit (4) for supplying emergency energy to the at least one alternator unit (3) with emergency energy from the energy storage means (5), said circuit (4) comprising at least one switch means (40, 40bis) passing from a closed state preventing the passage of emergency energy from the emergency energy storage means (5) via the energy supply circuit (4) to the at least one alternator unit (3), to an open state allowing the passage of emergency energy via the emergency energy supply circuit (4) to the at least one alternator unit (3), in less than 0.5 seconds, in particular in less than 0.1 seconds, advantageously in less than 0.01 seconds, preferably in less than 0.005 seconds. The basic emergency power supply device is represented by the dashed frame, this device comprising :

[0115] * the emergency energy storage means (5) comprising at least one reservoir (50) adapted to contain at least one volume of liquid at a pressure greater than 100 x 105Pa, advantageously greater than 150 x 105Pa, preferably from 500 x 105to 5,000 x 105Pa, said at least one reservoir (50) also containing a gas, in particular air;

[0116] * the at least one alternator unit (3) comprising a hydraulic turbine (1) with a shaft (1A) adapted to drive in rotation the rotor of the at least one alternator unit (3), said hydraulic turbine (1) having a peripheral edge associated with blades and / or buckets (IB), said hydraulic turbine (1) being placed in a casing (2), said at least one alternator unit (3) comprising means (30) (the means 30 is for example the alternator unit which is used both as a motor for driving the shaft of the turbine (1) in rotation when the unit is supplied with electric current, and also as an alternator for generating an electric current when the hydraulic turbine generates a torque on the shaft of the alternator (by the flow of pressurised water coming from the reservoir (50) projected onto the buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine). The means (30) is adapted to be supplied with electrical energy from the electrical circuit (CE) when the latter is not subject to an interruption in the electrical supply from the primary electrical energy source (11) in order to drive the said hydraulic turbine (1) in rotation. The motor (30) can be supplied with electrical current via the electrical circuit (8).

[0117] * the emergency power supply circuit (4) for the at least one alternator unit (3) comprising at least one pipe system (41) having at least one inlet (41A) connected to the at least one reservoir or tank (50), at least one outlet (4 IB) associated with the at least one injector (401) adapted to direct the pressurised liquid leaving the at least one injector (401) towards one or more blades and / or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1) to generate a torque on the turbine shaft driving the alternator shaft in rotation, as well as the rotor of the at least one alternator unit (3),

[0118] * the switch means (40) comprises a shut-off means (40AIG) controlled by a mechanism (40B) adapted to allow at least passage of the shut-off means (40AIG) from a closed state preventing passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) via the emergency power supply circuit (4) to the said hydraulic turbine (1), to an open state allowing liquid under pressure to pass from the at least one reservoir (50) via the emergency energy supply circuit (4) and the at least one injector (401) to the said hydraulic turbine (1), in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second. The shut-off means is, for example, a movable needle controlling the passage surface of the injector outlet. The switching means advantageously also comprises a valve (40bis) mounted on the pipe system (41).

[0119] * the at least one alternator unit (3) comprises a motor means (30) comprising an electric motor (30) with a connection (31) adapted to be connected to the primary electric power source (11) to drive the hydraulic turbine in rotation at least when the shut-off means (40A, 40bis) is in the closed state preventing the passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) to the hydraulic turbine (1). The hydraulic turbine then also acts as a kind of flywheel.

[0120] * the casing (2) comprising and / or being associated with a collector (20) adapted to collect the pressurised liquid coming from the at least one reservoir (50) which is projected by the at least one injector (401) onto one or more blades and / or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1), during the maximum period of torque supply to the alternator shaft of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds. This period of torque delivery is limited, so that the quantity of pressurised liquid in the at least one reservoir (50) is also limited.

[0121] * the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) of the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) associated with said casing (2) forming an airtight casing assembly (2, 20), said casing assembly (2, 20) having connection means (22) adapted to be connected to means (12) for generating a vacuum (such as a vacuum pump) corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, in particular less than 1,000 Pa, such as 500 Pa, 200 Pa, etc. in said housing assembly (2), the latter (2) being adapted to withstand said vacuum corresponding to a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, or even less than 1,000 Pa, such as 500 Pa or 200 Pa. The connection means (22) is advantageously associated with a valve (22bis). When the casing (2) is associated with a collector (20) separate from the casing (2) or its collector, the casing (2) is advantageously connected to said separate collector (20) by a pipe (200) associated with a valve (201) which, in a closed position, allows the casing (2) to be separated in a sealed manner from the separate collector (20). For an operation to pump water back from the separate collector (20) to the reservoir or tank (50), the casing can be maintained under a vacuum, while the separate collector is vented to facilitate the operation of pumping water to the tank (50). This allows the turbine to continue to run under vacuum, during a pumping operation to return liquid under pressure to the at least one reservoir (50).

[0122] When the system comprises a separate collector (20), the vacuum pump (12) is advantageously connected to the casing (2) and to the separate collector (20) by separate ducts (23, 24) with associated valves (23bis, 24bis), so that the vacuum in the casing (2) and in the separate collector (20) can be controlled separately.

[0123] The hydraulic turbine (1) is advantageously a variable-pressure turbine, in particular a variable-pressure Pelton turbine. Such a turbine or details thereof will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 22.

[0124] The shut-off means (40AIG) comprises in particular a movable needle (40AIG) relative to an internal passage of the injector (401) between a first shut-off position preventing the passage of liquid through and out of the injector (401) and an open position allowing maximum passage of liquid through and out of said injector (401) towards the hydraulic turbine (1). Figure 10 shows such a needle.

[0125] The movable needle (40AIG) is controlled by a trigger (40GG). (see Figure 12) This trigger allows the injector to be opened almost immediately when an interruption in the electrical circuit is detected.

