Method and Apparatus for Energy Generation

• US 20130333370A1
• Filed: 12/28/2011
• Published: 12/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited (SLB)
• Original Assignee: Cameron International Corporation (SLB)
• Inventors: Hopper, Hans P.
• Granted Patent: US 9,689,368 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 60/495
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 9/00 Water-power plants; Layout, construction or equipment, methods of, or apparatus for, making same
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 9/04 Free-flow canals or flumes; Intakes gratings or screens therefor E02B5/08
• CPC Class Codes: E02B 9/08 Tide or wave power plants water-pressure machines, tide or wave motors F03B
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 11/006 Sealing arrangements F03B3/14, F03B3/183, F03B13/083 takes precedence; sealings in general F16J
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/08 Machine or engine aggregates in dams or the like; Conduits therefor , e.g. diffusors bulb groups F03B13/105
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/26 using tide energy
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/264 using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 13/268 making use of a dam
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 15/14 by or of water level
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 17/063 the flow engaging parts having no movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 17/065 the flow engaging parts having a cyclic movement relative to the rotor during its rotation
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 3/12 Blades; Blade-carrying rotors
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 7/003 with buckets receiving the liquid
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/13 to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/40 Use of a multiplicity of similar components
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/20 Hydro energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/30 Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

Abstract

A system for the generation of energy from the flow of water in a body of water is provided, the system comprising a support assembly extending across at least a portion of the body of water; a generator assembly mounted in the support assembly, the generator assembly comprising a first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly, each rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub, the first and second rotor assemblies being arranged such that the volume swept by the blades of the first rotor assembly overlaps the volume swept by the blades of the second rotor assembly. The system may be used to generate energy, for example electricity. In addition, the system may be used to control the level of water on the upstream side of the installation, for example in the cases of flooding.

Claims

1. A system for the generation of energy from the flow of water in a body of water, the system comprising:

a support assembly extending across at least a portion of the body of water;

a generator assembly mounted in the support assembly, the generator assembly comprising a first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly, each rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub, the first and second rotor assemblies being arranged such that the volume swept by the blades of the first rotor assembly overlaps the volume swept by the blades of the second rotor assembly.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises a fixed structure extending from the bed of the body of water.

3. The system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of generator assemblies.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly extends across the body of water.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the banks of the body of water.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the normal flow of water in the body of water.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising means to limit the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly, to thereby control the water level upstream of the system.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the inner portion of each blade is spaced from the axis of rotation of the hub, providing an annular cavity between the inner portions of the blades and the inner portion of the hub.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the hub comprises an opening connecting each blade cavity with the annular cavity, to allow water to flow therethrough.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the hub comprises an inner hub portion and a plurality of plates extending radially outwards from the inner hub, each blade being mounted at its inner portion to the outer edge of the plates.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein means are provide to selectively close the openings in the hub to prevent water flowing therethrough.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the blades are substantially planar.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the blades are provided with a curved portion at their radially inner edge and/or outer edge.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the generator assembly is disposed in a conduit extending through the support assembly.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially parallel with the general direction of flow of the water.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the rotor assemblies are arranged to extend on a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the rotor assemblies extend across the width of the conduit, thereby presenting an obstacle to the flow of water therealong.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the opposing sides of the conduit are each provided with a seal assembly to cooperate with the outer edges of the blades.

19. The system according to claim 17, wherein the outer edges of the blades are provided with seals.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein a seal assembly is disposed on the upstream side of the rotor assemblies to prevent water entering the overlapping swept volume of the rotor assemblies.

21. The system according to claim 1, wherein a seal assembly is disposed on the downstream side of the rotor assemblies to prevent water entering the overlapping swept volume of the rotor assemblies.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein a flow guide assembly is disposed on the upstream side of the rotor assemblies to direct water onto the upstream blades of the rotor assemblies at an angle to the general direction of flow of the water.

23. The system according to claim 1, wherein a flow guide assembly is disposed on the downstream side of the rotor assemblies to direct water onto the upstream blades of the rotor assemblies at an angle to the general direction of flow of the water.

24. A system for the generation of energy from the flow of water, the system comprising:

a support assembly extending across at least a portion of the body of water;

a generator assembly mounted in the support assembly, the generator assembly comprising a rotor assembly the rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub, adjacent blades of the rotor assembly defining between them a blade cavity;

wherein the hub comprises a cavity through which water may flow from a first blade cavity of the rotor assembly to a second blade cavity of the rotor assembly through the hub.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the support assembly comprises a fixed structure extending from the bed of the body of water.

26. The system according to claim 24, comprising a plurality of generator assemblies.

27. The system according to claim 25, wherein the support assembly extends across the body of water.

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the banks of the body of water.

29. The system according to claim 25, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the normal flow of water in the body of water.

30. The system of claim 25, further comprising means to limit the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly, to thereby control the water level upstream of the system.

31. The system according to claim 25, wherein the inner portion of each blade is spaced from the axis of rotation of the hub, providing an annular cavity between the inner portions of the blades and the inner portion of the hub.

