Device for generating electrical energy and systems using said device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating electrical energy and systems using said device. The device (1) comprises a closed circuit (2) filled with a fluid and comprising: a main reservoir (3), with a central tubular portion (33) and an internal taper (34) at each of its ends (31, 32); an inertial body (4) arranged to be moveable along the central tubular portion (33), a movement of the inertial body (4) pushing the fluid in the direction of the movement; a return circuit (5) for establishing a fluid connection between the two ends (31, 32) outside the main reservoir (3); and a first turbine (6) provided outside the central tubular portion (33) and configured to rotate in response to at least one fluid stream direction; wherein said device (1) further comprises at least one electrical energy generator (8) connected to said first turbine (6).

Description

[0001] ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING DEVICE AND SYSTEMS THAT USE SAID DEVICE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The invention is situated in the field of electrical power generation, in particular from wave energy, as well as in other areas of application.

[0005] More specifically, the invention relates to an electrical power generating device.

[0006] The invention also relates to a system for generating electrical power from wave energy, as well as a hydroelectric power generation system, comprising said generating device.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Currently, several solutions exist for generating electricity from wave energy. For example, there are oscillating water column systems. These systems are partially submerged hollow structures that form an air chamber with an underwater opening. As the waves rise and fall, the air trapped inside the chamber is compressed and expanded, allowing the turbine to rotate and generate electricity. There are also systems like the one described in WO202218046, in which electricity is generated from a directional water flow. This system includes, among other things, an accumulation device supported by a floating element. Incoming water is channeled upwards and accumulated perpendicularly to the flow direction to form a stationary wave. This stationary wave is then directed towards a turbine located below it.

[0009] However, existing systems have numerous components exposed to the environment. This exposure can lead to deterioration of these components, especially in marine environments where seawater is highly corrosive. Another challenge in using wave energy for electricity generation is the stability and resilience of the systems to adverse conditions, such as storms, strong winds, and / or heavy swells.

[0010] ES2986237 discloses another invention for wave energy generation comprising a hull, for example, of a vessel. Inside this hull is located a mass that moves along a guide oriented from port to starboard, and an electrical power generator comprising a rotor. The mass is coupled to the rotor by means of a pulley mechanism that allows the displacement of the mass to be converted into rotor rotation. A controller is also included to adjust the rotor torque based on the instantaneous position of the mass, the instantaneous velocity of the mass, and the roll of the hull. The disclosed invention is intended to harness the roll of the hull due to the impact of waves, which causes changes in inclination that vary over time. The mass moves along the guide as a result of this movement, and the rotor transforms the kinetic energy of the mass into electrical energy.The invention can also be used in reverse, converting electrical energy into mass movement. However, while this solution appears suitable for small-scale use on boats, it does not seem to be scalable enough to generate large amounts of electrical energy.

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to have solutions that allow us to solve or minimize the problems mentioned above and that can be used in demanding environments such as energy generation in marine environments.

[0012] Description of the invention

[0013] The invention aims to provide an electrical power generating device of the type indicated at the beginning, which allows solving the problems mentioned above.

[0014] This purpose is achieved by means of an electrical power generating device of the type indicated at the beginning, characterized in that it comprises a closed circuit that is filled with a fluid and that comprises:

[0015] a main reservoir, extending between two ends and having a central tubular section; wherein said main reservoir has an internal narrowing at each of said ends with respect to said central tubular section; an inertia body, displaceably arranged along said central tubular section, such that said inertia body can be displaced in a first direction as a result of a first pitching motion of said main reservoir, and in a second direction, contrary to said first direction, as a result of a second pitching motion of said main reservoir, contrary to said first pitching motion; wherein a displacement of said inertia body pushes said fluid in the direction of said displacement, thereby creating a first fluid stream in said first direction or a second fluid stream in said second direction;

[0016] a return circuit, arranged to establish a fluid connection between said two ends, outside of said main reservoir; and

[0017] a first turbine provided outside said central tubular section of said main reservoir, configured to rotate before at least one of said first fluid stream and said second fluid stream;

[0018] wherein said device further comprises at least one electric power generator connected to said first turbine.

