A propeller photoelectric current meter using tidal current

Abstract

The application discloses a propeller photoelectric current speed meter for tidal flow measurement, which comprises a speed meter controller, a measuring rod and a propeller head connected in sequence, and the propeller head is matched with a slidable and rotatable propeller through a probe; the speed meter can quickly judge the flow speed of tidal river mouth and the forward and reverse flow directions; the flow speed is judged by the rotating speed of the propeller; the forward and reverse directions of tidal flow are judged by the cooperation of the propeller at different positions of the propeller shaft and the probe, or the direction of tidal flow is judged by the color of light waves reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller; the propeller is divided into three sections, one end of which is provided with a first reflective coating, the other end is provided with a second reflective coating, and the middle section is not provided with a reflective coating; when the probe is located at one end of the first reflective coating, it indicates that the tide is in the forward direction; and when the probe is located at one end of the second reflective coating, it indicates that the tide is in the reverse direction; the speed meter has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation, high measurement precision and high data reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of flow velocity and direction measurement technology, and relates to a propeller-type photocurrent velocimeter for physical model testing and field hydrological measurement in the water conservancy industry. Specifically, it relates to a propeller-type photocurrent velocimeter for tidal flow measurement. Background Technology

[0002] In physical model experiments, flow velocity and direction are crucial measurement parameters for tidal flow measurement. Several model flow velocity and direction meters, such as the Nortek Vectrino and acoustic current meters, are widely used both domestically and internationally. However, widely used acoustic Doppler point-type current meters, like the Nortek Vectrino, are imported products, expensive and complex in structure, thus limiting their application. Although domestically produced alternatives have emerged in my country, their performance still needs improvement. These current meters perform well in single-point local measurements, but in physical model experiments, multiple velocity measurement points are typically required, which these current meters cannot meet. While rotor-type current meters and photocurrent current meters are simple in structure and easy to set up, suitable for measuring water flow velocity, they can only measure the magnitude of the velocity, not its direction. Electromagnetic current meters, on the other hand, rotate according to changes in water flow, thus measuring both the magnitude and direction of the velocity. However, with smaller probes, the probe is difficult to rotate at low water flow velocities, leading to significant measurement errors at low velocities. Conversely, with larger probes, the increased force of the water flow on the probe allows it to rotate, but the excessive size of the probe can affect the water flow, also causing measurement errors. Furthermore, achieving underwater directional signal sensing with electromagnetic current meters presents significant challenges. Therefore, the Chinese market urgently needs a current meter that is suitable for tidal current measurement, has a simple structure, is inexpensive, and highly reliable. Such a design would significantly improve the measurement accuracy and data reliability of physical model experiments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the main objective of this invention is to design a propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement. This invention employs a sliding propeller in conjunction with a fixed-position probe. The propeller's rotational speed determines the flow velocity, and the position of the propeller and probe determines the direction of the tidal current. This solves the problems of large measurement errors, complex structures, and limited functionality found in existing current meters.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A propeller photocurrent velocity meter for tidal current measurement includes a velocity meter controller and a propeller head for measurement, wherein the velocity meter controller and the propeller head are connected via a measuring rod.

[0006] The propeller head includes a bracket and a propeller shaft fixed on the bracket. A rotatable propeller is mounted on the outside of the propeller shaft, and the outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with a reflective coating.

[0007] The probe is mounted on the bracket, the propeller slides along the outside of the propeller shaft, and the reflective coating of the propeller corresponds to the position of the probe.

[0008] The flow meter controller sends light signals to the luminescent coating, receives light pulses reflected by the reflective coating, and transmits data on flow velocity and direction.

[0009] As a further description of the present invention, the bracket is configured as a hexagonal shape, the hexagonal bracket is connected to the lower end of the measuring rod, and the propeller shaft is fixed inside the hexagonal shape and perpendicular to the measuring rod.

[0010] As a further description of the present invention, the propeller shaft passes through the center of the propeller, and limiting bushings are provided at both ends of the propeller shaft; the center of the propeller is larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft, and the two sides of the propeller are limited by the limiting bushings.

[0011] As a further description of the present invention, the probe is configured as one and is positioned at the middle of the upper part of the bracket;

[0012] The outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with two different colors of reflective coating, namely a first reflective coating and a second reflective coating; the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating are respectively applied to the two ends of the propeller, and the middle position of the propeller does not include the reflective coating.