32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the hub comprises an opening connecting each blade cavity with the annular cavity, to allow water to flow therethrough.

33. The system according to claim 31, wherein the hub comprises an inner hub portion and a plurality of outer plates extending radially outwards from the inner hub, each blade being mounted at its inner portion to the outer edge of the plates.

34. The system according to claim 31, wherein means are provide to selectively close the openings in the hub to prevent water flowing therethrough.

35. The system according to claim 24, wherein the blades are substantially planar.

36. The system according to claim 24, wherein the blades are provided with a curved portion at their radially inner edge and/or outer edge.

37. The system according to claim 24, wherein the generator assembly is disposed in a conduit extending through the support assembly.

38. The system according to claim 37, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially parallel with the general direction of flow of the water.

39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the system comprises two rotor assemblies disposed within the conduit, the rotor assemblies being arranged to extend on a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

40. The system according to claim 37, wherein the rotor assemblies extend across the width of the conduit, thereby presenting an obstacle to the flow of water therealong.

41. The system according to claim 40, wherein the opposing sides of the conduit are each provided with a seal assembly to cooperate with the outer edges of the blades.

42. The system according to claim 24, wherein the outer edges of the blades are provided with seals.

43. A system for the generation of energy from the flow of water, the system comprising:

a support assembly extending across at least a portion of the body of water;

a generator assembly mounted in the support assembly, the generator assembly comprising a first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly, each rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub; and

a flow guide disposed upstream of and between the two rotor assemblies, the flow guide having respective first and second guide surfaces for directing a flow of water onto the blades of each of the first and second rotor assemblies.

44. The system according to claim 43, wherein the support assembly comprises a fixed structure extending from the bed of the body of water.

45. The system according to claim 43, comprising a plurality of generator assemblies.

46. The system according to claim 43, wherein the support assembly extends across the body of water.

47. The system according to claim 46, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the banks of the body of water.

48. The system according to claim 43, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the normal flow of water in the body of water.

49. The system of claim 43, further comprising means to limit the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly, to thereby control the water level upstream of the system.

50. The system according to claim 43, wherein the inner portion of each blade is spaced from the axis of rotation of the hub, providing an annular cavity between the inner portions of the blades and the inner portion of the hub.

51. The system according to claim 50, wherein the hub comprises an opening connecting each blade cavity with the annular cavity, to allow water to flow therethrough.

52. The system according to claim 50, wherein the hub comprises an inner hub portion and a plurality of plates extending radially outwards from the inner hub, each blade being mounted at its inner portion to the outer edge of the plates.

53. The system according to claim 50, wherein means are provide to selectively close the openings in the hub to prevent water flowing therethrough.

54. The system according to claim 43, wherein the blades are substantially planar.

55. The system according to claim 43, wherein the blades are provided with a curved portion at their radially inner edge and/or outer edge.

56. The system according to claim 43, wherein the generator assembly is disposed in a conduit extending through the support assembly.

57. The system according to claim 56, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially parallel with the general direction of flow of the water.

58. The system according to claim 57, wherein the rotor assemblies are arranged to extend on a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

59. The system according to claim 56, wherein the rotor assemblies extend across the width of the conduit, thereby presenting an obstacle to the flow of water therealong.

60. The system according to claim 59, wherein the opposing sides of the conduit are each provided with a seal assembly to cooperate with the outer edges of the blades.

61. The system according to claim 43, wherein the outer edges of the blades are provided with seals.

62. The system according to claim 43, wherein a seal assembly is disposed on the upstream side of the rotor assemblies to prevent water entering the overlapping swept volume of the rotor assemblies.

63. The system according to claim 43, wherein a seal assembly is disposed on the downstream side of the rotor assemblies to prevent water entering the overlapping swept volume of the rotor assemblies.

64. The system according to claim 43, further comprising a flow guide disposed downstream of and between the two rotor assemblies, the flow guide having respective first and second guide surfaces for directing a flow of water onto the blades of each of the first and second rotor assemblies.

65. The system according to claim 43, comprising first and second rotor assemblies, the flow guide being provided with first and second guide surfaces for directing water onto the blades of the respective first and second rotor assemblies.

66. The system according to claim 65, wherein the first and second guide surfaces are arranged symmetrically about the flow guide.

67. A system for the generation of energy from the flow of water, the system comprising:

a support assembly extending across at least a portion of the body of water;

a generator assembly mounted in the support assembly, the generator assembly comprising a rotor assembly the rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub;

wherein the blades are pivotably mounted to the hub and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position as the rotor assembly rotates.

68. The system according to claim 67, wherein the support assembly comprises a fixed structure extending from the bed of the body of water.

69. The system according to claim 67, comprising a plurality of generator assemblies.

70. The system according to claim 67, wherein the support assembly extends across the body of water.

71. The system according to claim 70, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the banks of the body of water.

72. The system according to claim 67, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the normal flow of water in the body of water.