[0019] The closed circuit is filled with a fluid, preferably an incompressible liquid, most preferably water. An inertial body moves within the circuit, specifically within the main reservoir, when the device is subjected to a pitching motion, for example, when a wave passes. The term "pitching" is used for the sake of brevity and clarity in relation to the figures presented, although it is a purely arbitrary choice, and given the characteristics of the device, one could equally speak of "rolling" or simply "tilting." The expression "inertial body" has been used to describe an object of sufficient mass to create a fluid current as it moves.As it moves, this inertial body causes the fluid inside the circuit to move, pushing the fluid in front of it and drawing it in behind, thus generating a fluid flow. When the device is subjected to a pitching motion, for example, from a passing wave, the inertial body moves in one direction, pushing the fluid and creating a flow in that direction, and then in the opposite direction. This fluid flow rotates the turbine, and the motion is transmitted to the generator, which transforms it into electrical energy. In this way, the generating device has its main components within a closed circuit, which is not open to the environment and whose interior is not subject to potential corrosion problems due to water, particularly saltwater.The generator(s) can be arranged either inside the circuit (for example, isolated from the fluid if it is conductive) or outside of it. Therefore, it is a closed system that remains under controlled conditions despite external environmental factors.

[0020] In the device of the invention, the inertia body is not connected to the turbine nor does it directly cause the turbine to rotate. Instead, it generates fluid currents that, in turn, rotate the turbine to generate electrical energy. Therefore, two inertias are involved: that of the inertia body and that of the fluid. The potential energy gained during the initial pitching phase (for example, due to waves if the device is used for wave energy) affects both the inertia body and the mass of fluid behind it. As the pitching phase begins, both the mass of fluid in front of the inertia body and the mass of fluid behind it accelerate due to their own weight. Simultaneously, the inertia body itself pushes the fluid in front of it and draws in the fluid behind it.In this way, a large amount of kinetic energy is obtained, which would be difficult to manage in a device with a mechanism based on mechanical connections and intermediate stages, which are sources of losses and subject to wear. Furthermore, the central tubular section, which can have a larger diameter than the rest of the circuit, facilitates the incorporation of a very large and heavy inertial body, even weighing several tons. Thus, even a small displacement of this body generates a multiplying effect that results in a large fluid displacement, making it possible to generate electricity from small oscillations, for example, caused by small waves. The narrowings in the circuit cause an increase in fluid velocity, which further contributes to energy generation.This set of differentiating technical effects makes it possible to solve the problem of maximizing the electrical generation capacity and use of existing generators, for example, 20 MW generators. This is achieved even with a single device, so the overall footprint of the assembly is reduced compared to other systems known in the art.

[0021] Based on the invention defined in the main claim, preferred embodiments have been provided, the characteristics of which are set out in the dependent claims.

[0022] Preferably, the central tubular section is a cylindrical section with a central axis defining a longitudinal direction. Although forms in which the central tubular section has some curvature are possible, a straight section is preferred, as it allows for consistent direction of the fluid flow. The particular case of a cylindrical section with rotational symmetry is especially advantageous, since it allows the inertial body to have a spherical or cylindrical shape, for example.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the central tubular section is a curved section, preferably in the shape of an II. As mentioned above, the possibility of using a curved central tubular section may be convenient depending on the application and location of the device.

[0024] Preferably, the device further comprises a rocker arm that supports at least the central tubular section, preferably the closed circuit. This configuration has the advantage that it is the central tubular section (or the entire circuit) that rocks, while the inertial body remains practically centered, thus minimizing any effects resulting from a change in the center of mass due to longitudinal movement of the inertial body. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy required for the device to tilt is less, and even after this tilting ceases, the pendulum effect still maintains some tilting motion.

[0025] Preferably, at least one electric power generator is connected to said first turbine by means of a shaft.

[0026] Preferably, the device comprises at least a second turbine, so that the fluid flow can be better utilized. In a particularly advantageous manner, the first and second turbines are arranged in opposite directions to facilitate power generation regardless of the direction of the fluid flow.

[0027] Preferably, the first turbine, and preferably the second turbine as well, is each a bidirectional turbine, configured to rotate with either the first or second fluid flow. This option maximizes electricity generation since the turbine rotates regardless of the fluid flow direction.

[0028] Preferably, the first turbine, and, where applicable, the second turbine as well, are configured to always rotate in the same direction with respect to both the first and second fluid flows. To achieve this, a distributor can be used to appropriately alter the fluid flow to the turbine. This option maximizes electricity generation because the turbine rotates in the same direction regardless of the fluid flow direction. In particular, since the turbines always rotate in the same direction regardless of the flow direction, the fluid's inertia is utilized, and there are no moments of inertia without generating electricity.

