Bucket-wheel device for generating water flow and supplying oxygen underwater

Abstract

A bucket-wheel device for generating water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to the present invention comprises: a support hub; a plurality of buckets arranged radially from the support hub; a connection member connecting the support hub and the plurality of buckets; an air supply pipe disposed in the support hub; and a centralized air injection pipe connected to the air supply pipe and extending in a certain direction so as to supply air to a bucket that passes through the vicinity of bottom dead center among the plurality of buckets.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater, which rotates by bubbles underwater. [Background Art]

[0002] Algal blooms, which are one of the representative environmental problems in rivers, lakes, and the like, rapidly increase water pollution within a short period of time and adversely affect ecosystems.

[0003] Such algal blooms are known to occur due to a combination of factors including the inflow of pollutants (nutrients and eutrophication), water temperature, increased solar radiation, and stagnation of water circulation. Although algal blooms may be fundamentally prevented by blocking the inflow of pollutants, the implementation of such measures is critical. In addition, since water temperature and solar radiation are related to seasons and natural phenomena, it is difficult to arbitrarily eliminate them.

[0004] In stagnant water areas, technologies for preventing algal blooms have been proposed through methods such as installing devices that forcibly circulate water in water areas where algal blooms are expected to occur.

[0005] In facilities intended for water treatment, forced aeration is performed to purify water in tanks according to treatment stages. However, since such forced aeration requires a large amount of energy cost, it is difficult to apply the same to rivers or lakes. An air supply device utilizing a water wheel on the water surface has been proposed. However, since the area in which water flow is generated is narrow, the effect thereof is insignificant in lakes or weirs having wide basins.

[0006] Korean Patent No. 10-1787581 and others disclose a method for rotating a bucket wheel using bubbles released underwater to prevent algal blooms or red tides, thereby supplying oxygen to the water through the bubbles and reducing the possibility of stagnation of the water flow by the water flow generated during rotation of the bucket wheel.

[0007] * Related Prior Art

[0008] Korean Patent No. 10-1787581 (registered on October 12, 2017)

[0009] Korean Patent No. 10-2589470 (registered on October 11, 2023)

[0010] Korean  Patent  Laid-Open  Publication  No.  10-2019 0078879 (published on July 05, 2019)

[0011] Korean  Patent  Laid-Open  Publication  No.  10-2022- 0148405 (published on November 07, 2022)

[0012] Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-20120025715 (published on March 16, 2012) [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater, which can be configured compactly and secure efficiency by ensuring that air released underwater is collected in the bucket to the maximum extent.

[0014] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other technical problems may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Technical Solution]

[0015] According to the present invention, a bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater includes: a support hub; a plurality of buckets arranged radially from the support hub; a connection member connecting the support hub and the plurality of buckets; an air supply pipe disposed in the support hub; and a centralized air injection pipe connected to the air supply pipe and extending in a certain direction so as to supply air to a bucket that passes through the vicinity of bottom dead center among the plurality of buckets.

[0016] In an example of the present invention, the plurality of buckets may be formed to be integral with the support hub by being fixed to the connection member.

[0017] In an example of the present invention, the support hub may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the connection member may be formed in a shape of a pipe with a diameter smaller than that of the support hub.

[0018] In an example of the present invention, the bucketwheel device may further include a water flow wing plate formed in a shape of a plate that extends radially from the bucket portion and generates the water flow.

[0019] In an example of the present invention, the bucketwheel device may further include a flexible tube connected to an end of the centralized air injection pipe. In an example of the present invention, the flexible tube may be formed of rubber or a silicone resin.

[0020] In an example of the present invention, the air supply pipe may be supported so that the support hub may rotate on its outer circumferential surface coaxially with a centerline.

[0021] In an example of the present invention, the bucketwheel device may further include a bushing member formed of a resin and disposed between an inner circumferential surface of the support hub and the air supply pipe.

[0022] In an example of the present invention, the centralized air injection pipe may include: a radial extension portion extending radially from the air supply pipe; and a bent extension portion bent at a certain angle at an end portion of the radial extension portion and extending toward an opening of the bucket.

[0023] In an example of the present invention, the centralized air injection pipe may be disposed on both sides of the air supply pipe, respectively.

[0024] In an example of the present invention, the bucketwheel device may further include a stand-type frame formed to fix the air supply pipe and to be placed on an underwater bottom.

[0025] In an example of the present invention, the bucketwheel device may further include: a frame fixing the air supply pipe; and a buoyancy body coupled to the frame and having buoyancy to float on a water surface. [Advantageous Effects]

[0026] According to the bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to the present invention, by disposing an air supply pipe on a support hub and installing a centralized air injection pipe extending in a certain direction so as to supply air to a bucket that passes through the vicinity of bottom dead center among the plurality of buckets, it is possible to reduce leakage by preventing bubbles from accumulating in the bucket underwater, thereby improving efficiency accordingly. Since the air supply pipe is fixed to the frame, the support hub connecting the bucket is rotatably supported on the air supply pipe, and the centralized air injection pipe is drawn out from the air supply pipe and configured to be toward the target bucket, it is possible to obtain a structurally compact design without requiring a buoyancy body or other components for turnover or directional change of the bucket.

