EP2665924A1

EP2665924A1 - Energy installation designed to exploit a fluid flow

Info

Publication number: EP2665924A1
Application number: EP12706629.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gérard WILS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-17
Filing date: 2012-01-16
Publication date: 2013-11-27
Also published as: FR2970525B1; WO2012098314A1; FR2970525A1

Abstract

The subject of the present invention relates to an energy installation (100) designed to exploit a fluid flow (F), said energy installation (100) comprising: a) a system of gears (10) on which a transmission means (20) is mounted in a closed loop, said transmission means (20) being able to drive the rotation (R) of the system of gears (10) in order to produce motive power (EM), b) at least one wing structure (30) able to adopt at least two configurations (Cl, C2) including a first configuration (C1), called the active configuration, in which, when said at least one wing structure (30) is oriented in the direction (S) of the fluid flow (F), this wing structure (30) deploys to capture said flow (F), and a second configuration (C2), called the rest configuration, in which when said at least one wing structure (30) is oriented in the opposite direction to the direction (S) of the fluid flow (F), it folds up on itself.

Description

ENERGY INSTALLATION

SUITABLE FOR OPERATING A FLUID FLOW

Technical area

The subject of the present invention relates to the field of energy installations; more specifically, the object of the present invention is in the field of energy installations which are adapted to exploit the flow of a fluid.

For fluid in the sense of the present invention, it is to be understood throughout the present description that follows a substance that is able to deform continuously under the action of a shear force. Among the fluids according to the present invention, there are fluids such as liquids such as for example seawater or river water, or fluids such as gases such as air.

The object of the present invention thus finds many particularly advantageous applications, such as, for example, the production of electrical energy by exploiting marine or fluvial currents, or the production of electrical energy by exploiting the force of the tides or currents. waves.

Of course, other advantageous applications such as, for example, in the field can also be envisaged in the context of the present invention.

State of the art

Ceasing to tap into natural resources to produce energy has become one of the major challenges facing our society, for ecological and environmental reasons as well as for strategic, economic, political and financial reasons.

We are talking about green energy or energy without emission of greenhouse gases. In addition to wind-powered wind power or photovoltaics using solar energy, there are sub-aquatic or at least partially submerged installations for generating green energy using the strength of marine or fluvial flows. These facilities, known generically as "tidal", generally offer technological solutions as ambitious as they are complex and expensive.

Typically, in these installations, the turbine of the tidal turbine allows the transformation of hydraulic energy into mechanical energy, which itself is then transformed into electrical energy by an alternator or a generator.

The production of electricity with this type of installation theoretically shows good results in terms of performance. It should be noted that, compared to wind turbines, tidal turbines take advantage of the density of water, which is 800 times higher than that of air.

However, the environmental constraints in which tidal turbines evolve make the various solutions proposed to date are very often incomplete.

Immersed in water, the turbines must resist strong corrosion: the installations are often subjected to severe tests and the maintenance operations are generally very difficult, if not impossible.

In addition, it is necessary that the tidal turbines do not hinder the maritime traffic.

It is known in the state of the art interesting solutions.

By way of example, WO 2005/054669 discloses a submerged installation which consists of a plurality of panels configured to capture the marine currents. These panels by the force exerted by the currents on their surface are able to move unilaterally on a rail, this to produce electrical energy.

This type of solution is not complete, however, since the movement of the panels on the rail does not provide for a return so that the production of energy is not continuous, or, in any case, does not occur. is not optimal; it depends on the direction of the current.

A tidal turbine such as that disclosed in the documents BE 373 267, DE 2006008 055, CA 2 565 380, at least partially solves the above disadvantages. Indeed, the tidal turbine disclosed in each of these three documents comprises a gear system on which are mounted in closed loop transmission means.

The presence of a gear system thus makes it possible to have a return of the sensing means.

However, in this type of tidal turbine, the sensing means which are configured to collect the marine currents consisting of a system of buckets or rigid panels.

With this kind of capture means, the return against current of the capture means involves a resistance force which reduces the efficiency performance of the tidal turbine.

