WO2013014398A1

WO2013014398A1 - Device for securing a wind turbine to the ground

Info

Publication number: WO2013014398A1
Application number: PCT/FR2012/051782
Authority: WO
Inventors: Damien Lemercier
Original assignee: Revolin Technologies
Priority date: 2011-07-28
Filing date: 2012-07-26
Publication date: 2013-01-31
Also published as: FR2978504B1; FR2978504A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns the field of supports for mechanical elements in motion and in particular for elements in rotational motion such as wind turbines. It relates in particular to a device intended to secure a wind turbine to the ground, without foundations and at low cost, both when stopped and when in operating position. Said device is comprised of a flexible and sealed envelope (1) resting on the ground, said envelope being filled with a mass of heavy liquid (2). The wind turbine is secured in position on this envelope by a suitable support (3). The liquid contained in the envelope secures said support (3) and said wind turbine (4) in the work position by means of the pressures it exerts on the envelope (1) and support (3).

Description

DEVICE FOR MAINTAINING THE GROUND OF A WIND GENERATOR

The invention relates to the field of supports for moving mechanical elements and in particular for rotating elements such as wind generators. It relates more particularly to a device for maintaining on the ground, without foundation and low cost, both at a standstill and in operating position, a wind generator. Said device consists of a flexible and waterproof envelope (1) resting on the ground, which envelope is filled with a mass of heavy liquid (2). The wind generator is held in position on the envelope by a suitable support. The liquid contained by the envelope, by the pressures it exerts on the envelope (1) and the support (3), maintains in the working position the support (3) and the wind generator (4).

Wind generators or wind turbines are an interesting alternative to the use of fossil fuels. In fact, wind and turbulence, which are the energy sources of such wind generators, are converted into another energy of interest, particularly electricity. To make the most of the wind and turbulence capabilities, it is important to select the area where such wind generators are located and to adapt the equipment to the wind conditions (wind direction, average force, etc.).

In the construction of a wind turbine, among the most expensive substations is the construction of suitable foundations and the cost of transporting the equipment from its place of production to the location of the wind generator, particularly for machines of small sizes.

By "wind generator" is meant throughout the present description, a device capable of transforming the wind energy into another form of energy. Mainly and without limitation, wind generators produce either electrical energy or mechanical energy in the form of pumping.

By "wind turbine" is meant throughout the present description, a device combining a wind generator and a device that connects said wind generator on the ground or on any other flat support.

By small wind generators, in this description is meant the range of wind generators of less than 250 kW and more than 20 W.

So far two types of solutions have been made to the problem of grounding, both at a standstill and in the operating position, of a wind generator. On the one hand, removable structures as described for example in the patent application FR896143. Such structures make it easier to transport the wind turbine from its place of production to its place of operation. The disadvantage of this type of invention is that the establishment of such a wind turbine always requires the realization of foundations, which is long and expensive. On the other hand, structures such as that described for example in DE459035 patent can reduce the costs of the foundations of these systems. But they are not adaptable to all types of terrain and still require civil works. The present description is accompanied by various figures which illustrate the invention and are in no way limiting. Fig. 1 represents the device according to the invention in front view.

Fig. 2 shows in a variant, a flexible component (5) which connects the support (3) to the casing (1) by means of eyecups (16) for fixing the flexible component (5) on the support (3).

Fig. 3 represents the volume variations experienced by the envelope (1).

Fig. 4 shows in profile view, according to a particular embodiment, a pocket, folded on itself by means of an elastic cord (6), fixed between said pocket and 1 'envelope (1).

FIG. 5 shows in a profile view, according to a particular embodiment, a device according to the invention in which the support (3) consists of a structure s' supporting at several points on the envelope (1) and making office mast or support to the wind generator (4).

Fig. 6 shows in profile view, according to a particular embodiment, a device according to the invention in which the casing (1) and the rigid supports (8) react to compression due to a torque on the axis of the wind generator .

Fig. 7 shows, in a cavalier view, a particular embodiment in which the device according to the invention is equipped with a wind generator Savonius type.

Fig. 8 shows in profile view, according to a particular embodiment, a device according to the invention in which at least one cable (12) is replaced by a rigid piece so as to form a horizontal arm (14) transmitting a part of the stress to the axis (9).