[0013] The propeller is located on the left side of the propeller shaft, and the probe corresponds to the second reflective coating of the propeller. The propeller is located on the right side of the propeller shaft, and the probe corresponds to the first reflective coating of the propeller. The propeller is located in the middle of the propeller shaft, and the probe corresponds to the middle area of ​​the propeller without reflective coating.

[0014] As a further description of the present invention, the measuring rod is configured as a hollow structure, and a partition is installed inside the measuring rod, the partition vertically dividing the interior of the measuring rod into two chambers;

[0015] The measuring rod is internally perforated with optical fibers, which include receiving optical fibers and transmitting optical fibers. The receiving optical fibers and transmitting optical fibers are respectively perforated in two chambers of the measuring rod and are both connected to the probe.

[0016] As a further description of the present invention, the probe is configured as two probes, which are located on the left and right sides of the upper part of the bracket, respectively, and are a high tide probe and a low tide probe.

[0017] The outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with a reflective coating; the propeller is located on the left side of the propeller shaft, and the high tide probe corresponds to the reflective coating of the propeller; the propeller is located on the right side of the propeller, and the low tide probe corresponds to the reflective coating of the propeller; the propeller is located in the middle position of the propeller shaft, and there is no probe corresponding to the reflective coating of the propeller.

[0018] As a further description of the present invention, the measuring rod is configured as a hollow structure, and a partition is installed inside the measuring rod, the partition vertically dividing the interior of the measuring rod into two chambers;

[0019] Two sets of optical fibers are installed inside the measuring rod. The optical fibers are a high tide optical fiber and a low tide optical fiber. The high tide optical fiber and the low tide optical fiber are respectively installed in two chambers of the measuring rod. The high tide optical fiber is connected to the high tide probe, and the low tide optical fiber is connected to the low tide probe.

[0020] The rising tide optical fiber includes a rising tide receiving optical fiber and a rising tide emitting optical fiber, and the ebb tide optical fiber includes an ebb tide receiving optical fiber and an ebb tide emitting optical fiber.

[0021] As a further description of the present invention, the flow meter controller includes a light-emitting unit, a light signal receiving unit, a light signal storage unit, a signal processing unit, and a wireless transmission unit.

[0022] The light-emitting unit and the light signal receiving unit face the optical fiber. The light-emitting unit emits light signals to the reflective coating of the propeller. The light signal receiving unit receives the light pulses reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The light signal storage unit stores the light pulse signals reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The signal processing unit calculates the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides based on the number of pulses in the light signal storage unit per unit time. The wireless transmission unit receives and transmits the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides calculated by the signal processing unit.

[0023] As a further description of the present invention, the flow meter controller includes a housing, which is connected to the upper end of the measuring rod. The upper end of the housing is provided with a charging port and a transmission antenna, and the lower end of the housing is provided with a power switch. The interior of the housing includes a circuit board and a memory, a filter, an optical signal sensor, an optical signal processor, an optical signal amplifier, a light-emitting diode, and a rechargeable battery connected to the circuit board. The charging port, power switch, and transmission antenna are connected to the circuit board.

[0024] The light-emitting unit is the light-emitting diode, the optical signal receiving unit is a filter, an optical signal sensor and an optical signal amplifier, the optical signal sensor is a photodiode, the optical signal storage unit is the memory, the signal processing unit is the optical signal processor, and the wireless transmission unit is the transmission antenna.

[0025] As a further description of the present invention, the flow meter controller includes a housing, which is connected to the upper end of the measuring rod. A charging port and a transmission antenna are provided at the upper end of the housing, and a power switch is provided at the lower end of the housing. The housing contains a circuit board and a memory, a smart sensor, a light signal sensor, a light-emitting diode, and a rechargeable battery connected to the circuit board. The charging port, power switch, and transmission antenna are connected to the circuit board.

[0026] The light-emitting unit is the light-emitting diode, the light signal receiving unit is the light signal sensor, the light signal sensor is a photodiode, the light signal storage unit is the memory, the signal processing unit is the smart sensor, and the wireless transmission unit is the transmission antenna.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the technical advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0028] This invention provides a propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement. Through the cooperation of a probe and a sliding and rotating propeller, it can quickly determine the flow velocity and direction of tidal estuary water flow. The flow velocity magnitude is determined by the propeller's rotation speed, and the direction of the tidal flow is determined by the different positions of the propeller on the propeller shaft. Alternatively, the direction of the tidal flow can be determined by the color of the light waves reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The propeller is divided into three sections: one end has a first reflective coating, the other end has a second reflective coating, and the middle section has no reflective coating. When the probe is at the end with the first reflective coating, it indicates that the tide is in a positive direction; when the probe is at the end with the second reflective coating, it indicates that the tide is in a negative direction. This current meter has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and offers high measurement accuracy and data reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the propeller head assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the measuring rod in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal components of the flow meter controller in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the propeller head assembly in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the measuring rod in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal components of the flow meter controller in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 The graph shows the flow measurement data of existing flow meters and the flow meter of this invention.