[0029] Preferably, the first turbine, and preferably also the second turbine, is each provided with turbine blades configured to rotate in a single direction, each blade having two opposite faces. The device further comprises a distributor located upstream of the turbine blades. This distributor is provided with flow-altering means configured to create a pressure difference of the fluid between the opposite faces of the turbine blades in front of at least one of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream. Thus, the turbines, on their own, would only rotate in front of one of the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream; however, the distributor alters the flow so that even with the stream that would not generate flow, the turbine continues to rotate.This is achieved by directing the flow in such a way that a pressure difference is created between the opposite faces of the turbine blades, which causes a force that makes them rotate, through an effect equivalent to that used in the sails of boats or the lift in the wings of airplanes.

[0030] Preferably, these turbine blades have a cross-section with a first concavity, and the flow alteration means comprise fixed, radially arranged blades with a cross-section having a second concavity, the reverse of the first concavity. This alters the fluid flow to create the pressure difference between faces described above. For the sake of brevity, the term "concavity" is used to generally describe the concave or convex curvature of the elements, since the terms "concave" and "convex" are arbitrary depending on the chosen reference frame.

[0031] Preferably, the first turbine and, where applicable, the second turbine are Kaplan turbines, which are known to be among the most efficient axial-flow reaction water turbines, which is particularly advantageous for their arrangement within the closed circuit of the device of the invention, especially (although not exclusively) in the case where the internal fluid is water.

[0032] Preferably, the first turbine is located at the outlet of one end of the main tank and in fluid connection with it, and, if applicable, the second turbine is located at the outlet of the other end of the main tank and in fluid connection with it. This ensures that the turbines are outside the movement zone of the inertia body. Furthermore, the turbines' operation is enhanced by the fact that the internal constrictions at the ends of the main tank cause an increase in the fluid flow velocity, especially if these constrictions are not a single step but rather a gradual process, for example, with a truncated conical shape.

[0033] Preferably, the inertia body is either a sphere or a cylinder. In particular, the size of the inertia body is preferably selected to fit the internal walls of the central tubular section of the main tank, so that it can move freely inside while minimizing the effects of fluid backflow.

[0034] Preferably, said inertia body is arranged freely within said central tubular section of said main tank, which facilitates the manufacture of the device.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the central tubular section of the main tank incorporates guiding means for the inertia body. This option allows for more precise guidance of the inertia body, albeit at the cost of increased manufacturing complexity. Those skilled in the art will understand that this is only feasible for suitable inertia body shapes; for example, it can be provided for cylindrical bodies, but it is not advantageous a priori for spherical bodies.

[0036] Preferably, the narrowing at each end of the main tank comprises a funnel-shaped section extending from a first inner radius of the central tubular section to a second inner radius at the outlet of the main tank end; this narrowing section is preferably truncated conical in shape. This configuration improves fluid flow and increases fluid velocity.

[0037] Preferably, the main tank is provided with stop means configured to limit the range of movement of the inertia body along the central tubular section. This ensures that the inertia body does not strike the ends of the main tank, thus preventing any deformation thereof. Preferably, the device also comprises at least one additional inertia body, which may be advantageous depending on the volume of fluid to be displaced.

[0038] The invention also relates to a system for generating electrical power from wave energy comprising:

[0039] flotation devices; and

[0040] a device according to any one of the embodiments described above, wherein said device is attached to said flotation means.

[0041] Preferably, said flotation means comprise one of the following:

[0042] some floats;

[0043] a floating platform; and

[0044] a boat.

[0045] In this way, the device can float using floats, or use existing infrastructure to harness wave energy, for example, floating platforms or even boats.

[0046] Preferably, the system also includes at least one additional electrical power generating device, so that the complete system can generate more electrical power, or alternatively, smaller devices can be used instead of a larger, bulkier one. More preferably, each electrical power generating device is arranged in a different direction from the other devices. This configuration is particularly advantageous for systems exposed to waves that may come from different directions.

[0047] The invention also relates to a hydroelectric power generation system comprising:

[0048] a device according to any one of claims 1 to 13;

[0049] a first floodable tank, with a bottom at a first height;

[0050] a second floodable tank, with a bottom at a second height, lower than said first height;

[0051] a separation section between said first tank and said second tank; water transfer means, preferably a gate provided in said separation section, for passing water from said first tank to said second tank;

[0052] a first float assembly, provided within said first tank, comprising at least a first float and a first support attached to said first float at its lower part and to said device at its upper part; and

[0053] a second float assembly, provided within said second tank, comprising at least a second float and a second support attached to said second float at its lower part and to said device at its upper part;

[0054] said device arranged so that said central tubular section points from said first tank to said second tank, such that the alternating filling and emptying of said first tank and said second tank creates a pitching motion of said device.