Fig. 9 represents another embodiment according to the invention in which the envelope (1) contains at least one flexible and watertight envelope (15) connected to the envelope (1)

Fig. 10 represents the main indicative dimensions of a wind turbine provided with the device according to the invention as described in the particular embodiments.

The present invention describes a device for holding in place a wind generator both at a standstill and in the operating position. The device according to the invention makes it possible to remedy the various transportation problems while reducing the cost of manufacturing the wind turbine because there is no need to carry out civil engineering work.

This device makes it possible to maintain the wind generator on the ground and in the operating position, without foundations. The device according to the invention comprises: - a flexible and waterproof envelope (1) resting on the ground; and

a mass of liquid (2) weighing contained in the envelope (1); and

a support (3) fixed on the envelope;

so that the weight of the liquid, by the pressures it exerts on the casing (1) and the support (3), maintains in the working position the support (3) on which the wind generator (4) is fixed. ).

The envelope (1) can be made in a textile or non-textile membrane. Non-limitingly, all soft materials such as polymer membranes are considered non-textile membranes.

The liquid (2) that fills the envelope (1) is essentially composed of an incompressible fluid. By incompressible fluid is meant any formless material whose volume is almost constant. According to a particular embodiment, the liquid (2) is composed of an aqueous solution. According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid (2) is essentially composed of water.

In a particular embodiment, the support (3) can be connected to the casing (1) by means of a flexible component (5) made of the same material as the casing (1) in order to reduce the stress concentrations in the materials composing the envelope (1). Non-limitingly, the flexible component (5) may consist of a band connected by ultrasonic welding to the casing (1), and connected via eyecups to the support (3). By way of non-limiting example, it may be associated with it an elastic cord connecting the support (3) and the eyecups of the flexible component (5) so as to simplify the assembly.

In another embodiment, the support (3) may consist of a structure acting as a mast or support for the wind generator (4), by relying on several points on the envelope (1).

In yet another embodiment, the support (3) can bear on the outer zone of the casing (1) or be constituted by arms to maintain the operating position of the mast (9) creating a bearing. At the ends of this bearing are ball bearings for rotating the mast (9); the distance between the ends of the bearing can be made large, because of the existence of these arms (1 / 10th of the overall height).

In a first embodiment, the envelope (1) can be extensible, so as to undergo without damage the expansion of the mass (2). The envelope (1) can also be provided with a pocket folded on itself and by means of an elastic cord (6) fixed between it and the envelope, said pocket being able to contain the variations in volume of the mass (2) so that the envelope (1 ) does not suffer any damage. In a second embodiment, the envelope (1) may comprise a safety valve for regulating the pressure and the absence of damage to said envelope (1). By way of non-limiting example, this valve may consist of a spring valve. In a third embodiment, the pressure of the envelope (1) can be adjusted by means of a device adapted to crush a bulge of the envelope (1).

These three embodiments can be combined so that the device is the most suitable for a given geographical location or location.

Finally, in a last embodiment, the envelope (1) can be completed at its base by at least one rigid support (8). This can be split into several plates, so as to reduce the bending moment on them and thus reduce their dimensioning.

In another embodiment, the liquid (2) can receive an adjuvant for lowering its solidification temperature. By way of nonlimiting example, this adjuvant may be: sodium or potassium salt, or ethanol.

The liquid (2) can also receive an adjuvant to reduce its volume changes as a function of temperature. By way of nonlimiting example, this adjuvant can be: sodium salt, or potassium or ethanol.

Finally, the liquid (2) can receive an antibacterial adjuvant. By way of nonlimiting example, this adjuvant can be: chlorine. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid contains one or more adjuvants such as those described above.

In a particular embodiment, the wind generator can be moved by a wing in rotation about a vertical axis. According to a non-limiting example, so-called "Savonius" or "Darrieus" profiles may be used.

The wind generator can also be moved by a wing in rotation about a horizontal axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least:

a vertical axis in rotation (9),

a flexible wing (10),

a substantially semicircular deformable arch (11),

- a substantially horizontal cable (12), and - a horizontal arm (14).

In a particular embodiment, the blade (10) is fixed to the axis (9), and shaped by the bow (11) to which it is attached. The hoop (11) is shaped substantially semicircular arc by the horizontal cable (12) due to the voltage that it generates between its ends. At least one cable (12) can be replaced by a horizontal arm (14) transmitting a part of the force to the axis (9).

