A device and system for improving underwater light conditions in a lake

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of eutrophication lake water ecological restoration, and discloses a device and system for improving underwater light conditions of a lake. Natural light on the water surface is introduced into the underwater area near the device through refraction and reflection by using a light path system, effectively improving the underwater light intensity. A wave dissipation system is arranged below the light path system to prevent disturbance of the water body and sediments by small waves, to a certain extent, reducing the influence of sediments and resuspension on water transparency, and further improving the underwater light conditions. The light path system, the wave dissipation system and the underwater fixing system are sequentially fixed and connected from top to bottom, and the height of the light path system and the wave dissipation system is adjusted through the underwater fixing system with the rise and fall of the water surface, improving the applicability of the device. The device has the characteristics of simple structure, convenient operation, good performance, easy installation and recycling, etc. It can effectively reduce the adverse effects of insufficient underwater light of the lake and wave disturbance on the growth of submerged plants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of eutrophic lake aquatic ecosystem restoration, specifically to a device and system for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes. Background Technology

[0002] Submerged plants are an important component of shallow lake ecosystems, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability, improving water quality, providing primary productivity, and offering habitats for the growth and reproduction of other aquatic organisms. Eutrophication and human disturbance have led to the degradation and even extinction of submerged plants in many lakes, resulting in water quality deterioration and an increased risk of cyanobacterial blooms.

[0003] Restoring submerged plants in shallow lakes helps improve the lake's self-purification capacity, increase the biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystem, and inhibit the growth of phytoplankton. Therefore, the restoration of submerged plants has become an important measure for lake ecological restoration.

[0004] Underwater light intensity is a crucial factor affecting the growth of submerged plants. Due to factors such as wave disturbance and algal proliferation, eutrophic water bodies often have low transparency, which becomes a limiting factor for the growth of submerged plants. Therefore, reducing wave disturbance and increasing underwater light intensity can help submerged plants recover successfully.

[0005] Chinese patent CN 102659246A discloses an underwater supplemental lighting system for restoring submerged vegetation. This patent uses LED lights to supplement underwater lighting for submerged plants after converting solar photovoltaic energy. However, this method has a complex structure and high operating costs, making it difficult to apply on a large scale. Additionally, Chinese patent CN 110063159A discloses an underwater supplemental lighting system for restoring submerged vegetation, which uses a parabolic concentrator to directly transmit light underwater. However, its light-scattering unit has a small supplemental lighting range, and it is difficult to overcome the impact of sediment resuspension caused by wind and waves on water transparency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned deficiencies in existing technologies, a device and system for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes are provided. This system addresses the technical problem of low water transparency in eutrophic lakes, which makes it difficult to meet the light requirements for submerged plant growth, by supplementing lighting and reducing water disturbance. It is used to assist in the artificial and natural restoration of submerged plants in shallow lakes and improve the success rate of submerged plant restoration.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows:

[0008] A device for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes is characterized by comprising: a light path system floating on the water surface, a wave-dissipating system located below the water surface, and an underwater fixing system anchored to the bottom of the lake, wherein the light path system, the wave-dissipating system, and the underwater fixing system are fixedly connected sequentially from top to bottom; the light path system receives sunlight irradiated from the water surface, and the sunlight enters the area below the water surface after refraction and reflection; the wave-dissipating system is used to balance the buoyancy of the light path system and resist the disturbance of small waves to the water body and sediments; the underwater fixing system adopts a telescopic structure, which adjusts only the distance between the light path system and the lake bottom based on the height of the water surface.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, the optical path system includes a focusing unit located above the water surface, a light scattering unit located directly below the focusing unit, and an underwater supplementary lighting unit wrapped around the outside of the light scattering unit. The underwater supplementary lighting unit is fixedly installed at the bottom of the focusing unit, and the two form a sealed cavity structure. The light scattering unit is located inside the cavity structure. The focusing unit adopts a plano-convex spherical lens structure, and the light scattering unit is fixed at the focal point of the focusing unit. Sunlight above the water surface is diffused through the surface of the light scattering unit from the top of the focusing unit and penetrates the underwater supplementary lighting unit to enter the surrounding underwater area.

[0010] According to the above technical solution, the focusing unit is made of transparent plastic with a radius of curvature of 0.8-1.5m and a refractive index greater than 1.3.