[0055] In this way, as water passes from one tank to the other, the corresponding float assemblies rise and fall, producing a pitching motion of the generating device, which, as already described, uses this pitching motion for the generation of electrical energy.

[0056] The invention also encompasses other detailed features illustrated in the detailed description of one embodiment of the invention and in the accompanying figures.

[0057] Brief; on of the di

[0058]

[0059] The advantages and characteristics of the invention are appreciated from the following description in which, without limiting the scope of the main claim, preferred embodiments of the invention are set out, mentioning the figures.

[0060] All figures are schematic representations and should be understood as illustrative, not as faithful representations of the actual physical elements. For the same reason, some figures show elements in cross-section to facilitate the identification of internal components.

[0061] Fig. 1 is a top cross-sectional view of an electrical power generating device according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1.

[0062] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional front view of another embodiment of an electric power generating device according to the invention.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of one of the turbines with a distributor in front of it.

[0064] Fig. 5 is a front view of a distributor with fixed radial fins.

[0065] Figures 6 and 7 schematically show the rotation obtained in a turbine as a function of the fluid flow direction.

[0066] Fig. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of an electrical power generation system from wave energy according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0067] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the device in Fig. 8.

[0068] Fig. 10 is a representation of the wave energy power generation system of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 in use, when exposed to the pitching motion caused by the waves.

[0069] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 represent two pitching positions of a hydroelectric power generation system according to the invention.

[0070] Figures 13, 14, and 15 schematically show one embodiment of the generating device of the invention, in which the central section is curved and supported by a rocker arm. Figure 13 shows the rocker arm at rest, while Figures 14 and 15 show two states in which the amplitude is tilted.

[0071] Detailed description of some ways of carrying out the invention

[0072] Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an electrical power generating device 1 according to the invention. The device has a closed circuit 2 filled with a fluid which, in this embodiment, is water, although other fluids, particularly liquids or other fluids that are not easily compressible, may be used.

[0073] The closed circuit 2 comprises a main reservoir 3, extending between two ends 31, 32, and featuring a central tubular section 33. The main reservoir 3 has an internal constriction 34 at each of these ends 31, 32 relative to the central tubular section 33. In the first embodiment, the central tubular section 33 is cylindrical, and each constriction 34 has a truncated conical funnel shape, with a wider portion of larger radius in contact with the central tubular section 33 and a narrower portion of smaller radius in contact with the corresponding end 31, 32. Other embodiments are possible, for example, with a progressive funnel-like constriction 34, or even with an abrupt, step-like constriction 34.

[0074] Within the main tank 3, an inertia body 4 is provided, which, in the first embodiment, is a sphere of high mass, although other shapes for the inertia body 4 are possible, for example, a cylinder. This inertia body 4 has a radius slightly smaller than the radius of the central tubular section 33, so that it can move freely in the longitudinal direction along the interior of said central tubular section 33 but does not reach the ends 31, 32 of the main tank 3 due to the constriction 34. In this way, the inertia body 4 can move longitudinally in a first direction as a result of a first pitching motion of said central tank, and in a second direction, opposite to said first direction, as a result of a second pitching motion of said main tank 3, opposite to said first pitching motion. In Fig. 1 and Fig.The direction or directions of displacement of the inertia body 4 are indicated by a corresponding arrow. As it moves, the inertia body 4 transmits the motion to the fluid inside the closed circuit in the direction of this displacement, thus creating a first fluid flow in the first direction or a second fluid flow in the second direction, corresponding to the direction of displacement of the inertia body 4. This transmission of motion is generally achieved both by the fluid pushing in front of the inertia body 4 and by the fluid suction behind it. For the circulation of the internal fluid, the closed circuit 2 also has a return circuit 5, arranged to establish a fluidic connection between the two ends 31, 32 of the main tank 3, outside of it.Although embodiments with more or fewer turbines are possible, in the first embodiment, the device 1 features a first turbine 6 located outside the central tubular section 33 of the main tank 3, configured to rotate before at least one of the first and second fluid streams. A second turbine 7 is also provided, arranged in the opposite direction to the first turbine 6. In the first embodiment, both turbines are of the Kaplan type. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each turbine 6 and 7 is located at a respective outlet of one end 31 and 32 of the main tank 3 and is fluidically connected to it. Each turbine 6 and 7 is connected by a shaft to a respective electric power generator 8.Other embodiments are possible, for example, those in which the generator 8 is incorporated into the bulb of the turbine 6, 7. In order to use the same representation of the turbines 6, 7 for all embodiments, a schematic graphic representation resembling that of a Kaplan bulb turbine has been used in the figures. However, although Kaplan bulb turbines are a particularly advantageous possible embodiment, it should be noted that the graphic representation used is schematic and indicative of the element, not necessarily its physical form, for all claims.