In another embodiment, the blade (10) may be helically shaped: the arches (11) are then placed so that the axis of their profiles follow a substantially helical path.

In yet another embodiment the central axis (9) can be telescopic, so as to be more easily transportable. The flexible materials of the parts (1), (5), (10) and (15) may be partially made of fibers coated with polymers so as to increase their strength and their sealing. By way of non-limiting example, the membranes may be made of PVC-coated polyester, PVC coated fiberglass or PTFE. According to a preferred embodiment, this membrane is weldable.

The central axis (9) can conduct electricity and can be grounded without being in electrical contact with the other parts of the wind generator so as to protect them against lightning.

According to a particular embodiment, the assembly can be packaged disassembled and marketed as well. Especially, the telescopic mast (9) can be folded, the hoops (11) not be tensioned and folded. During installation, the user first climbs the upper part of the wind generator and then fills the envelope (1) with a quick-connect water inlet valve. This packaging promotes marketing according to conventional distribution circuits. In a preferred embodiment, the wind turbine or wind generator according to the device of the invention is composed of:

- The flexible envelope (1), made of polyester coated with PVC. Its shape is substantially frustoconical. Its height is about 1200mm for a diameter of 2800mm. It is equipped with a connector for attaching a water inlet pipe and a spring valve for regulating the pressure inside the casing (1). This valve can have two modes of operation: the first said "filling" ensuring the evacuation of air that can be contained in the casing (1), without allowing the evacuation of water, the second said "de safety "ensures the evacuation of the water contained in the casing (1) in case of overpressure; one or more flexible and leakproof envelopes (15) contained in the envelope (1), connected to the envelope (1), containing a compressible fluid so as to have a variable volume inside the envelope ( 1) able to protect the casing (1) from the variations in the stresses of the mass of liquid (2), or the dynamic stresses imposed by the support (3), which are filled with air at the time of assembly;

- A support (3), circular in shape, with transverse reinforcements. This support is feasible in a hollow section of aluminum alloy of substantially rectangular section. It is provided with arms for maintaining the mast (9) in operating position by creating a bearing. At the ends of this bearing are ball bearings for rotating the mast (9); the distance between the ends of the bearing can be made large, because of the existence of these arms (1 / 10th of the overall height). The support (3) is positioned concentrically with the upper face of the envelope (1). According to a preferred embodiment, the support (3) is provided with arms enabling the "electronic power unit" to be held in position;

The support (3) is held in contact with the casing (1) by means of the flexible component (5) ultrasonically welded to the casing (1) on the one hand, and pierced with eyecups (16) on the other on the other hand, an elastic cord provides the connection between the eyecups (16) and the support (3);

- a synchronous electric generator with permanent magnet and direct drive of 10kw;

an "electronic power unit" consisting of an inverter and an electronic control board, located on the upper face of the envelope (1);

- and a mast (9). The mast (9) consists of cylinders, made aluminum alloy and can be assembled end-to-end, so as to make it easily mountable and removable. At regular intervals are markers and notches facilitating the assembly of horizontal cables (12) and arches (11). The arches (11) are made of fiberglass coated polyester to ensure flexibility. The horizontal cables (12) are made of stainless steel. The height of the mast is such that the entire device does not exceed 12000mm high;

- A flexible wing (10) has the same bearings as the arches (11) a substantially tubular form of splitting so as to allow to slide the arches (11). The flexible wing (10) is made of polyester coated with PVC. Its shape, determined by the degree of tension imposed on the hoops (11) by the horizontal cables (12), is substantially helical along its vertical axis. The wing is dimensioned so that its maximum size is contained in a cylinder of 2800mm in diameter and 9000mm in height;

a device allows the conduction of electricity and the connection to the ground of the mast (9), so as to allow the conduction of lightning through the mast (9) to the ground without damaging the components "power electronics" .

The present invention also relates to a method of using the device described above in its different embodiments, in which the envelope (1) contains at least one flexible and watertight envelope (15) able to protect it from stress variations of the liquid mass (2) and / or damping the dynamic stresses applied to the mass of liquid (2) by the support (3). In general, the various embodiments of the device according to the invention are illustrated by Figures 1 to 10 which are given for information and are in no way limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the device according to the invention. It distinguishes the flexible envelope (1) containing the mass of liquid (2); the support (3) is provided with arms which allow the position of the axis of the aerogenerator (4) to be maintained perpendicularly to the upper face of the envelope (1).