[0011] According to the above technical solution, the light scattering unit adopts an elliptical spherical structure, its surface is coated with a high diffuse reflection coating, the eccentricity ranges from 0.3 to 0.5, and the length of the major axis is 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the curvature radius of the light-concentrating unit.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, the underwater supplementary lighting unit adopts a conical structure with an open bottom. The conical structure is hollow and has a thickness of 0.5-1.5cm. The underwater supplementary lighting unit is made of transparent plastic material with a light transmittance of more than 90%. The conical structure is inverted, and the circular surface of the cylindrical structure and the bottom of the plano-convex spherical lens structure are fixedly connected.

[0013] According to the above technical solution, the bottom opening diameter of the conical structure is the same as the diameter of the plano-convex spherical lens structure, and the two are bonded together with sealant.

[0014] According to the above technical solution, the wave-damping system includes a counterweight stabilizing unit for offsetting part of the buoyancy and maintaining stability, and wave-damping plates for reducing the disturbance of wind waves and sediments; the counterweight stabilizing unit is fixed to the bottom of the underwater lighting unit so that the underwater lighting unit can be submerged in water; the top of the underwater fixing system is fixedly connected to the counterweight stabilizing unit, and the wave-damping plates are fixed on the underwater fixing system; the two wave-damping plates are spliced ​​and fixed at right angles.

[0015] According to the above technical solution, the counterweight stabilizing unit is made of rust-resistant metal, and the wave damping plate is made of waterproof material; the width of the wave damping plate is 0.8-1.2m, and the height is determined according to the depth of the lake; the thickness of the wave damping plate is 10-15cm.

[0016] According to the above technical solution, the underwater fixing system includes a vertically deployed telescopic rod, an anchor located at the bottom of the lake, and a limiting sleeve connecting the anchor and the bottom of the telescopic rod. The top of the telescopic rod is fixed to the bottom of the optical path system, the upper part of the limiting sleeve is fitted onto the bottom end of the telescopic rod, and the lower part of the limiting sleeve is fixed to the anchor, which is anchored in the sediment at the bottom of the lake. The inner diameter of the limiting sleeve matches the diameter of the telescopic rod, and the length of the telescopic rod inserted into the limiting sleeve is controlled according to the rise and fall of the water level.

[0017] A system for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes is characterized by: arranging several devices for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes as described above in the submerged plant restoration area, with each device spaced 5-10m apart.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] 1. Utilizing an optical path system, natural light from the water surface is refracted and reflected into the underwater area near the device, effectively improving underwater illumination. A wave-damping system is installed in the water below the optical path system to prevent disturbance of the water and sediment by small waves, reducing the impact of sediment and resuspension on water transparency and further improving underwater illumination conditions. The optical path system, wave-damping system, and underwater fixing system are fixedly connected from top to bottom. The height of the optical path system and wave-damping system is adjusted by the underwater fixing system according to the rise and fall of the water level, improving the applicability of the device.

[0020] This device features a simple structure, convenient operation, low energy consumption, easy installation, and easy recycling. Based on the above measures, by directly supplementing light and reducing disturbance, it can effectively reduce the adverse effects of insufficient underwater light and wind and wave disturbance on the growth of submerged plants, and effectively promote the growth of submerged plants.

[0021] 2. This system is suitable for assisting in the restoration of submerged plants in shallow lakes. It consists of a number of devices installed within the submerged plant restoration project area to improve underwater lighting conditions. These devices directly introduce sunlight into the water, improving underwater light intensity, promoting the growth of submerged plant seedlings, and increasing the success rate of submerged plant restoration. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical path according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of the apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] In the diagram, 1 is the light-concentrating unit; 2 is the light-scattering unit; 3 is the underwater supplementary lighting unit; 4 is the counterweight stabilizing unit; 5 is the wave-damping plate; 6 is the telescopic rod; 7 is the anchor; and 8 is the limiting sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Reference Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides a device for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] The system comprises a floating optical path system, a wave-dissipating system located below the water surface, and an underwater fixing system anchored to the lake bottom. The optical path system, wave-dissipating system, and underwater fixing system are connected sequentially from top to bottom. The optical path system receives sunlight from the water surface, which is refracted and reflected into the area below the water surface. The wave-dissipating system is used to balance the buoyancy of the optical path system and resist the disturbance of small waves to the water and sediment. The underwater fixing system adopts a telescopic structure, which adjusts only the distance between the optical path system and the lake bottom based on the height of the water surface.

