DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Field of Technology

Momentum generator; water turbine; momentum consumer; reduction of flow cross- section; water flow acceleration; pump; irrigation of areas; electricity generation

Technical Problem

Demand for energy is increasing every day. Most of the energy is obtained from fossil fuels and reactions. The combustion of fossil fuels has an impact on environmental pollution, and it produces carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) which creates the greenhouse effect, thus causing global warming. In the short term, the production of nuclear energy is less polluting; however, it generates radioactive waste which requires careful and long-term storage or is possibly left for future generations.

The installation of solar power stations is usually sensible only in areas with a high quantity of solar radiation, and is associated with high investment costs and low efficiency. Moreover, solar panels are sensitive to mechanical damage and the location of their installation needs to be selected carefully.

The generation of energy from wind is limited mainly to uninhabited areas due to the noise from wind turbines. The production of energy from natural resources has been rather limited so far. Water resources have already been exploited to a large extent. Moreover, they are also limited in that the construction of any dams leads to flooding of large areas, which causes a serious encroachment on the environment.

In many cases there is also a problem with electrical supply, since with the continuous need for greater amount of energy, it makes sense to install electrical installations to supply the electrical consumers.

State of the Art

Devices for the production of mechanical or electrical energy are often linked to momentum generators, which also includes the present invention. The propulsion of momentum generators does not depend on the combustion of fossil fuels. In most cases they are driven by wind or water energy.

The production of electricity from wind is limited mainly to windy and uninhabited areas due to the noise from wind turbines.

Water energy can be exploited in different ways, for example by using the changes in tide or using the waves; however, both ways are also limited by the area of installation and efficiency.

In the past, water wheels were simple momentum generators used mainly for mills. With increased energy demand, the installation of such water wheels would result in the installation of huge devices, which is linked to the structural solution of the water wheel and to the relatively low efficiency of these wheels.

Other devices are immersion turbines or immersion momentum generators which are immersed to the bottom of running water, preferably a river. There are already momentum generators with fairly high level of efficiency, but their efficiency is conditional on the configuration of the riverbed and the water flow parameters.

Description of New Invention

The subject matter of the invention is an acceleration channel with momentum generators, and it solves the technical problem of increasing the efficiency of momentum generators without any significant encroachment on the environment. As a result, it also makes it possible to install less momentum generators with the same demand for generated momentum.

The subject matter of the invention is constructed in such a manner that it has a minimum impact on the environment. The acceleration channel with momentum generators can be constructed in such a manner that it is fully submerged, thus having a very limited impact on the environment. Even when the technical implementation is constructed in such a manner that the subject matter of the invention is visible, the encroachment on the environment is only of a local nature and it does not result in any change in the water level or flooding of the area.

The momentum generated by momentum generators, preferably in turbines, can be used by momentum consumers in various ways, for example:

- to drive water pumps for irrigation, for example of agricultural areas; or to drive generators for electricity production.

The solution to the technical problem is constructed in such a manner that an acceleration channel with momentum generators is installed to the appropriate water flow area, where a structurally suitable configuration for reducing the flow cross-section locally increases the water flow velocity, which in turn increases the efficiency of momentum generators and reduces the number of momentum generators needed to achieve the necessary effect. The function of the acceleration channel is to locally increase the water flow velocity in the area where momentum generators are installed. The acceleration channel is constructed in such a manner that the cross-section area is reduced at a selected point in a plane perpendicular to the direction of water flow. The walls of the acceleration channel are rigid, preferably made from concrete, which, however, does not limit the scope of the invention. The walls of the acceleration channel have a smooth surface to minimise hydraulic losses.

The acceleration channel can be constructed in such a manner that:

- its side surfaces extend to the water flow level or above the water flow level; or

- its side surfaces do not extend to the water flow level and they direct the water flow only in the lower part of the water flow.

Momentum generators have a rotor wheel which is equipped with rotor blades rotating in the liquid media. The rotation changes the kinetic energy of the liquid media that flows into the rotor wheel blades. Depending on the conversion of kinetic energy, the pressure and total energy are changed, which is related to the generation of momentum.

The momentum generator rotor wheel, including the rotor blades, is fully submerged during the operating stage of the momentum generator. The rotor wheel of the momentum generator is the rotating part of the momentum generator. Its rotation is caused by the water flow which transfers its force to the surfaces of the momentum generator rotor wheel, thus rotating the rotor wheel. The momentum generated by the rotor wheel is transferred through the momentum generator axis to the momentum consumers.

The acceleration channel can be constructed in such a manner that its cross-section area in a plane perpendicular to the direction of water flow is not completely surrounded by a rigid surface, but it can also be constructed in such a manner that the entire flow is surrounded by a rigid surface or as an open channel or channel with non-circular cross- section.

The acceleration channel with momentum generators can be constructed in such a manner that it comprises the entire width of the riverbed. Alternatively, more acceleration channels can be installed in parallel side by side or in a row one after the other.