[0075] The following are other embodiments of device 1 according to the invention that share many of the features described in the preceding paragraphs. Therefore, only the differentiating elements will be described hereafter, while reference is made to the description of the first embodiment for common elements.

[0076] In a second embodiment of device 1 shown in Fig. 3, the central tubular section 33 of the main tank 3 has a curved shape with a lower area in the center than on the outside.

[0077] In a third embodiment not shown in the figures, turbines 6, 7 are bidirectional and are configured to rotate in response to both the first and second fluid streams.

[0078] In a fourth embodiment not shown in the figures, the device 1 further comprises one or more additional inertia bodies. In a fifth embodiment not shown in the figures, the central tubular section 33 of said main tank 3 has guiding means for said inertia body 4. In this embodiment, the inertia body 4 has a cylindrical shape.

[0079] In a sixth embodiment not shown in the figures, the main tank 3 is provided with stop means configured to limit the displacement range of said inertia body 4 along said central tubular section 33.

[0080] Figures 4 to 7 show a seventh embodiment of device 1 of the invention in which a distributor 9 is arranged in front of each of the turbines 6, 7. As shown in Figure 4, each turbine 6, 7 is provided with turbine blades 10 configured to rotate in a single direction. Each turbine blade 10 has two opposite faces and a section with a first concavity. The corresponding distributor 9 is located in front of the turbine blades 10 and is configured to redirect the fluid flow so as to create a fluid pressure difference between the opposite faces of the turbine blades 10, opposite one of the directions of the fluid flow. In the case of the seventh embodiment, this is achieved by means of fixed fins 11 arranged radially and having a section with a second concavity, which is the reverse of the first concavity of the corresponding turbine fins 10.Thus, when the fluid flow is in the direction that causes the turbine 6, 7 to rotate directly, it rotates normally. However, when the fluid flow is in the opposite direction, the distributor 9 creates the pressure difference described above, pushing the vanes and causing the turbine 6, 7 to rotate in the same direction. This effect is illustrated schematically in Figures 6 and 7.

[0081] Figures 8 to 10 show one embodiment of a wave energy generation system 100 comprising flotation means 101 and a device 1 attached to the flotation means 101. The figures show a device 1 as in the first embodiment, although any of the described embodiments could be used. In the case shown, the flotation means 101 are floats, which allow the device 1 to float on the sea and harness the wave motion to generate electricity from wave energy, as depicted in Figure 10. Other embodiments can be envisioned in which the flotation means 101 are a floating platform or a vessel, as well as embodiments in which various devices 1 are used, oriented in the same or different directions, depending on the characteristics of the waves to be harnessed.Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation system 200 comprising a device 1 like any of those described above, although the figures show the device 1 of the first embodiment. The system 200 further features two floodable tanks 201, 202, each with its corresponding bottom at a corresponding height, which is lower for the second tank 202. A separating section 203 separates the two tanks 201, 202 and is provided with a gate 204 that allows water to flow from the first tank 201 to the second tank 202.

[0082] Each tank 201, 202 contains within it a corresponding float assembly 210, 220, each of which is provided in turn with a float 211, 221 and a support 212, 222. Each support 212, 222 is attached to the corresponding float 211, 212 at its lower part, and to device 1 at its upper part.

[0083] Device 1 is arranged so that its central tubular section 33 points from the first tank 201 to the second tank 202. In this way, the alternating filling and emptying of the first tank 201 and the second tank 202 creates a pitching motion of said device 1, as shown schematically in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12.

[0084] Fig. 13, Fig. 14 and Fig. 15 show an eighth embodiment of device 1 of the invention in which said central tubular section 33 is a U-shaped curved section, which further comprises a rocker arm 12 that supports the central tubular section 33, as well as the rest of the closed circuit (2).