[0030] In this embodiment, an optical path system is used to refract and reflect natural light from the water surface into the underwater area near the device, effectively improving underwater illumination. A wave-damping system is installed in the water below the optical path system to prevent disturbance of the water and sediment by small waves, reducing the impact of sediment and resuspension on water transparency and further improving underwater illumination conditions. The optical path system, wave-damping system, and underwater fixing system are fixedly connected from top to bottom. The height of the optical path system and wave-damping system is adjusted by the underwater fixing system according to the rise and fall of the water level, improving the applicability of the device.

[0031] This device features a simple structure, convenient operation, low energy consumption, easy installation, and easy recycling. Based on the above measures, by directly supplementing light and reducing disturbance, it can effectively reduce the adverse effects of insufficient underwater light and wind and wave disturbance on the growth of submerged plants, and effectively promote the growth of submerged plants.

[0032] Example 2

[0033] The structure and principle of Example 2 are similar to those of Example 1, except that an optical path system structure different from the prior art is presented.

[0034] Specifically, the optical path system includes a focusing unit 1 located above the water surface, a light scattering unit 2 located directly below the focusing unit, and an underwater supplementary lighting unit 3 wrapped around the outside of the light scattering unit. The underwater supplementary lighting unit is fixedly installed at the bottom of the focusing unit, and the two form a sealed cavity structure. The light scattering unit is located inside the cavity structure. The focusing unit adopts a plano-convex spherical lens structure, and the light scattering unit is fixed at the focal point of the focusing unit. Sunlight above the water surface enters the surrounding underwater area through the underwater supplementary lighting unit after diffuse reflection from the top of the focusing unit onto the surface of the light scattering unit, and the incident light is diffusely reflected by the surface of the light scattering unit.

[0035] In this embodiment, the light-concentrating unit adopts a plano-convex spherical lens structure. After the device is installed, the light-concentrating unit is located in the area above the lake surface, which can collect sunlight and guide it into the interior of the supplementary lighting system, and converge the incident light at the focal point. The light scattering unit deployed at the focal point of the light-concentrating unit diffusely reflects the incident light converged at the focal point to the underwater supplementary lighting unit, and penetrates the underwater supplementary lighting unit into the surrounding underwater area, thereby improving the underwater illumination intensity around the device.

[0036] Example 3

[0037] The structure and principle of Example 3 are similar to those of Example 2, except that, through experimental comparison, a preferred design for the focusing unit is provided. Furthermore, the focusing unit of this invention is not limited to the following restrictions.

[0038] The focusing unit is made of transparent plastic with a radius of curvature of 0.8-1.5m and a refractive index greater than 1.3. It is used to guide sunlight into the optical path system.

[0039] Example 4

[0040] The structure and principle of Example 4 are similar to those of Example 2, except that, through experimental comparison, a preferred design for the light scattering unit is provided. Furthermore, the light-gathering unit of this invention is not limited to the following restrictions on the light scattering unit.

[0041] The light scattering unit adopts an elliptical spherical structure, and its surface is coated with a high diffuse reflection coating (white high diffuse reflection coating is used in the embodiment shown in the figure) to scatter the incident light; the eccentricity of the elliptical spherical structure is in the range of 0.3-0.5, and the length of the major axis of the elliptical spherical structure is 1 / 4-1 / 3 of the radius of curvature of the light-concentrating unit.

[0042] Example 5

[0043] The structure and principle of Example 5 are similar to those of Example 2, except that: in order to ensure that the incident light can enter the surrounding underwater area as much as possible, the underwater supplementary lighting unit adopts a conical structure with an open bottom. The conical structure is hollow and has a thickness of 0.5-1.5cm. The underwater supplementary lighting unit is made of transparent plastic material with a light transmittance of more than 90%. The conical structure is inverted, and the circular surface of the cylindrical structure and the bottom of the plano-convex spherical lens structure are fixedly connected.

[0044] In Example 5, the bottom opening diameter of the preferred conical structure is the same as the diameter of the plano-convex spherical lens structure, and the two are bonded together with sealant.

[0045] Example 6

[0046] The structure and principle of Example 6 are similar to those of Example 2, except that a preferred structural design for a wave-damping system is provided.

