Hydraulic wheel

Abstract

The invention concerns a turbine comprising: a rotary mobile part called rotor ( 1 ) consisting of a set of blades ( 2 ) variable in number, the assembly rotating about a horizontal axis ( 6 ), one or more stationary parts ( 4 ), acting as barrier for retaining the water level; a water intake channel ( 15 ) and a water discharge channel ( 16 ). The invention is characterized in that the shape of the cylindrical ring of the mobile part ( 1 ), which enables, in the volume left free by its movement, provision of the water retaining element ( 4 ) wherein are installed the mechanical elements constituting the speed-increasing and brake units. Such a design enables kinetic energy and water-level potential energy to be used in the intake channel ( 15 ). Said water wheel is designed for use of water energy of rivers and tides to transform mechanical energy which may or may not be transformed into electricity.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . A device for capturing the potential energy of water, comprising: 
 a rotatable wheel comprising blades; and    a fixed part located inside the rotatable wheel and serving as a dam to retain a water level.    
   
   
       11 . Device according to  claim 10 , comprising a lower fixed part for channeling inflowing water, enabling kinetic energy of the water to be captured.  
   
   
       12 . Device according to  claim 10 , wherein the rotatable wheel comprises a bladed wheel comprising support discs supporting the blades.  
   
   
       13 . Device according to  claim 12 , wherein the support discs have a toothed outer form.  
   
   
       14 . Device according to  claim 12 , wherein the support discs have an untoothed outer form.  
   
   
       15 . Device according to  claim 12 , wherein the blades have a hydrodynamic shape and the discs have a corresponding outer form.  
   
   
       16 . Device according to  claim 12  that is arranged to operate in a reversible hydraulic flow.  
   
   
       17 . Device according to  claim 12  comprising lift-type means for lifting fish from an outlet of the device to water upstream of the device.  
   
   
       18 . Device according to  claim 12 , comprising flaps pivotably attached to the rotatable part, said flaps actuatable to entrap fish at an outlet of the device and actuatable to release entrapped fish into water upstream of the device.