The applicant further observes that, with this type of collection means, the stresses exerted on the tidal turbine, in particular at the junction between the sensing means and the transmission means, are very strong so that it risks deteriorate in case of strong currents. The applicant submits in particular that the join between the sensing means and the transmission means is a very sensitive point of rupture.

The Applicant further observes that with this type of means the current is not captured optimally, the sensing surface is relatively low.

In addition, there is a non-homogeneity of the current forces exerted on the sensing means: the first bucket (or the first panel) located on the portion facing the current receives a greater portion of hydraulic energy than the last bucket (or the last panel) located on the recessed portion.

Documents US 3 88 817 and US 2008/0303285 provide an interesting solution to the problems mentioned above.

In these documents, the sensing means consist of a plurality of parachutes threaded onto a cable which is mounted in a closed loop on a gear system consisting of a single pulley.

The applicant observes, however, that with these types of solutions, the parachutes tend to get stuck in the gear system, especially at their connecting strings. Furthermore, the deployment of parachutes in the documents US 3 88 817 and US 2008/0303285 is very random, the parachutes can twist and become entangled with each turbulence of the current.

The applicant therefore observes a manifest defect in terms of energy installation to exploit the force of a fluid flow: the applicant considers that the state of the art does not provide satisfactory solutions including both a good energy performance and a reduction in maintenance costs. Summary of the object of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective solution to the aforementioned problems among other problems, cost and manufacturing issues obviously being considered in the context of the present invention.

One of the technical problems that the object of the present invention solves therefore consists in proposing a solution aimed at generating energy from a fluid stream, the solution provided also aimed at reducing maintenance costs.

For this purpose, the object of the present invention relates to an energy installation adapted to exploit a flow of fluid such as for example a marine current, the waves of the sea, a stream of a river or a river, or still the torrent, the waterfall.

Advantageously, the energy installation according to the present invention comprises a power generation system on which is mounted in a closed loop transmission means.

The transmission means according to the present invention is able to drive in rotation the drive energy production system to produce motive power.

Advantageously, the power generating system is a gear system. Other systems may also be considered.

Advantageously, the energy installation according to the present invention further comprises at least one wing. According to the present invention, each wing is capable of presenting at least two configurations, of which:

a first configuration, called active, in which, when the wing is oriented in the direction of the fluid flow, the latter deploys to capture the flow of fluid, and

- A second configuration, called rest, in which, when the wing is oriented in the opposite direction to the direction of the fluid flow, it folds on itself.

Advantageously, the transmission means comprises two elongate transmission elements spaced apart at a predetermined spacing; preferably, the two transmission elements are in direct or indirect connection with the power generation system.

Advantageously, said at least one wing is fixed directly or indirectly to the two transmission elements and is positioned between the two transmission elements.

Thus, when said at least one wing is in its active configuration, it captures the flow of fluid driving the transmission means so as to drive in rotation the power generating system.

This drive of the motor energy production system via the transmission means is done without said at least one wing jams in the power generation system.

Advantageously, this drive in rotation of the drive energy production system by the transmission means allows the production of the motive power.

The specific arrangement of the installation, and in particular the arrangement of the transmission elements and of said at least one wing, thus makes it possible to obtain an installation offering a good energy efficiency while at the same time drastically reducing the maintenance costs avoiding in particular the wing (s) does not get stuck in the power generating system.

Preferably, the energy installation according to the present invention comprises a generator configured to generate electrical energy from the motive power. Advantageously, the generator is coupled to a multiplier that is configured to amplify the power of the motive power.

Advantageously, for each wing, the energy installation according to the present invention comprises a deployment means fixing directly or indirectly each wing to the transmission elements.

Advantageously, the means (s) of deployment is (or are) configured (s) to promote the transition from the active configuration to the rest configuration, or vice versa, this obviously for each wing.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, each deployment means consists of at least one pair of articulated arms whose proximal ends are attached directly or indirectly to the transmission elements and whose distal ends are fixed directly or indirectly to the wing.

Each pair of arms is composed of a first arm and a second arm. Advantageously, the distal ends of the first arm and the second arm respectively comprise a ballast element and a flotation element.