[0038] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram comparing the flow measurement data of an existing flow meter with that of the flow meter of this invention.

[0039] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection and coordination between the various units of the flow meter controller in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection and coordination between the various units of the flow meter controller in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0041] In the diagram, 1. Flow meter controller, 11. Housing, 12. Charging port, 13. Power switch, 2. Propeller head, 21. Bracket, 22. Propeller shaft, 23. Limiting bushing, 3. Measuring rod, 31. Divider, 4. Propeller, 5. Reflective coating, 51. First reflective coating, 52. Second reflective coating, 6. Probe, 61. High tide probe, 62. Low tide probe, 7. Optical fiber, 71. Receiving optical fiber, 72. Transmitting optical fiber, 73. High tide optical fiber, 74. Low tide optical fiber, 8. Circuit board, 81. Memory, 82. Optical signal sensor, 83. Optical signal processor, 84. Light-emitting diode, 85. Rechargeable battery, 86. Smart sensor, 87. Optical signal amplifier, 88. Filter. Implementation

[0042] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0043] A propeller photocurrent velocity meter for tidal current measurement includes a velocity meter controller 1 and a propeller head 2 for measurement. The velocity meter controller 1 and the propeller head 2 are connected via a measuring rod 3. The propeller head 2 includes a bracket 21 and a propeller shaft 22 fixed on the bracket 21. A rotatable propeller 4 is mounted on the outside of the propeller shaft 22, and the outer ridge surface of the blades of the propeller 4 is coated with a reflective coating 5. A probe 6 is provided on the bracket 21. The propeller 4 slides along the outside of the propeller shaft 22, and the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4 corresponds to the position of the probe 6. The velocity meter controller 1 emits light signals to the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4 and receives light pulses reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4, and transmits data on flow velocity and direction.

[0044] refer to Figure 9-10 The flow measurement data of the flow meter of the present invention are compared with those of the flow meter in the prior art. The comparison shows that the flow meter of the present invention has higher measurement accuracy than the flow meter in the prior art, and the measurement data is relatively stable.

[0045] Specifically, based on the different ways in which the probe 6 and the propeller 4 are coupled, the present invention is divided into two embodiments. Both embodiments achieve the measurement of water flow velocity and direction, as detailed below: Example

[0046] refer to Figure 1-4 As shown, a propeller photocurrent velocity meter for tidal current measurement is composed of a propeller head 2, a measuring rod 3, and a current meter controller 1 connected in sequence.

[0047] The propeller head 2 includes a hexagonal support 21, which is connected to the lower end of the measuring rod 3. The propeller shaft 22 is fixed inside the hexagonal support and is perpendicular to the measuring rod 3. A propeller 4 is mounted on the propeller shaft 22. The outer ridge surface of the blades of the propeller 4 is coated with two different colored reflective coatings 5, namely a first reflective coating 51 and a second reflective coating 52. The first reflective coating 51 and the second reflective coating 52 are respectively coated at both ends of the propeller 4, and the middle position of the propeller 4 does not include the reflective coating 5. In this embodiment, the first reflective coating 51 is a green reflective coating and the second reflective coating 52 is a red reflective coating as an example. When the light source shines on the two reflective coatings respectively, the reflective coatings absorb the light source and reflect light sources of different colors and intensities and transmit them back to the flow meter controller 1.

[0048] In addition, the propeller shaft 22 passes through the center of the propeller 4, and limiting bushings 23 are provided at both ends of the propeller shaft 22. The inner diameter of the center of the propeller 4 is slightly larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft 22. The external structure of the propeller shaft 22 is smooth, so that the propeller 4 can rotate and slide freely on the propeller shaft 22 between the limiting bushings 23 at both ends. It should also be noted that a probe 6 is provided on the upper layer of the bracket 21. When the propeller 4 slides on the propeller shaft 22 to the position of the limiting bushing 23, the part coated with the reflective coating 5 is exactly below the probe 6.

