FR2869068A1 - Turbomachine for use in e.g. wind turbine, has fluid deflecting unit with deflector that is delimited by lateral deflecting surface presenting concavity turned towards upstream of fluid flow - Google Patents

Abstract

The turbomachine has a fluid deflecting unit including a deflector (1) that is delimited by a lateral deflecting surface (11) enclosing a rotational axis (X). The surface presents a concavity turned towards upstream of fluid flow, and extends along fluid flow direction from upstream to downstream ends (111, 112). The surface is pierced with an ejecting louver (110) through which the fluid is ejected along a tangential direction (T).

Description

TURBOMACHINE WITH LIQUID OR GASEOUS DRIVE

AND HIGH YIELD

  The invention generally relates to techniques for converting the kinetic energy of a fluid into another form of energy, for example electrical energy.

  More specifically, the invention relates to a turbomachine driven in operation by an oriented flow of fluid, from upstream to downstream, in a first direction, this turbomachine comprising fluid deflection means mounted to rotate around a first axis extending in the first direction.

  The field of turbomachinery is very vast, since it covers both windmills known for centuries and the most sophisticated modern hydraulic turbines.

  In spite of the age of this field, improvements still have to be made on the efficiency of the turbomachines, and in particular those which are more particularly adapted to a subsonic flow.

  In this context, the purpose of the invention is precisely to propose a turbomachine which, while having a relatively simple and compact structure, offers a relatively high efficiency.

  To this end, the turbomachine of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the deflection means comprise a tangential flow deflector delimited by a first lateral surface. deflection member surrounding the first axis of rotation, having a concavity facing upstream of the flow, extending in the first direction between an upstream end and a downstream end, and pierced with at least one ejection port by wherein the fluid is, in operation, ejected in a non-radial direction relative to the first axis.

  It may be advantageous to provide that the deflection means further comprise a first helix rotatably connected to the deflector.

  Preferably, the first deflection lateral surface is formed of a plurality of surface elements comprising at least two adjacent surface elements, the neighboring surface elements being separated from each other by an ejection hole.

  Moreover, the first helix and the first deflection lateral surface are advantageously shaped to deflect the flow of fluid in the same direction perpendicular to a radial direction.

  The first propeller can be mounted upstream of the baffle in the direction of flow, which however does not prejudge the possible use of a propeller downstream of the deflector.

  In an embodiment easy to manufacture, the first propeller has a hub integral with a shaft rotatably mounted about the first axis, and at least two blades whose respective ends spaced from the first axis support the first lateral deflection surface and the connect to the tree.

  The first deflection lateral surface may be cylindrical, conical, conical or domed.

  The turbomachine of the invention may comprise a support on which the deflection means are mounted to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first, and comprise a downstream drift extending in a plane passing through the first axis.

  In this case, it can also be provided that it also comprises a plate through which the deflection means are rotatably mounted about the second axis and with respect to which these deflection means are mounted to pivot about a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, and that it also comprises a fluid resistance surface remote from the third axis, and an elastic return member opposing the force exerted by the fluid on the surface resistance, which results in a feathering of the turbomachine in case of high speed flow.

  The engine torque offered by the turbomachine can be increased by providing the latter with a funnel mounted upstream of the first lateral deflection surface in the direction of flow, this funnel being fixed or mounted to rotate about the first axis and possibly itself equipped with a propeller.

  Another way of increasing the engine torque of the turbomachine may also consist in equipping the latter with a cap open at both ends and at least partially enveloping the first lateral deflection surface, this cap being able in turn to be fixed or mounted rotating about the first axis.

  For example, the cap forms a second lateral deflection surface and has openings opening in the same direction as the openings of the first lateral deflection surface or in the opposite direction, this cap can also form a sleeve provided with internal radial fins arranged parallel to the first axis.

  In general, it is advisable to provide that the deflector has, at its downstream end with respect to the flow, a bottom traversed by the shaft and adopting, for example, a configuration of conical shape, of flat shape, of fixed shape, mobile form, and / or blade-shaped.

  The turbomachine of the invention may also comprise a plurality of deflectors arranged on the same structure and rotating about respective first substantially parallel axes.

  Although the turbomachine of the invention can be used to provide an immediate use mechanical energy, for example to operate a pump, it can also include an electrical generator driven in rotation by at least one deflector and thus convert the kinetic energy a gas or liquid flow in electrical energy.

  Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a turbomachine according to a first possible embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a turbomachine according to a second possible embodiment of the invention; - Figure 3 is a perspective view of a subset of a turbomachine according to a third possible embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a turbomachine according to a fourth possible embodiment of the invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic and simplified front view of a turbomachine according to a fifth possible embodiment of the invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic and simplified front view of a turbomachine according to a sixth possible embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic and simplified front view of a turbomachine according to a seventh possible embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 8A, 9A and 10A are diagrammatic front views of three possible embodiments of the bottom of a deflector used in a turbomachine according to the invention; Figs. 8B, 9B, and 10B are side views of the bottoms respectively shown in Figs. 8A, 9A, and 10A; and FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a turbomachine according to a last possible embodiment of the invention.