[0047] Specifically, the wave-damping system includes a counterweight stabilizing unit 4 for offsetting part of the buoyancy and maintaining stability, and wave-damping plates 5 for reducing the disturbance of wind waves and sediments. The counterweight stabilizing unit is fixed to the bottom of the underwater lighting unit, so that the underwater lighting unit can be submerged in water. The top of the underwater fixing system is fixedly connected to the counterweight stabilizing unit, and the wave-damping plates are fixed on the underwater fixing system. The two wave-damping plates are spliced ​​at right angles to reduce the disturbance of wind waves to sediments.

[0048] Example 7

[0049] The structure and principle of Example 7 are similar to those of Example 6, except that, through experimental comparison, a preferred design for the counterweight stabilizing unit and the wave-damping plate is provided. Furthermore, the counterweight stabilizing unit and the wave-damping plate of this invention are not limited to the following restrictions on the light scattering unit.

[0050] Specifically, the counterweight stabilizing unit is made of rust-resistant metal, connected to the bottom of the optical path system, and is adjusted according to the buoyancy of the device. The wave-damping plate is made of waterproof material; it is a rigid, solid waterproof plate, suspended below the counterweight stabilizing unit by cables. The width of the wave-damping plate is 0.8-1.2m, and the height depends on the depth of the lake; the thickness of the wave-damping plate is 10-15cm.

[0051] Example 8

[0052] The structure and principle of Example 8 are similar to those of Example 2, except that a preferred structural design for an underwater fixed system is provided.

[0053] Specifically, the underwater fixing system includes a vertically deployed telescopic rod 6, an anchor 7 located at the bottom of the lake, and a limiting sleeve 8 connecting the anchor and the bottom of the telescopic rod. The top of the telescopic rod is fixed to the bottom of the optical path system, the upper part of the limiting sleeve is fitted onto the bottom end of the telescopic rod, and the lower part of the limiting sleeve is fixed to the anchor, which is anchored in the sediment at the bottom of the lake. The inner diameter of the limiting sleeve matches the diameter of the telescopic rod, and the length of the telescopic rod inserted into the limiting sleeve is controlled according to the rise and fall of the water level. In the embodiment shown in the figure, a wave-damping plate is fixed to the telescopic rod.

[0054] In this embodiment, the telescopic rod is made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, with a counterweight stabilizing unit and a wave-damping plate connected to its top, and its bottom fixedly embedded in a limiting sleeve. The limiting sleeve, also made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, is connected at its lower end to an anchor. The limiting sleeve works in conjunction with the telescopic rod to ensure the device can adjust up and down with changes in lake water level; that is, the bottom of the telescopic rod slides within the limiting sleeve according to the rise and fall of the water surface. The anchor, made of stainless steel or iron coated with protective paint, is used to fix the device's position in the water.

[0055] The present invention also provides a system for improving underwater lighting conditions in lakes.

[0056] Specifically, several devices, as described above, designed to improve underwater lighting conditions in lakes are arranged in the submerged plant restoration area, with each device spaced 5-10 meters apart. This system is suitable for assisting in the restoration of submerged plants in shallow lakes. This system, consisting of a certain number of devices installed within the submerged plant restoration project area to improve underwater lighting conditions, directly introduces sunlight into the water, improves underwater light intensity in the project area, promotes the growth of submerged plant seedlings, and increases the success rate of submerged plant restoration.

[0057] The specific usage of this invention can be as follows:

[0058] Data on the normal water level, water level fluctuations, and water depth of the lake area where submerged plant restoration is to be carried out are obtained. Based on this data, the height of the wave-damping plate and the length of the telescopic rod and the limiting sleeve are customized. Based on this, the total amount of counterweight stabilizing units is determined so that after the device is installed, the part below the focusing unit of the optical path system is submerged below the lake surface.

[0059] After the submerged plants are planted, the device can be installed within the planting area. After assembling all units on-site, the device is slowly placed in the water, and the underwater fixing unit is inserted into the sediment to secure the device. Depending on actual needs, several devices can be arranged in the submerged plant restoration area, with each device spaced 5-10 meters apart.

[0060] After the device is installed, regularly check the cleanliness of the light scattering unit and the underwater supplementary lighting unit, and clean the surface impurities and attached algae as needed to reduce their impact on the supplementary lighting effect.

[0061] Once the submerged plants are successfully restored, the device can be retrieved or transferred and used for the restoration of submerged plants in other waters.