73. The system of claim 67, further comprising means to limit the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly, to thereby control the water level upstream of the system.

74. The system according to claim 67, wherein the inner portion of each blade is spaced from the axis of rotation of the hub, providing an annular cavity between the inner portions of the blades and the inner portion of the hub.

75. The system according to claim 74, wherein the hub comprises an opening connecting each blade cavity with the annular cavity, to allow water to flow therethrough.

76. The system according to claim 74, wherein the hub comprises an inner hub portion and a plurality of plates extending radially outwards from the inner hub, each blade being mounted at its inner portion to the outer edge of the plates.

77. The system according to claim 74, wherein means are provide to selectively close the openings in the hub to prevent water flowing therethrough.

78. The system according to claim 67, wherein the blades are substantially planar.

79. The system according to claim 67, wherein the blades are provided with a curved portion at their radially inner edge and/or outer edge.

80. The system according to claim 67, wherein the generator assembly is disposed in a conduit extending through the support assembly.

81. The system according to claim 80, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially parallel with the general direction of flow of the water.

82. The system according to claim 81, wherein the rotor assemblies are arranged to extend on a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

83. The system according to claim 80, wherein the rotor assemblies extend across the width of the conduit, thereby presenting an obstacle to the flow of water therealong.

84. The system according to claim 83, wherein the opposing sides of the conduit are each provided with a seal assembly to cooperate with the outer edges of the blades.

85. The system according to claim 67, wherein the outer edges of the blades are provided with seals.

86. The system according to claim 67, wherein the blades are free-moving about the pivotal mounting.

87. The system according to claim 86, wherein the blades are arranged to approach the upstream position in the retracted position and be moved to the extended position under the action of water.

88. The system according to claim 87, further comprising a guide having a surface contacted by the blades as they move past the downstream position, the guide urging the blades into the retracted position.

89. The system according to claim 67, wherein the position of the blades is controlled by a control means.

90. The system according to claim 89, wherein the control means comprises a cam.

91. The system according to claim 90, wherein the control means further comprises a lever extending from each blade to contact the cam.

92. A system for the control of the water level upstream of the system, the system comprising:

a support assembly having a conduit through which the water may flow;

a rotor assembly disposed in the conduit, the rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub;

the conduit comprising first and second opposing surfaces contacted by the radially outer edge regions of each blade as the rotor assembly rotates, whereby there is at least one position of the rotor assembly when a blade is in contact with each of the first and second opposing surfaces;

means for controlling the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly.

93. The system according to claim 92, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the banks of the body of water.

94. The system according to claim 92, wherein the support assembly extends substantially perpendicular to the normal flow of water in the body of water.

95. The system according to claim 92, wherein the inner portion of each blade is spaced from the axis of rotation of the hub, providing an annular cavity between the inner portions of the blades and the inner portion of the hub.

96. The system according to claim 95, wherein the hub comprises an opening connecting each blade cavity with the annular cavity, to allow water to flow therethrough.

97. The system according to claim 95, wherein the hub comprises an inner hub portion and a plurality of plates extending radially outwards from the inner hub, each blade being mounted at its inner portion to the outer edge of the plates.

98. The system according to claim 95, wherein means are provide to selectively close the openings in the hub to prevent water flowing therethrough.

99. The system according to claim 92, wherein the blades are substantially planar.

100. The system according to claim 92, wherein the blades are provided with a curved portion at their radially inner edge and/or outer edge.

101. The system according to claim 92, wherein the longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially parallel with the general direction of flow of the water.

102. The system according to claim 101, wherein the system comprises a plurality of rotor assembly, the rotor assemblies being arranged to extend on a line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit.

103. The system according to claim 102, wherein the rotor assemblies extend across the width of the conduit, thereby presenting an obstacle to the flow of water therealong.

104. The system according to claim 92, wherein the opposing sides of the conduit are each provided with a seal assembly to cooperate with the outer edges of the blades.

105. The system according to claim 92, wherein the outer edges of the blades are provided with seals.

106. The system according to claim 92, wherein the means for controlling the rotation of the rotor assembly comprises a means for generating energy.

107. The system according to claim 92, further comprising means for rotating the rotor assembly.

108. A method for controlling the water level of a flowing body of water, the method comprising:

providing an obstacle to the flow of water;

providing a conduit in the obstacle for the passage of water therethrough;

providing a rotor assembly in the conduit, the rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub;

the conduit comprising first and second opposing surfaces contacted by the radially outer edge regions of each blade as the rotor assembly rotates, whereby there is at least one position of the rotor assembly when a blade is in contact with each of the first and second opposing surfaces; and

controlling the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly.

109. A barrage extending in a flowing body of water, the barrage comprising one or more conduits therethrough for allowing the passage of water through the barrage, the or each conduit being provided with a generator assembly comprising a rotor assembly;

the rotor assembly comprising a vertical hub rotatable about a vertical axis and a plurality of vertical blades extending radially from the hub.

110-113. -113. (canceled)