[0126] In one embodiment of a device according to the invention, the emergency power supply device comprises the means (12) for generating a vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, in particular less than or equal to 1,000 Pa, connected by said connection means (22) to said housing assembly or casing, said means for generating a vacuum (12) advantageously being an electric vacuum pump with a connection adapted to be connected at least to the primary energy source and / or with a shaft adapted to be driven by the motor means (30) of the at least one alternator unit (3).

[0127] Preferably, the said at least one reservoir (50) has a total volume greater than the volume of pressurised liquid directed by the at least one injector (401) towards the blades or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1) to generate the torque required on the shaft of the alternator so that the latter can produce the electrical power given to the electrical circuit (CE) during the maximum torque supply period, it being understood that the said at least one reservoir (50) is intended to contain a further volume of liquid under a pressure greater than 10 x 105Pa, advantageously under a pressure greater than 20 x 105Pa, for example from 30 x 105Pa to 100 x 105Pa, after the maximum period of supply of torque. The volume of the at least one reservoir (50) is, for example, less than 2000 litres, so that the size of the collector (20) of the casing (2) and / or associated with the casing (2) is also reduced to less than 2000 litres. The total volume of the system according to the invention is therefore reduced, so that the system can be placed and transported in a container. The pressure of the liquid in the at least one reservoir (50) after the maximum torque supply period is advantageously still between 0.3 and 0.4 times the maximum pressure of the liquid in the at least one reservoir (50).

[0128] The collector of the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) associated to the casing (2) is / are associated with a vent (14) controlled by a valve (14A). This venting is advantageous for pumping operation of water from the collector to the at least one tank or reservoir (50). This venting also enables the pressure in the casing (2) to be stabilised when the injector (401) is opened to direct pressurised water onto the turbine blades or buckets (IB). This is also useful for limiting the partial vaporisation of liquid in the casing (2).

[0129] The rotor of the at least one alternator unit (3) is adapted, by rotating at a given synchronism speed, to generate electrical energy with a frequency corresponding substantially to the frequency of the current of the electrical circuit (CE), while the motor means (30) is adapted to drive the hydraulic turbine at said synchronism speed or at a multiple or sub-multiple thereof, at least when the shut-off means (40AIG) is in the closed state preventing the passage of pressurised liquid from said at least one reservoir (50) to the hydraulic turbine (1).

[0130] The emergency supply device advantageously comprises a hydraulic circuit (60) connecting said at least one manifold (20) to said at least one tank (50), said hydraulic circuit (60) comprising a high-pressure pump (61) (driven by the motor (62)) adapted to pump liquid from the manifold (20) and bring it in compressed form into said at least one tank (50). During this pumping operation to return pressurised water to said at least one tank (50), the valve (40bis) of the circuit (4) with the injector (401) is closed. The circuit (60) is associated with one or more valves (60bis).

[0131] Said at least one tank (50) has a connection (51) with a valve (52) adapted to evacuate gas from said at least one tank (50) and / or adapted to be connected to a source of compressed gas. This enables the amount of air present in said tank to be controlled.

[0132] The tank or reservoir (5) and / or the collector (20) can be re-supplied with water via the conduits (51 and 14) (in the event of the volume of water in the system being too low) suitable for the passage of air.

[0133] The device according to the invention (SAC) comprises a supply system according to the invention, this system comprising, for example :

[0134] - the at least one reservoir (50);

[0135] - the hydraulic turbine (1) ;

[0136] - the casing (2) and its collector (20) with at least one connection for putting it / them under vacuum ;

[0137] - the pipe system (41) with its at least one injector (401).

[0138] Such a system can be used to modernise an existing emergency power supply. This is particularly interesting for reducing the operating cost of an existing emergency power supply.

[0139] Naturally, embodiments of a system according to the invention may comprise one or more means of the device according to the invention, for example the vacuum pump, the altemator / motor, the pump-back device, the venting system, etc.

[0140] One specific use of the device according to the invention will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 9.

[0141] The collector (20) of the casing (2) is a reservoir receiving the turbinated liquid (for example an aqueous medium with added glycol(s), for example mono ethylene glycol, the aqueous medium comprising from 20 to 50% by weight of mono ethylene glycol) coming from the reservoir under pressure (5), for the period of time required for switching on the emergency power generator, for example for a period of time of between 8 and 15 seconds. The casing (2) is airtight and withstands preferably a negative pressure of about 1 bar maximum, i.e. atmospheric pressure. The housing (2) is put under vacuum, except when the cylindrical reservoir (5) is being filled with high-pressure water and possibly during a turbining operation.

[0142] Figure 2 shows the emergency power supply device in the standby position. In this position, the company (10) is supplied with electrical current by the primary energy source (11). The initial pressure in the reservoir (50) is 150 bar (150 x 105Pa), for example. This pressure is given purely as an indication. At the end of the emergency power generation sequence via the turbine (1), lasting 8 to 15 seconds for example, the pressure will have dropped to 80 bar (80 x 105Pa) in the reservoir (5). The casing (2) is put and maintained under vacuum (e.g. a pressure of 2 millibar (200 Pa) by the vacuum pump (12) during the standby period. The tank (50) is filled (pressurised water pressure = Pmax), while the collector (20) is empty or substantially empty. The electrical circuit (CE) supplies power to the motor (30) of the generator set (3) to rotate the hydraulic turbine (1) at synchronous speed (e.g. 3,000 rpm at a frequency of 50 Hz) or at a multiple or sub-multiple thereof (e.g. 750, 1,000, 1,500 or 3,000 rpm at a frequency of 50 Hz). This rotation enables the system to produce energy at the frequency required by the electrical circuit (CE) as soon as the injector(s) is / are opened, i.e. as soon as receiving a signal of an interruption of the electrical supply from the primary energy source (11). The system according to the invention uses the energy contained in the compressed air in the reservoir to eject water under high pressure onto the blades or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1), whereas in conventional machines, the energy comes from the sole transformation of the kinetic energy of the flywheel into electrical energy, which is therefore very heavy. The hydraulic turbine also acts as a flywheel, but its weight is reduced compared with the weight of flywheels in conventional machines. In conventional machines, the flywheel requires more energy to rotate and to keep it rotating.