In the area of the acceleration channel, a tapered part is provided downstream, which allows the installation of one or more momentum generators. The acceleration channel is equipped with at least one momentum generator; however, the acceleration channel is preferably equipped with multiple momentum generators. Momentum generators are preferably installed in the areas of the acceleration channel with maximum water flow velocities or areas with maximum compression of streamlines or areas with the highest velocity gradient.

The maximum velocity area is at the edges of the acceleration channel at the entry or exit of the channel due to its construction or the direction of streamlines, at the centre of the acceleration channel cross-section due to the direction of streamlines and some distance away from the edges of the acceleration channel due to hydraulic losses on hard surfaces.

The walls of the acceleration channel are made from a rigid material, for example concrete or any rigid natural or artificial materials. The acceleration channels are preferably equipped with access to the area under which the momentum generators are installed. The momentum generated by the momentum generator is transferred to the momentum consumer, for example a water pump or electricity generator. The access under the momentum generators is constructed in such a manner that it ensures the installation of momentum consumers and is covered with a lid to reduce the impact on hydraulic conditions in the acceleration channel. The areas under the momentum generators are preferably equipped with momentum consumers, i.e. water pumps or electricity generators. The simple version is equipped with momentum consumers directly under the momentum generators, which means that access to the area under which the momentum generators are installed is not necessary.

A tapered cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of water flow is achieved with flat surfaces which can be rounded at the point of contact to ensure a smooth transition, which, however, does not limit the scope of the invention, since a sharp edge can also be provided at the point of contact between individual surfaces.

If the momentum generated is used to drive water pumps, water is discharged through hydraulic channels, whereas if the momentum generated is used to drive the electric generator, electricity flows through appropriate electrical conductors.

The complete operation of the acceleration channel with momentum generators is controlled by an electronic device which is an integral part of the device according to the invention and which receives data from the environment, momentum generator and momentum consumer through appropriate sensors. By programming the electronic device, the operation of the device according to the invention is determined and optimised. A version without the electronic device is also possible, which, however, does not limit the scope of the invention.

The power generated by momentum generators depends on the size or diameter of the momentum generator, whereby the height of the blades is approximately 25 % of the generator diameter.

With the diameter of the momentum generator of 2.0 meters, the power produced equals:

with the water flow velocity of 1.0 m/s - 210 W

- with the water flow velocity of 1.5 m/s - 670 W

- with the water flow velocity of 2.0 m/s - 1 ,450 W

- with the water flow velocity of 2.5 m/s - 2,700 W - with the water flow velocity of 3.0 m/s - 5,200 W

- with the water flow velocity of 3.5 m/s - 10,500 W

- with the water flow velocity of 4.0 m/s - 14,500 W

In the case referred to above, the minimum depth of water equals 1.2 meters.

With the diameter of the momentum generator of 4.0 meters, the power produced equals:

- with the water flow velocity of 1.0 m/s - 1 ,000 W

- with the water flow velocity of 1.5 m/s - 3,300 W

- with the water flow velocity of 2.0 m/s - 6,000 W

- with the water flow velocity of 2.5 m/s - 13,200 W

- with the water flow velocity of 3.0 m/s - 25,000 W

- with the water flow velocity of 3.5 m/s - 42,000 W

- with the water flow velocity of 4.0 m/s - 64,000 W

In the case referred to above, the minimum depth of water equals 2.6 meters.

Based on the above-mentioned data, it is clear, among other things, that it is sensible to increase the velocity of water flow in the area of installation of momentum generators.

The scope of the invention is further explained below with the description of the embodiment and attached figures, whereby the figures are part of this patent application and show the following:

Figure 1 shows an acceleration channel with momentum generators 1, an acceleration channel 2 and a momentum generator 3.

Figure 2 shows an acceleration channel 2, a momentum generator 3 and a riverbed 4.

Figure 3 shows an acceleration channel 2.

Figure 4 shows an acceleration channel 2. Figure 5 shows an acceleration channel 2.

Figure 6 shows an acceleration channel 2 and a riverbed 4.

First exemplary embodiment:

The geometry of the acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is shown in Figure 1. The acceleration channel 2, shown in Figure 3, is 50 metres wide and 8 metres high at the entry and exit, and it comprises the entire width of the riverbed 4. The depth of the river at the place of installation of the acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is 12 metres.

The walls of the acceleration channel 2 are made from concrete. At the centre of the acceleration channel 2, a tapered part is provided downstream; therefore, the tapered cross-section is 50 metres wide and 3 metres high. The tapered part is constructed in such a manner that an artificial projection is provided at the bottom of the acceleration channel 2. Due to smaller pressure losses in the water flow, the tapered part and the subsequently widened part of the acceleration channel 2 are provided gradually in such a manner that the tapering and widening surfaces are separately positioned on one plane, forming an angle of 30° with the direction of the majority of the flow. The walls of the acceleration channel 2 have a smooth surface to minimise hydraulic losses. The surfaces of the acceleration channel 2 are rounded at the point of contact to ensure a smooth transition.

The acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is constructed in such a manner that it is fully submerged, thus having a very limited impact on the environment. The momentum generated in the momentum generators 3 is used to drive the piston pumps for irrigation of agricultural areas.