Claims

1. CLAIMS 1. Electrical power generating device (1), characterized in that it comprises a closed circuit (2) filled with a fluid and comprising: a main tank (3), which extends between two ends (31, 32) and has a central tubular section (33); wherein said main tank (3) has an internal narrowing (34) at each of said ends (31, 32) with respect to said central tubular section (33); an inertial body (4), displaceable along said central tubular section (33), such that said inertial body (4) can be displaced in a first direction as a result of a first pitching motion of said central tank, and in a second direction, contrary to said first direction, as a result of a second pitching motion of said main tank (3), contrary to said first pitching motion; wherein a displacement of said inertial body (4) pushes said fluid in the direction of said displacement, thereby creating a first fluid stream in said first direction or a second fluid stream in said second direction; a return circuit (5), arranged to establish a fluid connection between said two ends (31, 32), outside of said main reservoir (3); and a first turbine (6) provided outside said central tubular section (33) of said main tank (3), configured to rotate before at least one of said first fluid stream and said second fluid stream; wherein said device (1) further comprises at least one electric power generator (8) connected to said first turbine (6).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said central tubular section (33) is a cylindrical section with a central axis that defines a longitudinal direction.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said central tubular section (33) is a curved section, preferably in the shape of II.

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, further comprising a rocker arm (12) supporting at least said central tubular section (33).

5. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one electric power generator (8) is connected to said first turbine (6) by means of a shaft.

6. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a second turbine (7), preferably said first turbine (6) and said second turbine (7) being arranged in opposite directions.

7. Device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first turbine (6) and, preferably, said second turbine (7), each is provided with turbine blades (10) configured to rotate in a single direction of rotation, each turbine blade (10) having two opposite faces; wherein said device (1) further comprises a distributor (9) provided in front of said turbine blades (10); said distributor (9) being provided with flow alteration means configured to cause a pressure difference of said fluid between said opposite faces of said turbine blades (10), in front of at least one of said first fluid stream and said second fluid stream.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein said turbine blades (10) have a section with a first concavity, and wherein said flow alteration means comprise fixed blades (11), arranged radially and having a section with a second concavity, the reverse of said first concavity.

9. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first turbine (6) and, where applicable, also said second turbine (7) are Kaplan type turbines.

10. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first turbine (6) and, if applicable, preferably also said second turbine (7), is each a bidirectional turbine configured to rotate in the presence of both said first fluid stream and said second fluid stream.

11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said first turbine (6) is arranged at the outlet of one of said ends (31, 32) of said main tank (3) and in fluid connection with said main tank (3) and, if applicable, said second turbine (7) is arranged at the outlet of the other of said ends (31, 32) of said main tank (3) and in fluid connection with said main tank (3).

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said inertia body (4) is one of a sphere and a cylinder.

13. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said inertia body (4) is freely disposed within said central tubular section (33) of said main tank (3).

14. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said central tubular section (33) of said main tank (3) has guiding means for said inertia body (4).

15. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said narrowing (34) at each of said ends (31, 32) of said main tank (3) comprises a funnel-shaped narrowing section extending from a first inner radius of said central tubular section (33) to a second inner radius at the outlet of said end (31, 32) of said main tank (3), preferably said narrowing section having a truncated conical shape.

16. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said main tank (3) is provided with stop means configured to limit the displacement range of said inertia body (4) along said central tubular section (33).

17. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising at least one additional inertia body.

18. System for generating electrical energy from wave energy (100) comprising: flotation devices (101); and a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, attached to said flotation means (101).

19. A system for generating electrical power from wave energy (100) according to claim 18, wherein said flotation means (101) comprise one of the following: floats; a floating platform; and a boat.

20. System for generating electrical energy from wave energy (100) according to any one of claims 18 or 19, further comprising at least one additional device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, preferably wherein each electrical energy generating device (1) is arranged in a different direction from the other devices (1).

21. Hydroelectric power generation system (200) comprising: a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17; a first floodable tank (201), with a bottom at a first height; a second floodable tank (202), with a bottom at a second height, lower than said first height; a separation section (203) between said first tank (201) and said second tank (202); some water transfer means (204), preferably a gate provided in said separation section (203), to transfer water from said first tank (201) to said second tank (202); a first float assembly (210), provided within said first tank (201), comprising at least a first float (211) and a first support (212) attached to said first float (211) at its lower part and to said device (1) at its upper part; and a second float assembly (220), provided within said second tank (202), comprising at least a second float (221) and a second support (222) attached to said second float (221) at its lower part and to said device (1) at its upper part; said device (1) arranged so that said central tubular section (33) points from said first tank (201) to said second tank (202), so that the alternating filling and emptying of said first tank (201) and said second tank (202) creates a pitching motion of said device (1).

Images