FIG. 2 represents a particular embodiment in which the manner in which the flexible component (5) connects the support (3) to the casing (1) by means of eyecups (16) allowing the attachment of (5) to ( 3). This connection is essential for the balance of the wind turbine and it also optimally transmits the dynamic stresses of the support (3) to the mass of liquid (2) via the envelope (1).

FIG. 3 represents the envelope (1). The potential volume variations experienced by said envelope are illustrated. These variations are related to both the operation of the wind turbine and its weight when it is stopped. These variations may also be related to the surface on which the device according to the invention is placed.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment involving the presence of a pocket within the envelope. This pocket is folded on itself by means of an elastic cord (6), fixed between it and the envelope (1). Said pocket contains the volume variations of the mass (2) so that the envelope (1) undergoes no damage.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the device according to the invention in which the support (3) consists of a structure s' pressing at several points on the casing (1) and acting as a mast or support for the wind generator (4). This type of support is particularly suitable for placing at a suitable height a wind generator with a horizontal axis, as illustrated by this figure.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the device according to the invention in which the envelope is subjected to pressures in operating mode of the wind turbine. It shows how the envelope (1) and the rigid supports (8) react to a force exerted by the wind generator.

FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of the device according to the invention in which the wind generator uses a Savonius type profile. Moreover in this variant the aerodynamic profile is made in a textile or non-textile membrane. This is shaped by the use of arches (11) flexed by the cables (12). The axis of the arches follows a helical path which gives the wing (10) an inverted double helix appearance.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the device according to the invention in which at least one cable (12) of a device as shown in FIG. 7 is replaced by a rigid part so as to form a lower arm (14) transmitting a part of the force to the axis (9).

FIG. 9 represents a device according to the invention in which the envelope (1) contains at least one flexible and watertight envelope (15) connected to the envelope (1), containing a compressible fluid so as to have a variable volume at 1 ' inside of the envelope (1) able to protect it from stress variations of the mass of liquid (2).

FIG. 10 represents a complete device according to the invention. We can see the main indicative dimensions of a wind turbine provided with the device as described in the particular embodiments. Example: Device according to the invention intended for

Industrialization.

The envelope (1) is made of PVC-coated polyester. Its shape is substantially frustoconical. Its height is 1200mm for a diameter of 2800mm. It is equipped with a connector for attaching a water inlet pipe and a spring valve for regulating the pressure inside the casing (1). In this embodiment, this valve has two modes of operation: the first said "filling" ensuring the evacuation of air that can be contained in the casing (1), without allowing the evacuation of water, the second said "security" ensures the evacuation of water contained in the casing (1) in case of overpressure. The mass of liquid (2) consists of water. According to the needs of the user, it is provided that the mass of liquid (2) can receive an adjuvant so as to modify its thermodynamic properties. This adjuvant is sodium or potassium salt, the addition of ethanol is also possible. The set is placed on a woven polyethylene mat, intended to protect the envelope (1) from irregularities of the ground.

The flexible component (5) is made of polyester coated with PVC, ultrasonically welded to the casing (1) on the one hand, and pierced eyecups (16) on the other hand.

The support (3) is composed of a hollow rectangular section of aluminum alloy serving as a base. It is composed of 4 parts in an arc of circle connected to 2 cross pieces forming a cross. It has 4 arms with a length of 1500 mm, also made of aluminum alloy that support a rolling box. The face facing the center of the circle formed by the arcuate profile is provided with small lugs so as to allow the attachment of the flexible component (5) at eyecups (16), either directly or by means of an elastic cord, according to the needs of the user.

The flexible and tight envelopes (15), contained in the casing (1), connected to the casing (1), containing a compressible fluid so as to have a variable volume inside the casing (1) fit to protect the casing (1) from stress variations of the liquid mass (2), or the dynamic stress imposed by the support (3), are made of PVC-coated polyester. They are four in number, distributed equidistantly and located 2/3 distal to the radius of the envelope (1). They are filled with air before filling the envelope (1). They each have a volume of about 30 liters.