[0062] This application features a simple and ingenious structure that utilizes sunlight for supplemental lighting, requiring no external energy consumption. The device is small in size, facilitating transportation, installation, and dismantling. Maintenance and management are simple, it is reusable, economical, efficient, and does not pollute water bodies, demonstrating promising application prospects.

[0063] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for improving underwater light conditions in a lake, characterized in that: The device comprises a light path system floating on the water surface, a wave-damping system below the water surface, and an underwater fixing system anchored to the bottom of the lake, the light path system, the wave-damping system and the underwater fixing system are sequentially fixed and connected from top to bottom; the light path system receives sunlight irradiated from the water surface, and the sunlight enters the area below the water surface after refraction and reflection; the wave-damping system is used to balance the buoyancy of the light path system and resist the disturbance of small waves to the water body and sediments; the underwater fixing system adopts an extension structure, and only adjusts the distance between the light path system and the lake bottom based on the height of the water surface; The light path system comprises a light collecting unit in the area above the water surface, a light scattering unit directly below the light collecting unit, and an underwater light supplement unit wrapped outside the light scattering unit, the underwater light supplement unit is fixed at the bottom of the light collecting unit, and the two form a sealed cavity structure, and the light scattering unit is inside the cavity structure; the light collecting unit adopts a plano-convex spherical lens structure, and the light scattering unit is fixed at the focal point of the light collecting unit; sunlight above the water surface is incident on the surface of the light scattering unit from the top of the light collecting unit, the incident light is diffusely reflected on the surface of the light scattering unit, and then penetrates the underwater light supplement unit to enter the surrounding underwater area; The wave-damping system comprises a counterweight stabilizing unit for counteracting part of the buoyancy and maintaining stability, and a wave-damping plate for reducing the disturbance of waves and sediments; the counterweight stabilizing unit is fixed at the bottom of the underwater light supplement unit, so that the underwater light supplement unit can be submerged in water; the top end of the underwater fixing system and the counterweight stabilizing unit are fixedly connected, and the wave-damping plate is fixed on the underwater fixing system; the two wave-damping plates are fixedly connected at a right angle.

2. The apparatus for improving underwater light conditions in a lake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light collecting unit is made of transparent plastic, the curvature radius is 0.8-1.5 m, and the refractive index is greater than 1.

3.

3. The apparatus for improving underwater light conditions in a lake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light scattering unit adopts an elliptical spherical structure, the surface of which is coated with a high-diffusion reflective coating, the eccentricity range is 0.3-0.5, and the length of the major axis is 1 / 4-1 / 3 of the curvature radius of the light collecting unit.

4. The apparatus for improving underwater light conditions in a lake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The underwater light supplement unit adopts a circular cone structure with an open bottom, the circular cone structure is hollow, and the thickness is 0.5-1.5 cm; the underwater light supplement unit is made of transparent plastic material, and the light transmittance is greater than 90%; the circular cone structure is inverted, and the circular surface of the cylindrical structure and the bottom of the plano-convex spherical lens structure are fixedly connected.

5. The apparatus for improving underwater light conditions in a lake according to claim 4, characterized in that: The bottom opening diameter of the circular cone structure and the diameter of the plano-convex spherical lens structure are the same, and the two are bonded together by sealing glue.

6. The apparatus for improving underwater light conditions in a lake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counterweight stabilizing unit is made of anti-corrosion metal, and the wave-damping plate is made of waterproof material; the width of the wave-damping plate is 0.8-1.2 m, and the height is determined according to the depth of the lake; the thickness of the wave-damping plate is 10-15 cm.

7. The apparatus for improving underwater light conditions in a lake according to claim 1, characterized in that: The underwater fixing system comprises a telescopic rod arranged vertically, an anchor located at the bottom of the lake, and a limiting sleeve connecting the anchor and the bottom of the telescopic rod, the top of the telescopic rod is fixed at the bottom of the light path system, the upper part of the limiting sleeve is sleeved on the bottom end of the telescopic rod, the lower part of the limiting sleeve is fixed on the anchor, and the anchor is anchored in the sediments at the bottom of the lake; the inner diameter of the limiting sleeve matches the diameter of the telescopic rod, and the length of the telescopic rod inserted into the limiting sleeve is controlled according to the rise and fall of the water surface.

8. A system for improving underwater light conditions in a lake, characterized by: Arrange several devices for improving the underwater light conditions of the lake as claimed in any one of claims 1-7 in the water area where the submerged plants are restored, and the devices are spaced 5-10 m apart.

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