FR2951881A1 - Autonomous energy module, has case and base plate that are placed in order not to obstruct and contrary channeling of air flow on wind turbine, and solar generator and frame that are integrated to form coherent and monoblock assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The module has a solar generator (3) completely covering a wind turbine (2), and a frame or spacers (4) for integrating the wind turbine and a case (1) that gathers sources energy management electronics from sources and an energy storage element or a socket. A base plate (6) fixes the module on a surface or a mast (7). The solar generator, the wind turbine and the frame are integrated in order to form a coherent and monoblock assembly. The case and the base plate are placed in order not to obstruct and contrary a channeling of air flow on the wind turbine.

Description

The present invention relates to a compact autonomous energy module whose design is adapted to communicating devices over a radio link. A first targeted application relates to the installation at lower cost of micro-base stations or telecommunication repeaters without the need for a wired connection of energy and communication. But many other energy-autonomous applications are possible (intelligent lighting, signaling devices, monitoring or security, backup systems ...), with the possible possibility of remote control / configuration or networking.

More and more applications of modest power using radio networks are emerging, but their installation cost remains high. If we take the particular case of wireless networks (GSM, Wi-Fi ...), their densification using lower power stations seems desirable. Benefits include potential impact on people's health (maximum power down), spectral efficiency (due to reduced cell size), and improved coverage of a network inside buildings (near stations because of their multiplication). However, the densification of a telecommunication network faces the associated installation costs, especially with respect to the problems of energy provision. The same problem remains with isolated sites. To remedy this, it is possible to use one or more sources of renewable energy, but their integration is problematic in particular because of the physical conformation of this type of source. Furthermore, the electronic control / control circuits of the sources and energy storage elements as well as those associated with the final application (communication relays, signals, sensors, etc.) are often protected by a remote cabinet. Finally, the additional integration of radio elements (antennas in particular) is rarely taken into account. The result is a generally bulky structure with many elements to be separately fixed, resulting in a high installation cost for a non-optimal global integration.

The object of the present invention is to provide a compact structure capable of integrating several renewable energy sources comprising a wind turbine and a solar generator with an energy storage element and a complete radio equipment. This structure also allows to channel the maximum air flow on the wind turbine to optimize operation. Finally, the proposed design aims to obtain a mounting that is simple, robust and inexpensive. Many other applications that may require higher power or do not use radio circuit can benefit from this structure. Some embodiments are provided by way of example.

Solar and wind energy, inexhaustible and quite complementary, are preferred, but other additional sources are possible depending on the needs. The proposed basic solution uses a solar panel completely covering a vertical axis wind turbine. This type of wind generator has the advantage of good resistance to strong winds and low noise. Above all, it is able to capture the winds (airflow) in all directions and is best suited to the integration of a solar panel. This one can take all the possible forms according to the cases of installation, but a rather rectangular form is privileged to maximize the solar collection. Such a shape can also make it possible to improve the integration of one or more antenna (s) and to better channel the air flows on the rotor of the wind turbine.

In the current state of technology and in order to very roughly fix the overall size of the module, a wind turbine diameter of the order of 250 to 600 mm should allow to meet most applications envisaged. That said, autonomous stations of greater power are feasible and will require related dimensions. Stacking of several wind turbines is also possible provided that the generator (alternator ...) of the wind turbine is integrated in its rotor. This possibility is interesting in case of increased need of available power while maintaining a high compactness. According to the variants proposed by i o thereafter, elements for capturing and channeling the air flows can be advantageously added to improve the operation of the wind turbine (s).

A box integrated or directly attached to the structure contains the circuit of management of energy sources and circuits related to the intended application (radio or other). Energy storage (battery) can also be placed in this housing or on the contrary remote. In the latter case, the housing is provided with an electrical connection or a plug connection of the energy storage elements. The overall assembly is able to resist weathering (sealing).

The possible mounting antenna (s) must be cured not to impede the proper operation of the (or) wind turbine (s). Furthermore, in the case of a radio repeater using 2 antennas, this arrangement must provide excellent radio isolation (decoupling) between them for proper operation. According to the embodiments, the judicious addition of metal elements for capturing and channeling the air flows may also contribute to the improvement of this insulation, the metal having a favorable electromagnetic shielding effect. Conversely, the precise shape and profile of the antennas and antenna supports can be optimized to improve the guidance of the airflows for better efficiency of the wind turbine (s). Several types of antenna mounting are possible and take into account orientation possibilities to best meet the needs of radio installation. These can concern both networking (repeater or radio relay) than simple remote control of the module or any other application related to the module (transmission of information for monitoring, signaling ...).