[0143] Figure 3 shows the system with the circuit breaker (9) in open position, the circuit (CE) being then no longer supplied with energy from the primary source (11), so the company (10) will be faced with a power cut. A signal is then sent to the emergency system to stabilise the current by means of one or more capacitors or inductors or chokes, and to open the injector (401), thus allowing high-pressure water to be propeled onto the blades or buckets of the turbine (1), which is already rotating, to generate additional torque on the alternator shaft. The turbine can then rotate the alternator unit (3) to produce electrical energy, which is transferred via the circuit (8) to the electrical circuit (CE). This means that the users (10) of the energy in the electrical circuit (CE) do not feel the power cut from the primary source (11).

[0144] In the event of a mains fault (circuit breaker 9 in open position), a control system or PLC (not shown) sends information to open the injector (401) in a preset position, and advantageously to the vent valve (14A) in a venting position. The open position of the injector is determined to enable the turbine (1) to provide exactly the torque required for the alternator (3) to produce the power achieved just before the fault or mains failure of the electric circuit (CE). Purely by way of example, suppose the power demanded by the consumer is 1,234 kW at the time of the fault, the PLC will calculate or determine an exact relative position for the needle of the injector (4) with respect to the hollow body of the injector, so that the hydraulic turbine drives the generator set to supply 1,234 kW. The PLC gives the order to the needle to take the pre-calculated or predetermined relative position, the turbine (1) then being able to supply the 1,234 kW required for the network (CE) (isolated from the primary source 11 by circuit breaker 9 and from the secondary source 1 Ibis by circuit breaker l iter) for 8 to 15 seconds, the time needed to start the power generator set (1 Ibis) and its heat engine to supply the 1,234 kW power.

[0145] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3, except that the water level in the tank (50) has fallen, while the water level in the collector (20) of the casing (2) has risen.

[0146] In Figure 5 (e.g. 15 seconds after shutdown of the primary source (11)), the liquid level (e.g. glycol containing water) in the tank (50) is minimal (corresponding to a minimum air pressure - Pmin), while the water level is maximum in the collector or manifold (20) of the casing (2). In this figure, the power generator set is ready to supply the necessary electrical power, but is not yet connected to the electrical circuit (CE).

[0147] The secondary power supply system (llbis) is now ready to supply the power required by the users of the electrical circuit (CE). If the primary power source could have been restarted, 15 seconds after the shutdown thereof, the primary power source would again have been able to provide the power required by the users of the electrical circuit. For example, the air pressure in the reservoir (50) is then of the order of 50 to 60 bars. The ratio between the maximum pressure Pmax and the minimum pressure Pmin is preferably about 3 to 1.

[0148] In the position shown in Figure 5, for example, approximately 500 litres of pressurised liquid have been turbined, this volume ending up in the collector or manifold (20).

[0149] At this stage, the injector needle is moved (relative to the injector body) to close the injector, so that the liquid in the reservoir (50) no longer flows towards the turbine and into the casing (2).

[0150] In Figure 6, the network is supplied by the secondary energy source (llbis). The vacuum pump (12) is switched off, the valve (22bis) is closed and the vent valve (14A) is open. The pressure in the casing (2) is reduced or maintained at atmospheric pressure (1 Bar or about 1 x 105Pa) during the pumping operation. The motor (30) is powered by the secondary energy source (llbis) to keep the turbine (1) rotating. In one possible embodiment, a vacuum can be created in the casing during the pumping operation. A certain quantity of liquid will then vaporise. If the casing (2) was associated with a separate manifold or collector (20) and the valve (201) was closed, it would be possible to create a vacuum in the casing (2), while the manifold or collector (20) would be maintained under atmospheric pressure. The operation of pumping liquid from the manifold or collector (20) could then have been carried out with a pressure of approximately 1 bar in the manifold or collector, while the turbine driven by the motor (30) rotates in a housing under vacuum containing substantially no liquid. This prevents liquid evaporation when putting under vacuum the casing (2).

[0151] In Figure 7, the liquid (e.g. water, water mixed with glycol) in the manifold or collector (20) of the casing or housing (2) is pumped by the high-pressure pump (61) driven by the motor (62) to bring the liquid from the manifold or collector (20) to the tank (50). In Figure 7, the level of liquid in the tank (50) rises, causing the air (or other gas) in the tank (50) to be compressed and the air pressure to increase. The pressure in the tank (50) is then between Pmin and Pmax. The level of liquid in the manifold or collector (20) falls.

[0152] In Figure 8, the liquid level in the reservoir (50) has reached the desired upper level corresponding to the maximum pressure Pmax, while the liquid level in the collector or manifold of the casing (2) is minimal. The motor (62) of the high- pressure water pump (61) is no longer driven, while the vacuum pump (12) is put into operation and the valve (22bis) is opened, to ensure that the air present in the casing (2) is evacuated, until the desired vacuum is obtained, for example a vacuum corresponding to a pressure of 200 Pa or 2 milliBar. Given the small volume of the casing, it can be put under the desired vacuum quickly, for example in less than 5 minutes. Once under vacuum, the vacuum pump only needs to be activated to maintain the vacuum at a level close to the required or desired vacuum level.

[0153] In Figure 9, the system is returned to the position enabling an urgent emergency supply with an emergency power supply in the event of a further power supply interruption. Here the primary power source is brought back into operation, so that the secondary power source (1 Ibis) can be disconnected.