The relative positioning of the buoyancy and ballasting elements promotes the deployment and folding of each wing, this in particular according to the direction of the flow of the fluid.

Advantageously, the energy installation according to the present invention comprises, for each wing, at least one transverse bar connecting the two transmission elements to each other, and on which each pair of arms is fixed substantially at their respective proximal ends.

Advantageously, said at least one wing comprises at least one through hole positioned so as to promote the flow of the fluid flow when said at least one wing is in its active configuration, this in particular to prevent any breakage or tearing thereof.

Advantageously, said at least one wing comprises a first and a second portion separated from each other by a space, this space being able to promote the flow of the fluid flow when said at least one wing is in its active configuration, this in particular to avoid any breakage or tearing thereof. Advantageously, the two elongated transmission elements each consist in particular of a slewed transmission cable, which is preferably made of copper.

Advantageously, the energy installation according to the present invention comprises an orientation system comprising:

moving means configured to move said installation; and

a current sensor configured to sense the flow direction of the fluid.

Thus, the orientation system allows the displacement of the energy installation according to the present invention so as to orient the installation substantially in the direction of the fluid flow.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the displacement means comprises a motor and a rudder.

Correlatively, the object of the present invention also relates to the use of the energy installation as described above, wherein said energy installation is immersed at least partially in a fluid such as a liquid such as sea water or alternatively in a fluid such as a gas such as air.

Thus, the object of the present invention, by its various functional and structural aspects, its advantageous characteristics, and the specific arrangement of the transmission elements with each wing, allows the manufacture of an energy installation having a good energy efficiency, and whose maintenance costs are reduced.

An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is reserved for the exploitation of the kinetic energy of the cascades and the torrents, described by FIGS. 8 to 12.

The new capture system, being positioned inside a sealed compartment this assembly allows a pressurization of the fluid downstream thus increasing the energy efficiency of the installation. This new process will advantageously replace the traditional water mill, equipped with a paddle wheel. Advantageously, the present invention adapted to the operation of torrents or cascades is characterized by a system of pallets divided into two parts connected by at least two pairs of pivoting arms around an axis mounted directly on a transmission capable of driving in rotation (R ) the power generation (EM) system.

This invention is characterized in comparison with the impeller by a more efficient collection system consisting of many pallets positioned at 90 ° to the current, allowing optimum efficiency.

In addition this invention allows a sharp decrease in height of the machine, which facilitates its implementation in the natural environment, while reducing its cost

implantation.

Another advantageous feature of this invention is the possibility of pressurizing the water upstream of the system, which allows it while being compact to achieve high power, much higher than any other system currently available on the market.

Another important feature of this innovative system is the maximum respect of the stream on which it feeds, effectively a simple mouth provided with a protective grid located well upstream of the machine puncturing the fluid necessary for proper operation of it. The inlet mouth supplies water to a pipe whose main function is the acceleration of the fluid towards the mill. This mill can be fixed outside the stream, on its output downstream is fixed a second pipe that allows the return of water in the bed of the stream or river. This advantageous assembly brings a great simplicity for all the operations of control and maintenance.

Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, which illustrate an example of embodiment that is devoid of any limiting character and on which:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an energy installation according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 represents a schematic view from above of an energy installation according to FIG. 1;

- Figures 3a and 3b each show a side view of a wing in the active configuration and the configuration at rest;

- Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a wing and transmission elements according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention;

- Figures 5a and 5b respectively show schematically a wing according to a first and a second advantageous embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a perspective view of the motive power generation system according to an advantageous exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 7 schematically shows an exploded perspective view of the transmission elements and a crossbar according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention.

- Figure 8 schematically shows a side view and front of the sensor system mounted inside a tube.

FIG. 9 schematically represents the detail of the system of

pallets according to Figure 8

- Figure 10 schematically shows a possible configuration of a ducted system located in a natural environment.

FIG. 11 schematically represents a possible option of a

different capture system, consisting of several mini paddle wheels, fixed one behind the other. - Figure 12 schematically shows a side view and front of another option of removable half pallets.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention

An energy installation according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

Designing an energy efficient energy facility by minimizing maintenance costs and reducing mechanical and motion transmission problems is one of the objectives of the present invention.

