Hydromotive machine

Abstract

Hydromotive machines, e.g. hydroturbines and pumps with integral low head loss shut off valves are described. Arrays of such hydroturbines facilitate power generation within the limited space available at pre-existing gated water control structures. An adjustable pitch hydroturbine runner particularly suited for use with the integral loss shut-off valve provides higher power output and higher specific speed than prior art hydroturbines at low head hydroelectric projects. Arrays of pumps in accordance with the present invention provide high discharge capacity in a limited space, with each individual pump within the array having an integral low head loss valve for shut off and backflow prevention.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 61519041, filed May 16, 2011. technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a hydroelectric power generation device and a water pump device and a construction method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the retrofitting of hydroelectric plants and to pre-existing gated hydraulic control structures originally built on locks, dams and reservoirs where no hydroelectric facilities were originally installed, and to the integration of water pumping plants, especially high-capacity stormwater pumps ) into limited spaces, e.g. for urban areas. The disclosed improvements in shut-off valves for hydraulic machines and axial turbine runners have a variety of applications for fluid transport and power generation, a few of the many possible application examples will be described here. Background technique

[0004] Hydraulic machinery, especially ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0099] refer to figure 1 , shows a prior art turbine arrangement using a column gate. The dimensions of the illustrated prior art column gate 1 are large enough to allow complete removal of the turbine-generator unit through the closed column gate 1 . The large space between the cylindrical gate 1 and the outer diameter of the housing of the generator 2 limits the use of a vertical installation of such a cylindrical gate 1 extending above the water surface in its closed position. Furthermore, the configuration of the vertical rails 26 requires that they be placed radially away from the manifold inlet 27 so as not to cause unacceptable disturbances to the turbine input flow. The outer housing diameter of the illustrated generator 2 is too small for an economically designed direct drive generator, thus requiring a gear increaser 28 . The gear increaser 28 typically results in a shorter turbine generator life and lower reliability compared to direct drive alternatives.

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[0001] Cross References to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 61519041, filed May 16, 2011. technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a hydroelectric power generation device and a water pump device and a construction method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to the retrofitting of hydroelectric plants and to pre-existing gated hydraulic control structures originally built on locks, dams and reservoirs where no hydroelectric facilities were originally installed, and to the integration of water pumping plants, especially high-capacity stormwater pumps ) into limited spaces, e.g. for urban areas. The disclosed improvements in shut-off valves for hydraulic machines and axial turbine runners have a variety of applications for fluid transport and power generation, a few of the many possible application examples will be described here. Background technique

[0004] Hydraulic machinery, especially ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0099] refer to figure 1 , shows a prior art turbine arrangement using a column gate. The dimensions of the illustrated prior art column gate 1 are large enough to allow complete removal of the turbine-generator unit through the closed column gate 1 . The large space between the cylindrical gate 1 and the outer diameter of the housing of the generator 2 limits the use of a vertical installation of such a cylindrical gate 1 extending above the water surface in its closed position. Furthermore, the configuration of the vertical rails 26 requires that they be placed radially away from the manifold inlet 27 so as not to cause unacceptable disturbances to the turbine input flow. The outer housing diameter of the illustrated generator 2 is too small for an economically designed direct drive generator, thus requiring a gear increaser 28 . The gear increaser 28 typically results in a shorter turbine generator life and lower reliability compared to direct drive alternatives.

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