[0154] The variable-height or also variable-pressure turbine preferably used in the system according to the invention is of the type described in patent application WO2022 / 195393, except that optionally it is adapted to higher outputs (for example to outputs of 1,000 to 4,000kW, and even more. The diameter of the wheel and the number of buckets will be selected, for example, as a function of the pressure and the synchronising speed, while the size of the buckets will be selected as a function of the power to be generated.

[0155] The turbine of the system according to the invention can comprise two or more wheels mounted on the same shaft, each wheel being associated with at least one injector. This makes it possible to work with liquid jets of acceptable diameter, despite the need for a large amount of emergency electrical power. Each wheel is then supplied with high-pressure liquid by independent injectors, allowing better control of the power supplied by the system, by supplying some wheels, while one or more others are not supplied by their respective injectors. In this case, the wheels not supplied with pressurised liquid only act as a flywheel. Technical parameters of the machine or system according to the invention are, for example:

[0156] - Very short duration of torque supply to the alternator shaft (8 to 15 seconds, for example),

[0157] - High initial pressure of the volume of water (150 bars for example, or even more) and high final pressure in the tank (5) corresponding to approximately one third of the high initial pressure (56 bars for example),

[0158] - Virtually constant turbine efficiency, thanks to the use of a variableheight turbine allowing an advantageous and heuristic design of the machine and in particular of its housing (2) under vacuum.

[0159] Tests of systems according to the invention were carried out using a hydraulic turbine rotor with an external diameter of 1,300 mm. This rotor is fitted with its buckets. This turbine is of the type described in document WO2022 / 195393. This turbine has been placed in a sealed casing (2). The turbine rotor with its buckets had a weight of 500 kg. This rotor was rotated by an electric motor at a speed of 1,500 rpm.

[0160] The top of the buckets has a high tangential speed, 102 m / s for illustrative purposes only. When this rotor rotates at 1,500 rpm in its casing at atmospheric pressure, the electrical consumption of the driving motor exceeds 32 kW. Moreover, the rotation of the turbine in its casing generates vibrations and a noise level well in excess of 110 dB(A) already at 3 metres from the casing, and therefore necessarily at 1 metre from the casing. It is virtually impossible for a human to be near the machine without wearing an acoustic protection headset.

[0161] When the casing is evacuated to a vacuum of 2 millibars absolute (200 Pa), it was observed that the system generated significantly less noise, while drastically reducing the power consumption of the electric motor driving the turbine in rotation. The result was a noise level of less than 75 dB(A) at 1 metre from the casing (not soundproofed) and a motor power consumption of around 4 kW, i.e. a drastic reduction in noise levels and a drastic reduction in power consumption. This is particularly interesting for an emergency power supply system that runs at no load all the time, 24 hours a day, except in the event of rare interruptions of the primary power supply.

[0162] For an emergency power supply system using a very heavy flywheel with a power equal to 2,000 kW, the energy losses over a year will amount to 700 MWh, whereas the consumption of the electric motor driving the turbine of a system according to the invention with a power equal to 2,000 kW will be less than 200 MWh over a year. The system according to the invention providing an emergency power supply for an alternator with a power of 2,000 kW thus enables the saving of almost 500 MWh / year and consequently the saving of almost 230 tonnes of CO2 per year per 2,000 kW machine.

[0163] The hydraulic turbine that is advantageously used in the system according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 10 to 23. Figure 10 shows a Pelton turbine wheel.

[0164] In an example of a Pelton turbine according to figure 10 for a constant water pressure corresponding to a falling head of 400m, the technical practice dictates that the wheel (103) is provided with 19 buckets (105) defining a turbine circle (CT) with a turbine diameter DT of approximately 810mm, said wheel (103) of diameter D (rotating in the direction R) driving an alternator at a speed of 1,500 or 3,000 rpm thus ensuring an electrical energy production of approximately 200kW with the frequency of 50 Hz. The turbine's efficiency q is then around 90-91%. In case of supply pressure fall of the water, the turbine's efficiency drops significantly. For example, if the falling head is reduced to 200m, the electrical energy produced is reduced to lOOkW. The efficiency of the turbine is thus reduced to 50% of the optimum efficiency. The jet (J) leaving the injector (401) has an outlet diameter (ds) slightly greater than the diameter of the axis (Ajet) jet (djet).

[0165] A bucket from the turbine in Figure 10 is shown in Figure 11.

[0166] The buckets (105) are mounted in a regular manner along the periphery (130) of the wheel (103), each bucket (105) having the shape of two half-shells (150, 151) symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (106), said half-shells (150, 151) defining a peripheral edge (105P) extending substantially in a plane (P5P), said half-shells (150, 151) being connected together along a central rib (152) located in the plane of symmetry (106), each bucket (105) having a free end wall (153) remote from the periphery (130) of the wheel (103), said free end wall (153) being provided with an indentation (154) the size of which is greater than that of the diameter of the jet (djet) of the injector (401), each half-shell (150, 151) having a bottom (150A, 151A), while the indentation (154) of a bucket (105) defines an opening (154) of each half-shell (150, 151) of the bucket in question (105). The buckets (105) are attached to the wheel (103) by means of lugs (59). The wheel (103) is mounted so as to rotate with respect to the shaft (104).

[0167] For the person skilled in the art, a Pelton turbine must always be sized for a given falling head, since variations in efficiency can be very significant if the falling head varies.

[0168] In the system described in the invention, a Pelton turbine is preferably used which has been modified to ensure a substantially constant turbine efficiency q (e.g. around 90%), even if the water pressure at the inlet varies significantly, for example even if the falling head varies from 400m to 200m, or even much more (e.g. for a pressure varying from a maximum of 150 to 250 bar (150 to 250 x 105Pa) to a minimum of 50 to 85 bar (50 to 85 x 105Pa)).