For this purpose, in the embodiment described here, the object of the present invention relates to an energy installation 100 which is intended to be immersed at least partially in a fluid F such as seawater.

In the example described here, the energy installation 100 according to the present invention can therefore be likened to a water turbine as defined above.

However, as mentioned above, the present invention can also be installed in the open air to exploit the flow of air like a wind turbine. Other examples of use can still be considered.

In the embodiment described here, the energy installation 100 according to the present invention is therefore intended to exploit the hydraulic energy generated by the water or currents F, hereinafter referred to as the general term ^{, x} fluid flow F ".

For this purpose, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the energy installation 100 according to the present invention is mounted on floats or ballasts and comprises an orientation system 60 configured to orient the installation 100 in the direction S of circulation of the F. flow

More precisely, in the example described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the orientation system 60 comprises a displacement means 61 including in particular a motor 62 and a rudder 63 for moving the energy installation 100 in the desired direction . The orientation system 60 further comprises a current sensor 64 configured to sense or sense the direction S of the fluid flow F.

Thus, by virtue of this orientation system 60, the energy installation 100 is able to orient itself automatically according to the direction S of the flow of the fluid F; advantageously, the orientation system is configured to orient the energy installation 100 substantially in the direction S of the fluid flow F.

As illustrated here in FIG. 1, the energy installation 100 is fixed in the ground by a foot 70 which is positioned opposite the orientation system 60, and which is pivotally mounted here so that the synergy between the foot 70 and the orientation system 60 allows the rotation of the installation 100 along the vertical axis formed by the foot 70.

In the embodiment described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the energy installation 100 comprises a plurality of floats.

As stated above, the energy installation 100 according to the present invention is comparable to a tidal turbine, it is arranged to exploit the hydraulic energy of the marine currents F.

In the example described here, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6a, the energy installation 100 comprises, in a known manner, a power-generating system 10 consisting here of a gear system 10 on which is mounted in a closed loop. transmission means 20.

As mentioned above, this is an illustrative example that is not limiting in nature. It is therefore understood that the power generating system 10 may be another system equivalent to the gear system 10, the gear system being retained here for the remainder of the description.

In the example described here, to transform the hydraulic energy of the flow F into driving energy EM, the transmission means 20 is configured to drive the gear system 10 in a rotational movement R illustrated in FIG.

In the example described here, and as illustrated in particular in Figure 7, the transmission means 20 is composed of two transmission elements 21 and 22 elongate each consisting of a slewed transmission cable, which is preferably made of copper. More specifically, in the example described here, the two transmission cables 21 and 22 are stainless steel cables on which is crimped a plurality of copper sleeves 23.

In the example described here, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, the gear system 10 is composed of two pulleys 11 comprising a plurality of notches 12 able to receive the sleeves 23.

The two pulleys 11 are interconnected by a plurality of bars 14 which form a "squirrel cage".

The relative movement of the transmission cables 21 and 22 with respect to the gear system 10 enables the two pulleys 11 to be driven by the action of the sleeves 23 in the notches 12.

Of course, other drive systems may be considered in the context of the present invention.

In order to capture the hydraulic energy and drive the transmission cables 21 and 22 in order to transform the hydraulic energy into EM driving energy, the energy installation 100 comprises a plurality of wings 30.

In the example described here, and as illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, each wing 30 has an internal face 35, called the sensing face, intended to allow the capture of the fluid flow F and an outer face 36 oriented in the opposite direction to that of the inner face 35.

In the example described here, the sensing face 35 has a granular or rough surface so as to increase the sensing surface of said flow, and the outer face 36 has a smooth surface so as to avoid the relative friction of the wing 30 with the flow F.

Of course, other configurations for the surfaces of the external faces

36 and internal 35 can be considered to achieve the desired effects here, namely to optimize the capture of the hydraulic energy of the flow.

In the example described here, each wing 30 is capable of presenting at least two configurations C1 and C2.