[0027] According to one example of the present invention, by mounting a flexible tube on the centralized air injection pipe and removing a gap with a target bucket approaching the vicinity of the bottom dead center, it is possible to minimize the escape of air from the bucket.

[0028] According to another example of the present invention, by installing a radially extending water flow wing plate in the bucket portion, it is possible to spread the water flow in the vicinity of the water surface over a wide area, thereby eliminating a stagnant water area. [brief description of the drawings]

[0029] FiG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to an example of the present invention.

[0030] FiG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the bucketwheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater of FIG. 1 with a stand-type frame removed.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater of FIG. 2.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a conceptual partial enlarged perspective view illustrating the filling of the bucket with air by a centralized air injection pipe related to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an exemplary shape of a flexible tube related to the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for describing an operating state of the bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to another example of the present invention. [Best Mode]

[0036] Hereinafter, a bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater related to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms used in this specification and claims may not be limited to their dictionary meanings, but may be appropriately defined and understood to best describe the present invention.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the bucket-wheel device 100 for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater has a wheel assembly fixedly installed on a stand-type frame 101 by a fastening member 102. The stand-type frame 101 may be configured to be placed on an underwater bottom so that the wheel assembly may maintain a set depth and position from the water surface.

[0038] The wheel assembly is equipped with a support hub 110, a plurality of buckets 120, a connection member 130, an air supply pipe 140, and a centralized air injection pipe 150, etc.

[0039] The support hub 110 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a certain length in a longitudinal direction x. An outer circumferential surface of the support hub 110 fixes a plurality of buckets 120 arranged radially by a plurality of connection members 130.

[0040] The bucket 120 is also a cylindrical shape with a certain length in the longitudinal direction x and has an opening 121 formed therein that allows the inflow and outflow of air. A length of the bucket 120 may be longer than that of the support hub 110 so that the air injection from the centralized air injection pipe 150, which will be described later, may be smooth. The bucket 120 may be formed to be integral with the support hub 110 by being fixed to the connection members 130. In this case, unlike the example where the bucket 120 rotates (spins) relative to the wheel or connection member, a separate component for turnover is not required. That is, each bucket 120 arranged radially has an opening 121 that is open upward at top dead center, so the air accumulated in the bucket 120 may naturally be released through the opening 121, and subsequently, water fills the bucket 120.

[0041] Each bucket 120 may have a water flow wing plate 125 extending radially. This water flow wing plate 125 is in the shape of a plate and is formed perpendicular to the direction of rotation so that surrounding water may have a water flow during the rotation of the bucket 120. The function and operation of the water flow wing plate 125 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0042] Since the bucket 120 is extended in the longitudinal direction x, a plurality of connection members 130 may be arranged. Each connection member 130 may be in the shape of a pipe with a diameter smaller than that of the support hub 110. The support hub 110, the connection members 130, and the bucket 120 may be manufactured by forming a metal plate (or resin plate) and integrating them by methods such as welding or riveting.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the air supply pipe 140 is arranged inside the support hub 110. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air supply pipe 140 is fixed to the frame 101 by the fastening member 102, and the support hub 110 is coupled so as to be rotatable relative to the air supply pipe 140. That is, the support hub 110 is supported so that it can rotate coaxially with the centerline of the air supply pipe 140 at the outer circumferential surface of the air supply pipe 140. The bushing member 115 formed of a resin may be installed between an inner surface of the support hub 110 and the air supply pipe 140. This bushing member 115 may be formed of a lubricating resin such as nylon.

[0044] The air supply pipe 140 may be in the shape of a metal pipe capable of supporting the support hub 110 and the wheel assembly. The air supply pipe 140 may have a hollow air passage so that compressed air is supplied from the outside and delivered to the centralized air injection pipe 150.

[0045] The centralized air injection pipe 150 is connected from the air supply pipe 140 and is formed to extend in a certain direction so as to supply air to the bucket 120 passing through the vicinity of bottom dead center among the plurality of buckets 120. Specifically, the centralized air injection pipe 150 may include a radial extension portion 151 extending radially from the air supply pipe 140 and a bent extension portion 152 that is bent at a certain angle at an end portion of the radial extension portion 151 and extends toward the opening 121 of the bucket 120. The angle of the bent extension portion 152 relative to the radial extension portion 151 may be appropriately selected within a range that enables the approaching bucket 120 to obliquely pass by the bent extension portion 152 while grazing the same.