The rotor blades consist of preferably plastic or composite material (non-metallic) in order to avoid radio interference for a minimum weight. The wind turbine structure (stator) and the module as a whole preferably consists of molded elements in order to envisage industrial production at a lower cost. Finally, the need for modest power tends to favor the use of low or very low voltage, such a choice to increase the intrinsic reliability of the module at the battery (fewer pairs in series).

The schematic drawings provide the layout of the main elements and show several possible embodiments according to the invention and applicable according to the needs. The block design recommended allows to adapt to any type of installation (fixation) or need (increased power, radio use or not, provision of one or more antenna (s), particular application ...). In these drawings, the rotor of the wind turbine (represented here by a turbine) has a diameter greater than its height so that its chassis can receive a large surface solar generator, but this is not mandatory.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of the main elements constituting a first embodiment according to the invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 show schematic views from above in transparency of a module derived from that shown in FIG. 1 and following 2 possible variants, FIG. 4 shows a schematic front view of the module FIG. 1, FIG. 4bis is a variant of the previous one but whose structure uses 2 wind turbines, FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of a module 5 constituting another feasible variant, FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of a more complex module constituting another feasible variant.

The module comprises a solar generator (3) completely covering a wind turbine with vertical axis (2) integrated in a chassis (4), and a housing (1) containing at least the control electronics / source control. This box can receive the radio electronics module and all or part of the volume of energy storage elements (batteries ...), these elements are not shown here. The central frame (4) can be summarized as simple spacers or on the contrary be a more elaborate structure, including for example the housing (1). Although this presents a priori little interest, the housing (1) could possibly contain the generator (alternator) of the wind turbine if it is not integrated in the rotor of the wind turbine. The base (6) of the module is designed to accept mounting on a surface (for example fastening tabs around the periphery) and / or at the top of a mast or post (7) (central protuberance). This base could be more elaborate and contain a box to house other elements. The orientable antennas are represented in (5). Their fixing provided on the frame (4) contributes to a quick installation of the module. In this embodiment, their integration within the module has the advantage of better protection against bad weather. In general, the shape of the elements of the module (baseplate, housing, antennas, etc.) makes it possible to better guide the flow of air towards the rotor of the wind turbine in order to reinforce its efficiency, reduce operating noise and minimize the wind resistance of the module. For reasons of maintenance, it is possible to envisage an opening of the housing (1) by a hatch protected by the solar panel and situated towards the rear, its inverted inclination favoring the waterproofness of the housing. Finally, the arrangement of the solar panel, slightly inclined here, seems more suitable for applications where the solar orientation is little favored: urban applications little cleared (surrounded by buildings), or embedded (boat ...). However, it is conceivable to provide at the level of the housing (1) or the base (6) a rotation device and / or inclination of the solar generator to optimize its exposure easily, regardless of the orientation of the antennas .

Figs. 2 and 3 show schematic top views of the module shown in FIG. 1, but with air guiding elements and following 2 possible variants. Antennas (5) arranged on either side of the wind turbine and of 2 different types (planar and paraboloidal) are shown as an example in FIG. 2, while FIG. 3 shows the possibility of integrating other types of antennas. In these figures, they are directly attached to the spacers (4) or could be locally instead of chassis spacers. This arrangement makes it possible, on the one hand, to make them easily orientable around a vertical axis, on the other hand to modify their installation easily by following the arrangement of the spacers. Furthermore, the conformation of the antennas also contributes to the channelization of the air flows. In FIG. 3, the structure accepts the establishment and orientation of 4 antennas, but the attachment of antennas proposed allows to add or remove easily to meet the majority of possible installation cases. The maximum deflection of these movements must, however, be limited in order to avoid disturbing too much the channelization of the air flows (by rotation of the antenna) or of modifying the radiation of the antenna (by pivoting it by ground ratio). Marking (s) on the elements of the module (housing, base, frame ...) would facilitate the installation of the antenna (s). Another possibility could be to use fixing guides (rails) in the housing and the wind turbine base. They would slide the antennas and guarantee both the immobility and orientation of these elements, the connection is easily made by cables passing through the housing.