The synchronous generator permanent magnet and direct drive of 10 kW, is fixed on the transverse arms of the support (3). It is attached a set of "electronic power" also attached to the transverse arms of the support (3), consisting of an inverter and an electronic card for controlling the inverter and the generator.

The mast (9) consists of cylinders, made of aluminum alloy and can be assembled end-to-end, so as to make it easily mountable and removable. At regular intervals are markers and notches facilitating the assembly of horizontal cables (12) and arches (11). The arches (11) are made from polyester fiberglass material to provide flexibility. The horizontal cables (12) are made of stainless steel. The height of mast is such that the entire device does not exceed 12000 mm high, or for the mast (9), a height of 9000 mm.

The flexible wing (10) has at the same levels as the arches (11) a substantially tubular form of splitting so as to allow to slide the arches (11). The flexible wing (10) is made of polyester coated with PVC. Its shape, determined by the degree of tension imposed on the hoops (11) by the horizontal cables (12), is substantially helical along its vertical axis. The horizontal cables (12) located at the upper and lower ends of the flexible wing (10) are replaced by rigid parts (14), made of aluminum alloy, so as to more effectively transmit the torque force. The wing (10) is dimensioned so that its maximum size is contained in a cylinder of 2800 mm in diameter and 9000 mm in height. The angle formed by the offset between the rigid pieces (14) high and low is 110 degrees.

The mast (9) is provided with a device allowing the conduction of electricity and the connection to the ground of the mast (9), so as to allow the conduction of the lightning through the mast (9) to the ground without damaging the "power electronics" components.

The lower part of the wind turbine - flexible casing (1), support (3), electric generator, "electronic power" assembly, rigid supports (8) and flexible component (5) - is covered with a polyester casing coated with PVC and reinforced with metal fibers so as to limit the risk of vandalism against the flexible envelope (1) and / or the support (3), the electric generator, the "power electronics" assembly and the flexible component (5).

Claims

1. Device intended to maintain on the ground, without foundations, in operating position a wind generator (4), characterized in that it comprises at least:

- a flexible and waterproof envelope (1) resting on the ground,

a mass of liquid (2) weighing contained in the envelope

(D,

- and a support (3) fixed on the envelope,

so that the weight of the liquid, by the pressures it exerts on the casing (1) and the support (3), maintains in position the support (3) on which is fixed the wind generator

(4).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid (2) is composed of an aqueous solution.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier (3) is connected to the casing (1) via a flexible component (5).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the casing (1) is extensible, so as to undergo without damage the expansion of the mass (2).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the envelope is provided with a folded pocket on itself and by means of an elastic piece (6) fixed between it and the envelope (1), said pocket being able to contain the variations in volume of the mass (2) so that it does not suffer any damage.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the liquid (2) receives an adjuvant for lowering its solidification temperature.

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the liquid (2) receives an adjuvant to reduce its volume changes as a function of temperature.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the liquid (2) can receive an antibacterial adjuvant.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the casing (1) comprises a relief valve for regulating the pressure and the absence of damage to the casing (1).

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the support (3) consists of a structure s' pressing at several spaced points on the casing (1) ·

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the casing (1) contains at least one flexible and sealed envelope (15) connected to the casing (1), containing a compressible fluid.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the casing (1) is completed at its base by at least one rigid support (8).

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the wind generator (4) comprises at least:

a vertical axis in rotation (9),

a flexible wing (10), a deformable arch (11),

a substantially horizontal cable (12),

a substantially horizontal lower arm (14),

so that the wing (10) is fixed to the axis (9), that the wing (10) is shaped by the bow (11) to which it is fixed, that the bow (11) is shaped substantially semicircular arc by the horizontal cable (12) due to the tension that it generates between its ends and that the lower arm (14) transmits the force of the flexible wing (10) to the axis (9).

14. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one cable (12) is replaced by a rigid part transmitting a part of the force to the axis (9).

15. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the arches (11) are placed so that the axis of their profiles follows a substantially helical path.

16. Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the central axis (9) is telescopic.

17. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the flexible materials constituting the casing (1) consist, at least partially, of polymer-coated fibers.

18. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the central axis (9) is electrically conductive and connected to the earth without being in electrical contact with the other parts of the wind turbine. way to protect them from lightning.

19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the entire wind turbine is removable and can be packaged in packages suitable for marketing.