HYDROELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM AND PUMP

摘要

A hydroelectric power system and pump suitable for the system are disclosed which can make efficient use of the energy available in water flows with considerably variable flow rates. A simple, compact variable displacement axial piston pump can be operated so as to provide an essentially constant output pumping pressure and variable output volume that varies efficiently in accordance with water flow rate. The system is particularly suitable for shoreline tidal power generation and provides firm power output throughout the tidal slacks occurring during the tidal reversals.

主权项

1. A variable displacement axial piston pump comprising:
a housing frame comprising a rotating outer core; a rotating shaft within the housing frame and connected to the outer core, the shaft defining an axis of rotation; a fixed outboard piston cylinder cluster at an end of the shaft within the housing frame wherein the piston cylinder cluster comprises at least one piston cylinder; a fixed manifold and valve assembly connected to the outboard head of the fixed outboard piston cylinder cluster; a piston assembly at the end of the shaft at the inboard opening of the piston cylinder cluster, the piston assembly comprising at least one piston, a piston rod connected to the piston, and a piston rod mounting assembly wherein the piston assembly is mounted such that each piston is capable of reciprocating axial movement within its adjacent piston cylinder and the piston rod mounting assembly is capable of pivoting with respect to the shaft; a rotating swash plate pivot assembly comprising:
a pivoting swash plate subassembly at the end of the shaft inboard of the piston assembly and connected to the shaft so as to rotate with the shaft and be capable of pivoting with respect to the shaft; anda swash plate adjustment subassembly connected to the pivoting swash plate subassembly and mounted to cause the swash plate subassembly to pivot according to adjustment of the swash plate adjustment subassembly; and a control system for controlling the adjustment of the swash plate adjustment subassembly.