The acceleration channel 2 is equipped with eight momentum generators 2 having a diameter of seven metres, as shown in Figure 1. The acceleration channel 2 is equipped with access to the area under which the momentum generators 3 are installed. The access under the momentum generators 3 is constructed in such a manner that it ensures the installation of momentum consumers and is covered with a lid to reduce the impact on hydraulic conditions in the acceleration channel. The areas under the momentum generators 3 are equipped with momentum consumers, i.e. piston pumps that pump water for irrigation of agricultural surfaces. Water is pumped through appropriate hydraulic channels.

The operation of the acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is controlled by an electronic device which is an integral part of the device according to the invention and which receives data from the environment, momentum generator 3 and momentum consumer through appropriate sensors. By programming the electronic device, the operation of the device according to the invention is determined and optimised.

Second exemplary embodiment:

The geometry of the acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is shown in Figure 2. The acceleration channel 2, shown in Figure 6, is 15 metres wide and 3 metres high at the entry and exit, and it comprises a part of the width of the riverbed 4 which is 50 metres wide. The depth of the river at the place of installation of the acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is 7 metres.

The walls of the acceleration channel 2 are made from concrete. The top of the acceleration channel 2 is closed with a hard surface. At the centre of the acceleration channel 2, a tapered part is provided downstream; therefore, the tapered cross-section is 6 metres wide and 3 metres high. The tapered part of the acceleration channel 2 is constructed with vertical side panels. Due to smaller pressure losses in the water flow, the tapered part and the subsequently widened part of the acceleration channel 2 are provided gradually in such a manner that the tapering and widening surfaces are separately positioned on one plane, forming an angle of 25° with the direction of the majority of the flow. The walls of the acceleration channel 2 have a smooth surface to minimise hydraulic losses. The surfaces of the acceleration channel 2 are rounded at the point of contact to ensure a smooth transition.

The acceleration channel with momentum generators 1 is constructed in such a manner that it is fully submerged, thus having a very limited impact on the environment. The momentum generated in the momentum generators 3 is used to drive the electric generators. The acceleration channel 2 is equipped with nine momentum generators 2 having a diameter of 2.4 metres, as shown in Figure 1.

The acceleration channel 2 is equipped with access to the area under which the momentum generators 3 are installed. The access under the momentum generators 3 is constructed in such a manner that it ensures the installation of momentum consumers and is covered with a lid to reduce the impact on hydraulic conditions in the acceleration channel 2. The areas under the momentum generators 3 are equipped with momentum consumers, i.e. electric generators. Electrical current flows through appropriate electrical conductors.

Third exemplary embodiment:

The geometry of the acceleration channel 2 is shown in Figure 4. The acceleration channel 2 is 18 metres wide and 3.5 metres high at the entry and exit, and it comprises a part of the width of the riverbed 4 which is 40 metres wide. The depth of the river at the place of installation of the acceleration channel 2 is 8 metres.

The walls of the acceleration channel 2 are made from concrete. The top of the acceleration channel 2 is open. At the centre of the acceleration channel 2, a tapered part is provided downstream; therefore, the tapered cross-section is 7 metres wide and 3.5 metres high. The tapered part of the acceleration channel 2 is constructed with vertical side panels. Due to smaller pressure losses in the water flow, the tapered part and the subsequently widened part of the acceleration channel 2 are provided gradually in such a manner that the tapering and widening surfaces are separately positioned on one plane, forming an angle of 22.5° with the direction of the majority of the flow. The walls of the acceleration channel 2 have a smooth surface to minimise hydraulic losses. The surfaces of the acceleration channel 2 are rounded at the point of contact to ensure a smooth transition.

The acceleration channel 2 is constructed in such a manner that it is fully submerged, thus having a very limited impact on the environment.

Fourth exemplary embodiment:

The geometry of the acceleration channel 2 is shown in Figure 5. The acceleration channel 2 is 12 metres wide and 2 metres high at the entry and exit, and it comprises a part of the width of the riverbed 4 which is 45 metres wide. The depth of the river at the place of installation of the acceleration channel 2 is 6 metres.

The walls of the acceleration channel 2 are made from concrete. The top of the acceleration channel 2 is open. At the centre of the acceleration channel 2, a tapered part is provided downstream; therefore, the tapered cross-section is 6 metres wide and 1.5 metres high. The tapered part of the acceleration channel 2 is constructed with vertical side panels and in such a manner that an artificial projection is provided at the bottom of the acceleration channel 2. Due to smaller pressure losses in the water flow, the tapered part and the subsequently widened part of the acceleration channel 2 are provided gradually in such a manner that the tapering and widening surfaces are separately positioned on one plane, forming an angle of 25° with the direction of the majority of the flow. The surfaces of the acceleration channel 2 are smooth to minimise hydraulic losses. The surfaces of the acceleration channel 2 are rounded at the point of contact to ensure a smooth transition.

The acceleration channel 2 is constructed in such a manner that it is fully submerged, thus having a very limited impact on the environment.

It is self-evident that the above described invention can be also used in other particular form not changing the substance of the invention.