Among these two configurations, each wing 30 may have a first configuration C1, called active, shown in particular in Figure 3a. This configuration C1 is obtained when the wing 30, and more precisely the inner face 35 of the wing 30, is oriented in the direction S of the fluid flow F.

In this configuration Cl, the wing 30 deploys to capture the flow F.

The use of a wing 30 able to deploy is advantageous in the sense that it allows to have an optimal capture surface, particularly in relation to conventional panels that are used in the state of the art noted above.

Each wing 30 is also able to present a second configuration C2, called rest, shown in particular in Figure 3b.

This configuration C2 is obtained when the wing 30, and more specifically the inner face 35 of the wing 30, is oriented in the opposite direction to the direction S of the fluid flow F.

In this configuration C2, the wing 30 folds on itself.

This rest configuration C2 allows a return against the current of the wing 30, limiting the energy losses.

In a first variant embodiment described here, and as illustrated in particular in FIG. 5a, each wing 30 comprises at least one through hole 34 positioned so as to promote the flow of the fluid flow F when the wing 30 is in its active configuration Cl , this in particular to prevent any breakage or tearing thereof.

Various configurations such as that illustrated in FIG. 5a can be envisaged in the context of the present invention. Preferably, as in the example described in Figure 5a, the through holes 34 are symmetrical and are evenly distributed on the surface of the wing.

In a second embodiment described here (which may optionally be combined with the first variant above), and as illustrated in particular in FIG. 5b, the wing 30 comprises a first 31 and a second 32 portions separated from each other by a space 33. configured so as to promote the flow of the fluid flow F when the blade 30 is in its active configuration C1, this in particular to prevent any breakage or tearing thereof.

Of course, other configurations of wing 30 and through holes 34 and / or space 33 may be considered in the context of the present invention. As a reminder, as previously developed, to limit the maintenance costs is one of the objectives of the present invention. For this purpose, the state of the art reveals that, in the energy installations of the type of those listed above, the wings tend to get stuck in the gear system so that the systems proposed in the state of the art. the technique encounter malfunctions due to this failure.

Reducing the problems relating to this failure, and in particular this jamming, is one of the objectives of the present invention.

For this purpose, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the two transmission cables 21 and 22 are, in a characteristic manner, spaced apart at a given spacing e.

Furthermore, each wing 30 is fixed, via a transverse bar 60, to the two transmission cables 21 and 22, and is positioned, typically, between the two transmission cables 21 and 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the fixing of the transverse bar 60 on the two cables 21 and 22 is preferably carried out by a stainless steel shell which is crimped on the sleeve 23.

Thus, by virtue of this characteristic arrangement of the present invention, during its transition from the active configuration C1 to the rest configuration C2 (or vice versa) at the level of the gear system 10, the blade 30 is not likely to accidentally get jammed. at the pulleys 11.

More specifically, when at least one of the wings 30 is in its active configuration C1, it senses the flow of fluid F driving the transmission means 20. The drive of the transmission means 20 in turn drives the drive. rotation R of the gear system 10 without said at least one blade 30 becoming jammed in the gear system 10.

This arrangement thus ensures the production of EM motive power by exploiting the hydraulic energy of a fluid flow F and in particular avoiding the mechanical problems related to the wing.

The functional independence of the transmission and the flux capture, which is characteristic of the present invention, makes it possible to optimize the energy efficiency and to limit the problems of transmission of movement and energy. As illustrated in particular in FIG. 2, in order to transform the driving energy EM into electrical energy EE, the energy installation 100 comprises a generator 40 coupled to a multiplier 41.

To allow a better deployment and folding of the wing 30 during the respective passages of the configuration C1 configuration C2 or vice versa, the energy installation 100 according to the present invention comprises, for each wing 30, a deployment means 50 fixing each wing 30 to the transmission cables 21 and 22.

The deployment means 50 can fix each wing 30 directly to the transmission cables 21 and 22.

However, in the example described here, and as illustrated in particular in Figure 4, the deployment means 50 indirectly fixes each wing 30 to the transmission cables 21 and 22 to the extent that the deployment means 50 is here fixed on the crossbar 60.