These figures show above all the possibility of adding elements for channeling the air flows (10) on the wind turbine according to several possible arrangements. They make it possible to better capture the surrounding air flows without hindering the radiation of the antennas in order to improve the performance of the wind turbine and to compensate for the losses of capture of the air flows due to the antennas, in particular in FIG. 3. Like the antennas, these elements can be confused with the spacers (4) or fixed on them, this in order to minimize the impact of the spacers on the passage of the air flows. We can consider fixing these elements by clipping, again with guides to ensure their immobility. Note that the antennas may advantageously be provided with air deflector (s) (as is the case in the arrangement of Figure 3) in order to minimize their detrimental impact on the entry of air flows from the air. 'wind turbine. The placement of these elements is particularly recommended in the case where the antennas have both a form unfavorable to guiding the air flow and a certain size compared to the wind turbine. In general, the use of metallic or metallized guiding elements will make it possible to improve radiofrequency insulation between antennas if necessary. Finally, it is also possible to provide that any airflow channeling element also serves as a solar capture element in order to increase the power of the module to equal compactness.

Fig. 4 completes FIG. 1 showing a front view of the module with antennas in the opposite position. Fig. 4a shows a schematic front view of a structure based on that of FIG. 1, but with stack of 2 wind turbines and with a multi-panel solar generator cover. The wind turbines (2) and (11) are designed to nest and interconnect easily. A separate electronic management of the two wind turbines within the box (1) is possible to further improve the reliability of the module at this level, which may be desirable to secure the availability of electrical power of certain sensitive applications (security for example). The block structure proposed here uses "basic bricks to provide more electrical power by simple addition of several identical wind modules designed to fit easily and interconnect. The advantage is to be able to adapt to many possible cases at the lowest cost. Moreover, the proposed multi-panel structure makes it possible to increase the surface area (and therefore the power) of the solar generator without excessive increase in the wind load.

Other embodiments according to the invention are still possible according to the envisaged needs. Fig. 5 shows a schematic side view of a module comprising a housing (1) incorporating a photovoltaic panel (3) very inclined to improve its solar exposure. Here, the chassis (4) is more elaborate and has in its upper part a circular shape on which the base of the housing (1) comes to fit. This arrangement allows the vertical rotation orientation of the panel (3) independently of that of the antennas (5). Fixing the housing (1) and locking it in rotation on (4) is achieved by simple screws (8) disposed on the periphery of this base.

The case, bulky, can house many elements (circuits, batteries ...) and has aerodynamic appendages to channel the maximum air flow to the wind turbine. Mounting on the case of sensors, actuators or antenna (s) (12), or additional solar panel (s) (s) (on a side or rear) is also possible. For this, specific moldings, protuberances or fastening elements and lateral connection would allow easy mounting of such elements on the housing (1). The use of fixing rails made in the housing is also possible if it is necessary to orient these elements independently of the antennas (5) and the photovoltaic panel (3).

Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of the invention constituting a complex module. This includes:

- A molded housing (2) used as a central frame and integrating a solar generator (3) in its upper part, a control electronics, a radio circuit and batteries in it, - 2 wind generators (2) and (11) ), radio antennas (5) whose fixings on the rails (13) allow to move them away from the module, 15 elements for sensing and guiding (10) the air flows on the rotor of the 2 wind generators, - a lower part (14) which may contain additional batteries and able to accommodate other electronic circuits or functions, 20 - a base (6) for fixing the module on a mast (7) and able to support elements (12) associated with circuits hosted in the lower part (14) (lighting for example).

The remote fasteners of the antennas on the module constitute another interesting possibility in the case of use of bulky antennas in particular in length. 2 antennas are visible here, but others can be added around the perimeter of the module to meet the vast majority of possible installation cases. For this, 2 circumferential fixing rails (13) were made at the top and bottom of the module (at the base of the housing (1) and on the base (6)) in order to be able to add as many mobile fasteners as necessary. and allow simple orientation of each of the antennas around the module. Each of the blocks constituting the module is molded, the blocks are assembled on one another and fixed 2 to 2 starting with the 2 wind turbines, the lower base (assembled with screws from below) and finally the box superior (1) previously equipped. The antennas (5) can be connected and assembled at the factory or during installation on the previously described mechanisms and allowing their orientation. The batteries could fit into the mast for maintenance purposes. Such a module would provide both radio repeater and lighting functions, radio-controlled intelligent lighting, or surveillance applications associated with lighting to enhance their discretion.