[0169] The preferred turbine of Figures 12 to 23 is thus characterised in that :

[0170] - the injector (401) is a variable flow injector with a variable passage outlet (11 IP) defining an outlet diameter (ds) that is variable as a function of the effective hydraulic pressure, said variable outlet diameter (ds) varying at least between at least a first outlet diameter (dsl) to ensure a first flow of water leaving the injector (401) for a first hydraulic pressure corresponding to the maximum hydraulic pressure, and a second outlet diameter (ds2) at least 20% larger than said first outlet diameter (dsl) for a second hydraulic pressure at least 30% lower than the maximum hydraulic pressure. By varying the relative position of the needle (40AIG), it is possible to modify the flow of water leaving the passage outlet (11 IP) and thus the diameter of the jet (J) leaving the injector (401). Figures 13 and 14, and Figures 15 and 16 show the passage outlet in two different positions of the needle (40AIG). In Figure 14, the needle (40AIG) is retracted further into the body of the injector (401), so as to increase the passage area (1 HP) and the flow rate of water leaving the injector (401). The diameter (ds) is obtained from the water flow continuity equation. The movement of the needle (40AIG) relative to the body of the injector is controlled, for example, by a hydraulic cylinder (110), the rod (110A) of which is connected to the needle (40AIG).

[0171] Unexpectedly, it was found that by using such a turbine, it was possible to guarantee an efficiency q of around 90%, even in the case of a significant drop in water pressure at the inlet to the injector (11), for example in the case of a reduction in the falling head of water from 400m to 200m. This maintening of turbine efficiency is further combined with the possibility of guaranteeing electrical energy production at the desired stable rated power (e.g. substantially constant power of 200kW), even in the case of significant variation in water pressure at the injector.

[0172] In the advantageous illustrated embodiment of a turbine of the system of the invention, the edge (152P) of the rib (152) is located above the plane (P5P) of the periphery (105P) of the cavities (150, 151), the latter being located below the said plane (P5P).

[0173] A preferred turbine has, for example, compared with the wheel (103) of the turbine of figure 10, a reduced wheel diameter, a turbine diameter reduced by 10 to 20%, an increased number of buckets, larger buckets, a jet diameter which can be increased by a factor of two compared with the jet diameter of the turbine in figure 10.

[0174] The turbine in figure 12 has a number of buckets (which are identical to each other) equal to 30. Advantageously, this number would be odd, for example 29, 31 or 33. The turbine in Figure 12 is adapted to be driven at 1,000 rpm, with a constant electrical power of 200kW, with an efficiency of 90%, for a falling head that can vary from 400m to 200m. The diameter of the jet is, for example, 51.8mm.

[0175] The injector (401) is a variable flow injector. In one embodiment, the turbine comprises 1 to 3 variable flow injectors. The variable flow injector or injectors is / are each connected to a control device modifying the outlet diameter at least as a function of the effective hydraulic pressure, in order to ensure a flow of water successively to one or more buckets (105) substantially equal to a predetermined flow of water or within a range of variable flow of water between 0.9 and 1.1 times a predetermined flow of water. The outlet diameter of an injector is modified, for example, by an actuator (110) whose rod (110A) modifies the position of the needle (40AIG), and thus the open surface for the passage of water through the injector (401). The further the needle is moved towards the inside of the injector, the greater the open surface area. The needle (40AIG) has a bulbous shape with a point protruding from the injector chamber. The actuator (110) is controlled by a control unit receiving one or more information from sensors, including a pressure sensor determining the pressure of the water supplied to the injector or injectors. This actuator (110) moves the needle in direction X.

[0176] It would have been possible to use other systems to move the needle (40AIG) relative to the body of the injector, for example a screw system.

[0177] In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, which is similar to that shown in Figure 12, the injector (401) is mounted on a support (120) which is movable relative to the turbine body, so as to modify the position of the central axis (Ajet) of the jet. In particular, the mobile support (120) is able to move in translation in a direction (Y) perpendicular to the central axis (Ajet) of the jet (J) and in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (104) of the wheel (103). This translational movement of the mobile support (120) is controlled, for example, by an actuator (121), the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the chamber of the actuator (121) being modified so that the distance between the axis of the jet and the axis of rotation (104) is increased when the pressure of the water supplied to the injector (401) drops.

[0178] In this way, the position of the central axis of the jet can be modified while ensuring that this axis remains substantially parallel to a given axis, thus ensuring a variable motor torque as a function of the pressure of the water or the height of the drop.

[0179] In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figure 17 (Pelton Rutten with turbine circle diameter DT of 686.3mm, rotation speed of 1,000 rpm (or even more, such as 1,500 or 3,000 rpm), 30 buckets, efficiency q of approximately 90%, for a constant electrical power of 200kW for a falling head that can vary from 400m to 200m), the injector (401) is a variable flow injector with a variable passage outlet (11 IP) defining (a) an outlet diameter (ds) variable as a function of the effective hydraulic pressure and (b) a variable central jet axis (Ajet) substantially parallel to a given axis, said variable outlet diameter (ds) and said variable central jet axis varying at least between, on the one hand, a first outlet diameter (dsl) to ensure a first flow of water leaving the injector (401) for a first hydraulic pressure corresponding to the maximum hydraulic pressure, said first flow of water leaving the injector (401) along a first jet axis located at a first distance from the axis of rotation (104) of the wheel (103), and, on the other hand, a second outlet diameter (ds2) at least 20% greater than said first outlet diameter (dsl) for a second hydraulic pressure at least 30% lower than the maximum hydraulic pressure, said second outlet diameter (ds2) ensuring a second flow rate of water leaving the injector (401) along a second jet axis substantially parallel to said first jet axis and located at a second distance from the axis of rotation (104) of the wheel (103), said second distance being greater than said first distance.