In the embodiment described here, and as illustrated in particular in Figures 2 and 4, each deployment means 50 consists of three pairs of arms 51 and 52 hinged together, the proximal ends 51a and 52a are fixed to the transmission cables 21 and 22 through the transverse bar 60, and whose distal ends 51b and 52b are attached directly or indirectly to the wing 30.

Of course, each deployment means 50 may consist of another number of pairs of arms 51 and 52, as for example in Figures 5a or 5b on which there is provided four pairs of arms 51 and 52.

In the embodiment described here, considering as illustrated in particular in Figures 3a and 4 that each pair is composed of a first arm 51 and a second arm 52, advantageously, the distal ends 51b and 52b of the first arm 51 and second arm 52 respectively comprise a ballast element 53 and a buoyancy element 54.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, this arrangement of ballast 53 and buoyancy elements 54 allows the folding or rapid deployment of the wing 30 by virtue of the gravitational force P and the Archimedean thrust A which are exerted respectively by the ballast element 53 and the buoyancy element 54 on the different portions of the wing 30, said forces P and A being opposite to each other.

Thus, in the configuration Cl, the forces A and P favor the deployment of the wing 30, and in the configuration C2, the forces A and P favor the folding of the wing 30.

The applicant furthermore submits that the "squirrel cage" formed by the two pulleys 11 and the plurality of bars 14 makes it possible to promote at each end of the gear system the relative passage from the configuration C1 to the configuration C2 ( Or vice versa).

Thus, thanks to the various structural and functional technical characteristics of the energy installation 100 as described above, it is possible to obtain very advantageous energy production yields and to reduce significantly the mechanical problems related for example to the wings. who tend to get stuck in the gear system.

Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention reserved for the exploitation of cascades and torrents. An energy installation according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 8 to 12.

The present invention is distinguished by a system of pallets mounted directly on a transmission 20 which is characterized by a system of pallets 30 divided into two distinct parts 43,44 connected by at least two pairs of arms 51,52 pivoting about an axis 60, being able to drive in rotation (R) the power generation system 10 to produce motive power (EM).

The collecting pallets fixed on either side of a transmission whose assembly is fixed inside a tube 75, the open pallets in configuration (Cl) are inside an open compartment 66 at each of its two ends, the collection pallets closed in configuration (C2) located in a compartment 67 open at its lower end and closed at its upper end. The two compartments 66,67 separated by a wall 65 communicate through two squirrel cages provided with notched wheels 15, the squirrel cage generating side 72 in the form of a hollow cylinder having a fluid-tight surface, located in the upper part of the function to position the pickup pallet from the configuration (C2) to the configuration (Cl), the squirrel cage opposite to the generator 73 located in the lower part, allows the passage of the pallet configuration (Cl) to the configuration (C2). The tube 75 is connected on its upper part on the compartment side 66 by a throat 80 which concentrates the fluid flow, it is itself protected by a deflector 90 allowing the evacuation of parasitic objects such as pebbles or tree branches

The upstream opening is enlarged by a variable length diverter defined according to the configuration of the land that concentrates the flow of water, as well as its height of water.

The second downstream end is located at a lower altitude allowing the good evacuation of the water. Energy installation characterized by at least one notch pulley 15 which provides the connection with the cable or cables equipped with sleeves 23 fixed at regular intervals alternately with shafts 60, or by toothed pulley. Energy installation characterized in that said pallet 30 comprises several portions of material 31,32 separated from each other by a space 33.

The present invention comes in a second option, characterized by the mounting of several blade wheels 105 connected by a transmission inside the tube.

Energy installation characterized in option three according to Figure 12 by the mounting of a continuous flexible waterproof wall 110 on either side of the

transmission on which is a pallet fixed pivoting,

which favors the flow of the fluid flow (F) and the distribution of the forces on all the wings.

The present invention makes it possible to produce economical machines, easily put in place in the vein of the current to be used, while respecting the natural environment. Its numerous technical innovations allow its particular use advantageous for individuals or communities located in remote areas or difficult to access.

This detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no case this description is of any nature limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any imprecision or misinterpretation of the claims.