The figures presented are only some proposals for feasible solutions that can be used to design a different configuration. Whatever the configuration chosen, the invention may also be fixed on an existing device (mast, post, lamppost ...) either directly (for example at the top) or indirectly (for example using a square reported). On the contrary, one can also consider the complete integration of the module in a pole specifically designed for this. The existing device is already equipped with one or more function (s) (video surveillance, signaling, lighting ...), the module would provide this (these) function (s) all or part of their power supply in order to reduce the cost of use or to give them complete energy autonomy.

Finally, another possible use of the invention can be made in the context of networks of devices performing one or more functions and conventionally powered by an electrical energy network (lighting network for example). In this case, the installed modules would provide power to the power grid on which other devices would already be connected. This would either reduce the overall consumption of all devices in the network performing this or these function (s), or the complete energy autonomy of the network and equipped modules proposed. Another interest is to standardize the energy supply of all the modules through an existing energy network, or to completely deport and centralize the energy storage. For example, in the case of a lighting network, it is conceivable that only a certain number of streetlights are equipped with a module and that all the modules installed are capable of supplying the power supply of the network on which they are installed. are related. The installed modules would be installed in the best-exposed locations in order to optimize the energy supply to the existing network at the lowest cost.

Claims (5)

REVENDICATIONS1. Autonomous energy module integrating at least 2 renewable energy sources, one based on solar energy, the other on wind energy, and comprising at least: a vertical axis wind turbine (2), a generator solar panel (3) completely covering the wind turbine (2), a frame or spacers (4) for integrating the wind turbine (2), a housing (1) gathering at least the energy management electronics of the sources (2) and (3) of the module and a power storage element or an electrical connection socket or connection for access to an external energy storage element, a base (6) for fixing the module on a surface or on a mast (7), these elements being integrated in order to form a coherent, integral and weatherproof assembly, the arrangement and the conformation of the housing (1), of the solar energy source (3) , and the mounting base (6) being designed so as not to interfere and contrary to can optimally align the air flows on the wind turbine (2) thus integrated to ensure an optimal and silent operation of it, 2. autonomous power module according to the preceding claim, incorporating a radio circuit and at least one antenna (5) associated to the implementation of wireless application (radio networking, control / remote control of the module or other application ...), the arrangement and the conformation of the antenna (s) being realized so as not to impede the operation of the rotor of the wind turbine (2) or even on the contrary to participate at best in the channeling of the airflow on it, 3. autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more adjustment (s) (rotation (s), pivoting and / or inclination) orientation of the solar generator to optimize its exposure, 4. autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, incorporating additional elements ductingdeflows air (10) on the wind turbine to optimize the operation thereof, 5. autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, for accepting the simple attachment of one or more antenna (s) and making possible their individual orientation in one or more latitude (s) adjustment (rotation (s), pivoting and / or inclination) in order to maximize the radio link budget according to the circumstances of installation, without hindering the operation of the wind turbine (2) or even on the contrary to participate at best in the channelization of the flows of air on the latter, an autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, integrating at least one radio circuit and at least 2 antennas arranged for optimum radio isolation between them to provide repeater / relay functions communication, this radio insulation being reinforced by shielding elements and if necessary by the air flow guide elements on the wind turbine, without hindering the operation of the éolie nne (2) even on the contrary to participate best in the channeling of the air flows thereon, 7. autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, allowing the simple stack of several wind turbines (2 ) and (11) at least mechanically independent in order to increase and / or secure the supply of electrical energy at lower cost by simple assembly of standard elements, 8. autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims. , incorporating sensors, actuators or other circuits (12) allowing the realization of various functions (automatic lighting, detection (s), monitoring, signaling, triggering of radio alert or audible and / or luminous devices ...), 9 autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, attached directly or indirectly to an existing device (mast, post, lamp post, etc.) already equipped with one or more functions and allowing to provide this (these) function (s) all or part of their power supply to reduce their cost of use or to give them a complete energy autonomy, 10. autonomous energy module according to any one of the preceding claims, allowing either to power existing devices equipped with one or more function (s) and connected to the same power grid, or to replace these same existing devices, all installed modules being able to provide the energy to all the devices via the electrical network to which they are connected, in order to standardize the energy input of the modules installed through the network, to reduce energy expenditure or to to make energy autonomous this network of devices (lighting network for example).