[0180] Advantageously, the spacing A between the second distance and the first distance is less than 10%, advantageously less than 5% of said first distance. In relation to the turbine diameter, the spacing is advantageously less than 10%, preferably less than 5%. For example, the displacement of the central axis (Ajet) of the jet (J) is less than 50 mm, for example 10 to 30 mm maximum.

[0181] In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, this spacing corresponds to the displacement Y of the mobile support relative to the turbine body.

[0182] In particular, the device for monitoring or controlling the outlet opening of the injector is adapted to modify said second outlet diameter (ds2) by substantially following a % power-dependent function of the ratio of the maximum hydraulic pressure to the second hydraulic pressure.

[0183] Figures 18 to 23 are views of an injector capable of modifying the outflow rate by modifying the passage area (11 IP), but also the position of the central axis (Ajet) of the jet (J).

[0184] The injector comprises a body (401) defining a substantially conical interior chamber (111C). The needle (40AIG) comprises at least : (a) a first substantially frustoconical part (11 IE) providing, when this part (11 IE) is adjacent to the open end of the injector (401), a substantially circular (circular ring) or annular passage (11 IP) generating ajet (J) along a central axis substantially corresponding to the axis of symmetry (All) of the frustoconical chamber of the injector (401) in the vicinity of its opening (1 IIP), and (b) a second portion (11 IF) not centred with respect to the axis of symmetry (All). Said second portion (11 IF) has a crosssection (perpendicular to the central axis (Al 1) of the inner chamber (11C) of the injector (401) which is variable, but adapted so that when the second portion (11 IF) extends at the open end of the injector (401) the passage surface (11 IP) is defined between an outer circle defined by the circle of the cross-section of the inner chamber (111C) in the vicinity of its opening (11 IP), and an inner circle off- centre with respect to the outer circle, and with respect to the axis (Al 1). The inner circle is defined by the cross-section of the second part (11 IF) of the needle (40AIG) at the opening (11 IP). Depending on the decentring of the inner circle by the cross-section of the second part (11 IF) at the opening (1 IIP), it is possible to decentre the central axis (Al 1') of the jet (J) leaving the injector (401).

[0185] Displacement of the needle (40AIG) relative to the injector body (401) is operated, for example, by an actuator or by a system allowing axial displacement (in the direction of the axis (Al l) and / or rotational displacement (RR) of the needle (40AIG) about the central axis (All) of the injector body (11).

[0186] In Figure 19, the first part (11 IE) extends at the level of the opening (11 IP), so as to define an annular opening. The jet (J) exits the injector to define a jet axis (Ajet) located substantially along the axis (Al 1) of the injector inner chamber (401).

[0187] In the position shown in Figure 20, the portion (1 IF) of the needle (11) is located at the level of the passage (HP), thus defining a passage surface defined between two off-centre circles, so that the axis of the jet (Ajet) is off-centre with respect to the central axis of the injector chamber (11).

[0188] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the needle (40AIG) in Figure 18 or 19. In the embodiment shown, the free end of the second part (1 IF) of the needle (11) is slightly rounded.

[0189] Preferred turbine buckets are of the type described in Figures 10 to 15 of International Application WO2022 / 195393.

[0190] The size of the Pelton turbine buckets will depend on the diameter of the jet, the diameter of the jet depending on the flow rate. The flow rate depends on the power that needs to be generated over this short period of time. The diameter of the wheel and the number of buckets will be selected according to the pressure and the synchronising speed. The size of the buckets will be selected according to the power to be generated. In the invention, the Pelton or Turgo turbine will advantageously be sized for maximum powers of up to 4,000 kW, or even much more (such as 5MW, 10MW, 20MW).

[0191] In the device shown here in the drawings, the hydraulic turbine has the following features:

[0192] - the turbine operates in a closed circuit (in hydroelectric plants, the Pelton operates in an open circuit)

[0193] - volume of liquid is reduced, given the very short operating time required to generate additional torque on the alternator shaft (in hydroelectric plants, large volumes of water are sent to the turbine blades, more or less continuously)

[0194] - the casing or housing is put under vacuum, for example to 20 millibars absolute (pressure of 200 Pa) (in a hydraulic installation, putting the casing under vacuum would not add any power, but would lead to significant evaporation of water in the casing, an oversizing of the vacuum pump and technical problems for evacuating the water out of the casing)

[0195] - the liquid will be glycol-based, for example an aqueous solution containing 30 to 50% by weight of mono ethylene glycol

[0196] - the injector needle can be opened and closed quickly, avoiding water hammer.

[0197] - possibility to operate with liquids at pressures well in excess of 1,000 x 105Pa, such as 2,000 x 105Pa to 5,000 x 105Pa, or even higher. It is not working with a difference in water level, but with liquid under very high pressure in reservoirs (the highest falling head of a hydroelectric unit working with a Pelton is less than 2,000m.)

[0198] The power supply device shown in Figure 1 enables a given electrical power to be supplied instantaneously and uninterruptedly to an electrical circuit (CE) subject to an interruption in the electrical power supply from a primary electrical energy source (11) at a given interruption time, by pushing pressurised water onto the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine to generate a torque on the shaft of the alternator (3) before the primary electrical energy source is restarted and / or before the power generator set is started up, and by starting up the power generator set, if the primary energy source set is not restarted, the casing (2) in which the hydraulic turbine is located being placed under a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, at least as long as the primary electrical energy source is not interrupted.

[0199] In one embodiment, the water leaving the injector of the said supply system of the supply device acts on the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine in a casing placed under a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa.

[0200] The injector (401) goes from a closed state to an open state in less than 0.5 seconds, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 seconds, preferably in less than 0.005 second, for a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, and the liquid leaving the injector touches one or more blades or buckets of the hydraulic turbine (1) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second.