  As previously announced, the invention relates to a turbomachine intended to be driven by a flowing fluid, from upstream Am downstream Av, in a direction D1, this fluid being able to be constituted by a gas such as air or vapor, only by a liquid such as water.

  To this end, this turbomachine comprises, in a manner known per se, fluid deflection means which are rotatably mounted around an axis X ideally parallel to the direction D1 of the fluid flow under normal operating conditions, and which form, vis-à-vis the flow of fluid, an obstacle that the fluid bypasses yielding part of its kinetic energy.

  According to the invention, these deflection means comprise a rotary deflector 1 designed to deflect the fluid along a direction T (FIG. 1) which clearly deviates from the radial direction R passing through the axis X, this direction T being preferably tangentially, that is to say perpendicular to the radial direction R. More specifically, the deflector 1 is delimited by a lateral deflection surface 11 which surrounds the axis of rotation X, which has a concavity facing upstream Am the flow, which extends in the direction D1 of the flow from its upstream end 111 to its downstream end 112, and which is pierced by one or more ejection ports 110 through which the fluid flowing is ejected in the direction T. The deflection lateral surface 11 is for example formed of a plurality of surface elements, such as 11a to 11d, arranged in such a way that the surface elements of each pair of elements d The adjacent surfaces, such as 11a and 11b, are separated from one another by an ejection hole 110, the different openings being or not parallel to each other.

  The lateral deflection surface 11 may in particular be shaped as a truncated cone (FIG. 1), as a cylinder 20 (FIG. 2), as a dome (FIG. 3), or as a cone.

  In addition to the deflector 1, the deflection means may comprise one or more helices rotatably connected to the deflector 1 and in particular a propeller 21 mounted upstream of the deflector in the direction of flow of the fluid.

  The deflector 1 and the propeller 21 are for example made of metal, such as aluminum, or a molded or injected synthetic material or a composite material.

  The propeller 21 and the lateral deflection surface 11 are shaped to deflect the fluid flow in the same direction T, that is to say along a direction which, at each point of this helix 21 and of this surface 11 , is perpendicular to the radial direction R passing through this point.

  As shown in Figure 1, the propeller 21 has a hub 210 secured to a shaft 3 rotatably mounted about the axis X on a cradle 700, and several blades 211 whose respective ends 211e, distant from the X axis, support the lateral deflection surface 11 and connect it to the shaft 3.

  In the case where the turbine engine is intended to produce electrical energy, it comprises an electric generator 8 rotated by the deflector 1 and the propeller 21 via the shaft 3.

  The turbomachine of the invention may further comprise a support 70, or pylon, on which the deflector 1 and the propeller 21 are rotatably mounted, by means of a thrust bearing 72, around a second axis Z perpendicular to the axis X. A drift 41, extending in a plane passing through the axes X and Y, is for example fixed on the cradle 700 downstream of the deflector 1 to orient the axis of rotation X parallel to the direction D1 of flow.

  As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the deflector 1 and the propeller 21 can be rotatably mounted about the Z axis not only via the cradle 700, but also via a plate 42 , and the crew comprising the cradle 700, the deflector 1 and the propeller 21 may be pivotally mounted, relative to the plate 42, around a third axis Y perpendicular to the first and second axes X and Z. Moreover , the fin 41 may be provided with a surface 43 of resistance to fluid flow disposed beyond the Y axis relative to the plate 42, this plate being itself connected to the cradle 700 by a spring of traction 44.

  Thanks to this arrangement, a fluid flow of excessively high intensity, for example a storm if the turbine engine is used in a wind turbine, applies on the surface 43 a thrust greater than the restoring force exerted by the spring 44, so that the crew comprising the cradle 700, the deflector 1 and the propeller 21 pivots about the Y axis, thereby reducing the torque exerted by the fluid flow on the deflector 1 and the propeller 21.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a funnel 5 can be mounted upstream of the deflector 1 in the direction of flow to increase the pressure of the fluid admitted inside the lateral deflection surface 11.

  This funnel, which can be fixed or connected in rotation with the deflector 1, can in this case itself be equipped with a propeller 51.

  As shown elsewhere in FIGS. 5 to 7, the turbomachine of the invention may further comprise a cap 6 open at its two ends and completely or completely enveloping the lateral surface of deflection 11.

  This cap 6 can be fixedly mounted in rotation, or free to rotate about the X axis. For example, the cap 6 can be rotatably mounted around the X axis (FIG. 5), forming a second lateral surface. deflection surrounding the first, and have gills 60 opening in the same direction as the gills 110 of the first deflection lateral surface 11, so that the deflector 1 and the cap 6 rotate in the same direction of rotation S. The cap 6 can also be mounted free to rotate about the X axis (Figure 6), forming a second lateral deflection surface surrounding the first, and have gills 60 opening in the opposite direction of the gills 110 of the first deflection lateral surface 11 , so that the deflector 1 and the cap 6 rotate in the respective inverse directions of rotation, S and S '.