Claims

An energy installation (100) adapted to operate a fluid flow (F), said energy installation (100) comprising:

a) a power generating system (10) on which a transmission means (20) is mounted in a closed loop, said transmission means (20) being able to rotate said production system (R); motive power (10) for producing motive power (EM),

b) at least one wing (30) capable of presenting at least two configurations (C1, C2), a first configuration (C1), said active, in which, when said at least one wing (30) is oriented in the direction ( S) of the fluid flow (F), the latter (30) unfolds to capture said flow (F), and a second configuration (C2), said rest, in which, when said at least one wing (30) is oriented in the direction opposite to the direction (S) of the fluid flow (F), the latter folds back on itself,

said energy installation (100) being characterized in that the transmission means (20) comprises two elongated transmission elements (21, 22) spaced apart from each other by a determined spacing, in that said at least one wing (30) ) is fixed directly or indirectly to the two transmission elements (21, 22) and is positioned between said two transmission elements (21, 22), in that it comprises, for each wing (30), a means of deployment ( 50) directly or indirectly fixing each wing (30) to the two transmission elements (21, 22), and configured to promote the transition from the active configuration (C1) to the rest configuration (C2), or vice versa, and in that that each deployment means (50) comprises at least one pair of articulated arms (51, 52) whose proximal ends (51a, 52a) are attached directly or indirectly to the transmission elements (21, 22) and whose ends dista the (51b, 52b) are attached directly or indirectly to the wing (30),

so that when said at least one wing (30) is in its active configuration (Cl), the latter catches the flow of fluid (F) driving the transmission means (10) so as to drive in rotation (R) power generation system (10) without said at least one blade (30) becoming jammed in the power generating system (10), thereby producing motive power (EM).

2. Energy installation (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a generator (40) configured to generate electrical energy (EE) from the motive power (EM).

3. energy facility (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the generator (40) is coupled to a multiplier (41) configured to match the rotational speed of the driving energy (EM), relative to the motive energy (10).

4. energy facility (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, each pair being composed of a first arm (51) and a second arm (52), characterized in that the distal ends (51b, 52b) of the first arm (51) and the second arm (52) respectively comprise a ballast element (53) and a buoyancy element (54).

5. Energy installation (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises at least one transverse bar (60) connecting the two transmission elements (21, 22) between them, and on which each pair of arms (51, 52) is fixed substantially at their respective proximal ends (51a, 52a).

6. Energy installation (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one wing (30) comprises a first (31) and a second (32) portions separated from each other by a space (33) configured so as to promote the flow of the fluid stream (F) when said at least one blade (30) is in its active configuration (Cl), this in particular to prevent breakage or tearing thereof.

7. Energy installation (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two elongated transmission elements (21, 22) each consist in particular of a transmission cable on which is crimped a plurality of sleeves.

8. Energy installation (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of floats with an orientation system (60) comprising:

moving means (61) configured to move said energy plant (100); and

a current sensor (64) configured to sense the direction (S) of the fluid flow (F),

so that said orientation system (60) allows the displacement of the energy installation (100) so as to orientate it (100) substantially in the direction (S) of the fluid flow (F).

9. Energy installation (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the displacement means (61) comprises in particular a motor (62) and a rudder (63).

10. Energy plant (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gear system (10) comprises two pulleys interconnected by a plurality of bars (14) which forms a "squirrel cage" ".

11. Use of the energy facility (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein said energy facility (100) is immersed at least partially in a fluid (F) such as a liquid such as 'sea water.

The use of the energy plant (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said energy facility (100) is at least partially immersed in a fluid (F) such as a gas such as air.

13. Energy installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and in combination with one of claims 10 to 12 in that the assembly is characterized inside a tube (75), equipped on its upper part (66) of a drain (80) which concentrates the fluid flow, itself protected by a deflector (90).

14. Energy installation according to any one of claims 10 to 13 characterized in that it comprises the mounting of at least one blade wheel (105) fixed inside the tube (75) for the capture of the flow of fluid.

15. Energy installation according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, and in combination with one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the mounting of a continuous flexible wall (110) on either side of the transmission on which is a fixed or pivoting pallet (30).