[0201] According to another embodiment, as long as the pressurised liquid does not leave the injector of the said supply system of the supply device to act on the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine, the casing is maintained at a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, in which the injector (401) passes from a closed state to an open state in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, during a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, in which when the injector (401) passes from the closed state to the open state, the casing is put under a pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure, and in which the liquid leaving the injector touches one or more blades or buckets of the hydraulic turbine (1) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second.

[0202] Advantageously in these applications, a measurable and stable torque is generated on the turbine shaft directly or indirectly driving the alternator in less than 50 milli seconds.

[0203] Preferably, said at least one reservoir contains as liquid an advantageously aqueous medium having a saturation vapour pressure at -10°C of less than 100 Pa, advantageously less than 50 Pa, preferably less than 30 Pa, said medium preferably being an aqueous medium comprising from 10 to 50% by weight of a compound selected from the group consisting of mono-ethylene glycol, di-ethylene glycol, tri-ethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

[0204] Still another object of the invention is a method for modernising an uninterrupted power supply device of the dynamic type, with flywheel and synchronous alternator continuously coupled to the main power grid, in which the flywheel mounted to act on the alternator shaft is removed, and in which a system according to the invention is mounted, to transform the power supply device with flywheel, into a device according to the invention with a hydraulic turbine.

Claims

Claims1. Instantaneous emergency power supply system adapted to supply, possibly with the interposition of a gear, a torque to a shaft of an alternator (3) of an uninterrupted electric power supply device adapted to supply a given electric power to an electric circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption of electric power supply from a primary electric power source (11) at a given interruption time, before a restart of the primary power source (11) and / or a start of a secondary power source (1 Ibis) adapted to supply alone or together the given electric power to said electric circuit (CE), wherein said restarting of the primary power source (11) and / or starting of the secondary power source (1 Ibis) being operable in less than 60 seconds from said given interruption time, in particular in less than 30 seconds from said given interruption time, said emergency power system being adapted to provide said torque to the alternator shaft (3) in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, for a maximum period of supply of torque to the alternator shaft (3) of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, said emergency power system comprising :- an emergency energy storage means (5) comprising at least one reservoir (50) adapted to contain at least one volume of liquid under pressure, said at least one reservoir (50) also containing a gas, in particular air;- a hydraulic turbine (1) with a shaft (1A) adapted to generate at least one torque on the shaft of said alternator (3), said hydraulic turbine (1) being placed in a casing (2);- at least one pipe system (41) having at least one inlet (41A) connected to said at least one reservoir (50), at least one outlet (4 IB) associated with at least one injector (401) adapted to direct pressurized liquid exiting the at least one injector (401) to the hydraulic turbine (1) to generate a torque on the shaft of the hydraulic turbine (1A),- a switch means (40) comprising a shut-off means (40AIG) controlled by a mechanism (40B) adapted to allow at least passage of the shut-off means (40AIG) from a closed state preventing passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) to said hydraulic turbine (1), to an open state allowing passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) and the at least one injector (401) to said hydraulic turbine (1), wherein the casing (2) comprises and / or is associated with a collector or manifold (20) adapted to collect the pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) which is projected by the at least one injector (401) onto the hydraulic turbine (1), during the maximum period of torque supply to the alternator shaft (3) of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds,characterised in that- the emergency power supply system is adapted to supply said torque to the shaft of the alternator in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second,- the hydraulic turbine has a peripheral edge associated with blades and / or buckets;- said at least one reservoir is adapted to contain at least one volume of liquid at a pressure greater than 100 x 105Pa, advantageously greater than 150 x 105Pa, preferably greater than 500 x 105Pa, in particular from 750 x 105to 5,000 x 105Pa,- the mechanism (40B) controlling the obturation means (40AIG) is adapted to allow at least the passage of the obturation means (40AIG) from a closed state preventing the passage of liquid under pressure from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) to the blades or buckets (IB) of said hydraulic turbine (1), to an open state allowing liquid under pressure to pass from the at least one reservoir (50) via the pipe system (41) and the at least one injector (401) to the blades and buckets (IB) of the said hydraulic turbine (1), in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, and in that the casing (2) and / or the collector or manifold (20) of the casing (2) and / or the collector (21) associated with said casing (2) forms an airtight casing assembly (2), said casing assembly (2) having connection means (22) adapted to be connected to vacuum means (12) for generating a vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, in said airtight casing assembly (2), the latter (2) being adapted to withstand said vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa.

2. The supply system of claim 1, characterised in that the hydraulic turbine (1) is a variable pressure turbine, in particular a variable pressure Pelton turbine or a variable pressure Turgo turbine.

3. The supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the shut-off means (40AIG) comprises a needle (40AIG) movable relative to an internal passage of the injector (401) between a first shut-off position preventing the passage of liquid through and out of the injector (401) and an open position allowing maximum passage of liquid through and out of the said injector (401) to the hydraulic turbine (1).

4. The supply system of claim 3, characterised in that the movable needle (40AIG) is controlled by a trigger (40GG).

5. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a vacuum means (12) for generating a vacuum corresponding to a pressure less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, connected by said connection means to said airtight casing assembly, said vacuum means for generating a vacuum (12) advantageously being an electric vacuum pump with a connection adapted to be connected at least to the primary energy source and / or a vacuum pump with a shaft adapted to be driven by the shaft of the hydraulic turbine (1) and / or the shaft of the alternator (3).

6. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said at least one reservoir (50) has a total volume greater than the volume of pressurized liquid directed by the at least one injector (401) towards the blades or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1) in order to supply the torque necessary for the alternator shaft during the maximum period of supply of torque to the alternator shaft (3), it being understood that the said at least one reservoir (50) is intended to still contain a volume of liquid under a pressure greater than 10 x 105Pa, advantageously under a pressure greater than 20 x 105Pa, after the maximum period of supply of torque.