[0046] A flexible tube 153 may be provided at an end of the bent extension portion 152. The flexible tube 153 facilitates injection of air into the space inside the opening 121 of the bucket 120 due to its rigidity that allows the flexible tube 153 to maintain its shape while being easily bent or deformed, such as when made of rubber or silicone resin.

[0047] The flexible tube 153 may be in the form of a tube, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, an end of a flexible tube 153’ may have the shape of a wedge to reduce friction with the bucket 120 while preventing bubbles B from leaking.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for describing an operating state of the bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to the present invention. The bucket-wheel device 100 for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater is disposed so that most of the device is submerged below a water surface WL. The arrows and bubbles B illustrated in the drawings are used to facilitate understanding of the direction or presence of flow in water, and the bubbles B are also schematically illustrated regardless of their actual appearance. The bubbles B released through the centralized air injection pipe 150 may be generated from air supplied through a compressor or a compressed-air tank disposed in a separate water facility or land facility which is not illustrated. Electric power or mechanical energy for operating the compressor or the like may be supplied from general commercial power, or may be obtained through a separately installed solar power generator, wind power generator, or a mechanical device configured to directly generate driving force using wind power.

[0049] The buckets 120 arranged radially from the support hub 110 are fixed by the connection member 130, so the opening 121 of the bucket 120 naturally changes according to the rotation angle of the bucket 120. The bucket 120 in the vicinity of bottom dead center has its opening 121 facing downward and is ready to receive and collect air from the centralized air injection pipe 150. In this state, after passing through the flexible tube 153, the bubbles B released from the flexible tube 153 are collected in the bucket 120. The buoyancy generated by the filled air A causes the entire wheel assembly to rotate counterclockwise as illustrated in the drawing. The bucket 120 in the vicinity of top dead center has its opening 121 naturally facing upward, and the air A is discharged from the bucket 120.

[0050] In this process, the water flow wing plate 125 extending from the bucket 120 directs the surrounding water in vertical and horizontal directions, thereby enabling the air-dissolved water to disperse widely into the surrounding area and alleviating a stagnant water area.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates a bucket-wheel device 200 for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater according to another example of the present invention. An air supply pipe 240 included in the bucket-wheel device 200 for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater of this example is fixed to a frame 201 by a fastening member 202, and the frame 201 is connected to a buoyancy body 203 that has buoyancy so as to float on the water surface. Accordingly, the wheel assembly may be operated while floating in deep lakes, rivers, or the like. Even in this example, the support hub 210 may be integrated with a buckets 220 by a connection member 230, and inject air into the bucket 220 in the vicinity of bottom dead center to the maximum extent while minimizing leakage through the radial extension portion 251 and the bent extension portion 252 included in the centralized air injection pipe 250 and the flexible tube 253.

[0052] The bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the described embodiments. The above-described embodiments may be modified in various ways to form equivalents that may be replaced, and all or part of the embodiments may be selectively combined and configured.

Claims

[claims]

1. A bucket-wheel device for generating a water flow and supplying oxygen underwater, comprising:a support hub;a plurality of buckets arranged radially from the support hub;a connection member connecting the support hub and the plurality of buckets;an air supply pipe disposed in the support hub; anda centralized air injection pipe connected to the air supply pipe and extending in a certain direction so as to supply air to a bucket that passes through the vicinity of bottom dead center among the plurality of buckets.

2. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of buckets are formed to be integral with the support hub by being fixed to the connection member.

3. The bucket-wheel device of claim 2, wherein the support hub is formed in a cylindrical shape, andthe connection member is formed in a shape of a pipe with a diameter smaller than that of the support hub.

4. The bucket-wheel device of claim 2, further comprising:a water flow wing plate formed in a shape of a plate that extends radially from the bucket portion and generates the water flow.

5. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, further comprising: a flexible tube connected to an end of the centralized air injection pipe.

6. The bucket-wheel device of claim 5, wherein the flexible tube is formed of rubber or a silicone resin.

7. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, wherein the air supply pipe is supported so that the support hub rotates on its outer circumferential surface coaxially with a centerline.

8. The bucket-wheel device of claim 7, further comprising: a bushing member formed of a resin and disposed betweenan inner circumferential surface of the support hub and the air supply pipe.

9. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, wherein the centralized air injection pipe includes:a radial extension portion extending radially from the air supply pipe; anda bent extension portion bent at a certain angle at an end portion of the radial extension portion and extending toward an opening of the bucket.

10. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, wherein the centralized air injection pipe is disposed on both sides of the air supply pipe, respectively.

11. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, further comprising:a stand-type frame formed to fix the air supply pipe and to be placed on an underwater bottom.

12. The bucket-wheel device of claim 1, further comprising:a frame fixing the air supply pipe; anda buoyancy body coupled to the frame and having buoyancy to float on a water surfac

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