  The cap 6 may further form a sleeve (FIG. 7) provided with internal radial fins 61 arranged parallel to the axis X, this cap then being fixed or rotatable in the opposite direction S 'of the direction of rotation S of the deflector 1.

  As shown in Figures 8A to 10B, the baffle 1 has, at its downstream end relative to the flow, a bottom 100 which is traversed by the shaft 3 and which can adopt a large number of different possible configurations.

  For example, this bottom may be constituted by a fixed and conical shape reel, having blades as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

  The bottom 100 may also be of flat and fixed shape, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  This bottom 100 may still have a movable shape, and for example comprise a folding flap as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the resistance offered by the bottom 100 to the fluid flow can then decrease as a function of the speed of this fluid.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 11, the turbomachine may comprise a plurality of deflectors 1 arranged on the same structure 71 and rotating about respective substantially parallel axes X, the shafts of these deflectors preferably being coupled in rotation.

  The turbomachine of the invention can be made in a small footprint, is silent in operation, and, in the case where it is used in a wind turbine, easily integrates with the landscape in which it is used.

  It can thus be placed, in particular: - in the marine environment, on a boat or any other marine gear; - in wooded areas, with no negative impact on ecology as it is not very visible, silent and non-polluting; - in urban areas, for example on a roof, a chimney, a wall; - in all environments, on all vehicles, wheeled vehicles, flying, aircrafts, (aircraft, boats, cars, cycles, etc ...).

Claims (18)

CLAIMS.   1. Turbomachine driven in operation by an oriented flow of fluid, from upstream (Am) downstream (Av), in a first direction (Dl), the turbomachine comprising fluid deflection means mounted to rotate around a first axis (X) extending in the first direction (D1), characterized in that the deflection means comprise a tangential flow deflector (1) defined by a first deflection lateral surface (11) surrounding the first axis rotation member (X) having a concavity facing upstream of the flow, extending in the first direction (D1) between an upstream end (111) and a downstream end (112), and pierced by at least an ejection hole (110) through which the fluid is, in operation, ejected in a direction (T) non-radial with respect to the first axis (X).   2. The turbomachine according to claim 1, characterized in that the deflection means further comprises a first propeller (21) rotatably connected to the deflector (1).   Turbine engine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first deflection surface (11) is formed of a plurality of surface elements (11a-11d) comprising at least two adjacent surface elements ( 11a, 11b), the neighboring surface elements (11a, 11b) being separated from each other by an ejection port (110).   4. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 2, characterized in that the first propeller (21) and the first lateral deflection surface (11) divert the fluid flow in the same direction (T) perpendicular to a radial direction (R).   5. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 2, characterized in that the first propeller (21) is mounted upstream of the deflector (1) in the direction of flow.   6. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 2, characterized in that the first propeller (21) has a hub (210) integral with a shaft (3) rotatably mounted about the first axis (X ), and at least two blades (211) whose respective ends (211e) remote from the first axis (X) support the first lateral deflection surface (11) and connect it to the shaft (3).   7. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lateral deflection surface (11) is shaped as a cylinder, cone frustum, cone or dome.   8. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a support (70) on which the deflection means (1, 21) are rotatably mounted about a second axis (Z). perpendicular to the first axis (X) and comprises a downstream drift (41) extending in a plane passing through the first axis (X).   9. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a plate (42) through which the deflection means (1, 21) are rotatably mounted. about the second axis (Z) and with respect to which these deflection means (1, 21) are pivotally mounted about a third axis (Y) perpendicular to the first and second axes (X, Z), and that this turbomachine further comprises a surface (43) of resistance to fluid flow remote from the third axis (Y), and an elastic return member (44) opposing the force exerted by the fluid on the resistance surface (43), which results in a feathering of the turbomachine in case of fluid flow at high speed.   10. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a funnel (5) mounted upstream of the first lateral deflection surface (11) in the direction of flow.   11. The turbomachine according to claim 10, characterized in that the funnel (5) is rotatably mounted about the first axis (X) and possibly itself equipped with a propeller (51).   12. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a cap (6) open at both ends and at least partially enveloping the first deflection lateral surface (11).   Turbine engine according to Claim 12, characterized in that the cap (6) is rotatably mounted about the first axis (X).   14. Turbomachine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cap (6) forms a second lateral deflection surface and has openings (60) opening in the same direction as the gills (110) of the first lateral surface of deflection (11) or in the opposite direction.   15. Turbomachine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the cap (6) forms a sleeve provided with internal radial fins (61) arranged parallel to the first axis (X).   16. A turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 6, characterized in that the deflector (1) has, at its downstream end with respect to the flow, a bottom (100) traversed by the shaft ( 3) and adopting a configuration of conical shape, of flat shape, of fixed shape, of mobile form, and / or blade-shaped.   17. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of baffles (1) arranged on the same structure (71) and rotating about respective first axes (X) substantially parallel.   18. Turbomachine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an electric generator (8) driven in rotation by at least one baffle (1).