7. The supply system of claim 6, characterized in that the said at least one reservoir (50) intended to contain a given maximum volume of liquid at a given maximum pressure in order to supply a torque during a given maximum period has a volume adapted so that, after the given maximum period, the said at least one reservoir (50) still contains a volume of liquid at a pressure corresponding to 0.3 to 0.4 times the said given maximum pressure.

8. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the casing (2) and / or the collector (20) associated with the casing (2) is / are associated with a vent (14) controlled by a valve (14A), and in that it comprises control means opening the valve (14A) when the closure means (40AIG) passes from a closed state to an open state.

9. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control device acting on at least the opening of the injector (401) so as to drive the hydraulic turbine in rotation at a speed at least substantially equal to the synchronism speed of the alternator (3), or at least substantially equal to a multiple or sub-multiple of the synchronism speed of the alternator.

10. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a hydraulic circuit (60) connecting said at least one collector (20) to said at least one reservoir (50), said hydraulic circuit (60) comprising ahigh-pressure pump (61) adapted to pump liquid from the collector (20) and bring it in compressed form into said at least one reservoir (50).

11. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said at least one reservoir (50) has a connection (51) with a valve (52) adapted to vent gas from said at least one reservoir (50) and / or adapted to be connected to a source of compressed gas.

12. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a control device (100) receiving at least information about the state of the electrical circuit (CE), and information about the state of said at least one reservoir (50), said control device (100) being adapted to operate one or more of the following instructions, advantageously all of said following instructions:- as soon as a signal is received relating to an interruption in the power supply to the said electrical circuit (CE), opening of the closure means (4A) to ensure the passage of pressurised liquid from the at least one reservoir (50) to the blades and / or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1), in order to generate an additional torque on the shaft of the hydraulic turbine (1);- After a period of torque supply to the alternator shaft, on receipt of a signal from the electrical circuit (CE) confirming its electrical supply by restarting the primary energy source or by starting the secondary energy source, (*) closing the shut-off means (4A) to prevent pressurised water from the reservoir (50) from flowing towards the blades and / or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine, and / or (*) activating the high-pressure pump to return liquid from the collector (20) to said at least one reservoir (50), advantageously after stopping vacuum generation in the casing (2) or the collector (20) and after opening of the vent (14) of the casing (2) and / or the collector (20);- as soon as the at least one tank (50) is refilled with pressurised liquid by the high- pressure pump (60), (*) the high-pressure pump is stopped, (*) a vacuum is generated in the casing (2) and the collector (20), and the hydraulic turbine (1) is driven by the alternator shaft (3).

13. The supply system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the injector is arranged with respect to the hydraulic turbine (1) in such a way that, in the open position thereof, the high-pressure water leaving the injector takes less than 10 milliseconds to reach one or more blades or buckets (IB) of the hydraulic turbine (1).

14. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises an alternator (3), the hydraulic turbine (1) forming a flywheel for said alternator.

15. An uninterrupted electrical power supply device comprising at least one power generator set as a secondary power source, and an instantaneous emergency power supply system according to claim 14.

16. Use of a power supply device of claim 15, to supply instantaneously and uninterruptedly a given electrical power to an electrical circuit (CE) subjected to an interruption in the electrical power supply from a primary electrical energy source (11) at a given interruption time, by pushing the pressurised liquid onto the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine to generate a torque on the shaft of the alternator (3) before the primary electrical energy source is restarted and / or the power generator set is started up, and by operating the power generator set, in the event of the primary energy source is not restarted, in which the casing (2) in which the hydraulic turbine is located is placed under a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, at least for as long as the primary electrical energy source is not interrupted.

17. The use according to claim 16, in which the water leaving the injector of the said supply system of the supply device acts on the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine in a casing placed under a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, in which the injector (401) passes from a closed state to an open state in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, fora maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, and in which the liquid leaving the injector touches one or more blades or buckets of the hydraulic turbine (1) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second.

18. The use according to claim 16, in which as long as the pressurised liquid does not leave the injector of the said supply system of the supply device to act on the blades and / or buckets of the hydraulic turbine, the casing (2) is maintained at a pressure of less than or equal to 50,000 Pa, advantageously less than or equal to 10,000 Pa, preferably less than or equal to 5,000 Pa, more preferably less than or equal to 2,000 Pa, in which the injector (401) passes from a closed state to an open state in less than 0.5 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second, advantageously in less than 0.01 second, preferably in less than 0.005 second, for a maximum supply period of at least 10 seconds, advantageously from 10 to 120 seconds, preferably from 10 to 30 seconds, in which, when the injector (401) passes from the closed state to the open state, the casing (2) is put under a pressure close to or equal to atmospheric pressure, andin which the liquid leaving the injector touches one or more blades or buckets of the hydraulic turbine (1) in less than 0.01 second, advantageously in less than 0.005 second.

19. The use according to claim 17 or 18, in which a measurable and stable torque is generated on the shaft of the turbine directly or indirectly driving the alternator in less than 50 milli seconds.

20. The use according to any one of the claims 16 to 19, wherein said at least one reservoir (50) contains as liquid an advantageously aqueous medium having a saturation vapour pressure at -10°C of less than 100 Pa, advantageously less than 50 Pa, preferably less than 30 Pa, said medium preferably being an aqueous medium comprising from 10 to 50% by weight of a compound selected from the group consisting of mono-ethylene glycol, di-ethylene glycol, tri-ethylene glycol, and mixtures thereof.

21. A method of retrofitting an uninterrupted power supply device of the dynamic type, with flywheel and synchronous alternator continuously coupled to the main power grid, in which the flywheel mounted to act on the alternator shaft is removed, and in which a system according to any one of the claims 1 to 14 is mounted, to convert it into a device according to claim 15.

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