[0049] Specifically, when the propeller 4 is located at the left limiting sleeve 23 of the propeller shaft 22, the probe 6 corresponds to the second reflective coating 52 of the propeller 4; when the propeller 4 is located at the right limiting sleeve 23 of the propeller shaft 22, the probe 6 corresponds to the first reflective coating 51 of the propeller 4; and when the propeller 4 is located in the middle position of the propeller shaft 22, the probe 6 corresponds to the middle area of ​​the propeller 4 without reflective coating.

[0050] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the measuring rod 3 adopts a hollow structure, with the probe 6 installed at the lower end and the upper end connected to the flow meter controller 1 by fixing screws. A partition 31 is installed inside the measuring rod 3, vertically dividing the interior of the measuring rod 3 into two chambers. Optical fibers 7 are threaded inside the measuring rod 3 for transmitting and receiving optical signals. In this embodiment, the optical fibers 7 include a receiving optical fiber 71 and a transmitting optical fiber 72, which are respectively threaded into the two chambers of the measuring rod 3 and are both connected to the probe 6. The transmitting optical fiber 72 transmits the optical signal emitted by the flow meter controller 1, and the receiving optical fiber 71 receives the light pulses reflected by the probe 6. These pulses are generated by the rotation of the propeller 4 of the propeller head 2, causing the first reflective coating 51 and the second reflective coating 52 to emit light signals of different colors and intensities.

[0051] The current meter controller 1 is mainly used to collect and transmit current velocity data. The current meter controller 1 includes a light-emitting unit, a light signal receiving unit, a light signal storage unit, a signal processing unit, and a wireless transmission unit. The light-emitting unit and the light signal receiving unit face the optical fiber 7. The light-emitting unit emits light signals to the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The light signal receiving unit receives the light pulses reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The light signal storage unit stores the light pulse signals reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The signal processing unit calculates the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides based on the number of pulses in the light signal storage unit per unit time. The wireless transmission unit receives and transmits the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides calculated by the signal processing unit. Specifically, the current meter controller 1 in this embodiment includes a housing 1. 1. The outer casing 11 is connected to the upper end of the measuring rod 3 by fixing bolts. The upper end of the outer casing 11 is provided with a charging port 12 and a transmission antenna, and the lower end of the outer casing 11 is provided with a power switch 13. The interior of the outer casing 11 includes a circuit board 8 and a memory 81, an optical signal sensor 82, an optical signal processor 83, a light-emitting diode 84, a rechargeable battery 85, an optical signal amplifier 87, and a filter 88 connected to the circuit board 8. The charging port 12, the transmission antenna, and the power switch 13 are all connected to the circuit board 8. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit is a light-emitting diode 84, and the optical signal receiving unit is a filter 88, an optical signal sensor 82, and an optical signal amplifier 87. The optical signal sensor 82 is usually a photodiode, and the optical signal sensor 82 includes a first optical signal sensor (such as...). Figure 11 The optical signal sensor 1) and the second optical signal sensor (such as Figure 11 The optical signal sensor 2 in this embodiment), the filter 88 includes a red filter and a green filter, the optical signal storage unit is a memory 81, and the memory 81 includes a first memory (such as... Figure 11 Memory 1 in the middle) and second memory (such as Figure 11 The memory 2 in the memory, the signal processing unit mentioned above is an optical signal processor 83, and the wireless transmission unit mentioned above is a transmission antenna connected to the upper end of the housing 11. For the specific connection and process between the various units of the flow meter controller 1, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 11 As shown.

[0052] As disclosed above, in this embodiment, the light-emitting diode 84 and the optical signal sensor 82 are positioned opposite the optical fiber 7 to emit light source illumination signals and receive light source reflection signals. The receiving optical fiber 71 includes two fibers, corresponding to a red filter and a green filter, respectively. The filter 88 converts the transmitted light source reflection signal into a simple light color. That is, the light source reflected by the reflective coating 5 is converted into a simple light color through the red or green filter. The light source reflection signal is amplified by the optical signal amplifier 87 and sent to the optical signal sensor 82. The optical signal sensor 82 receives and analyzes the color and intensity of the light and records the number of pulses of the ebb and flow tides in the memory 81. The optical signal processor 83 calculates the forward and reverse flow velocities of the ebb and flow tides based on the number of pulses in the two memories in the memory 81 during the time period and transmits the data to the host computer through the wireless transmission unit (transmission antenna) to reflect the tidal flow situation.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the propeller head 2 is inserted into the water at the point where the flow velocity needs to be measured. The measuring rod 3 is kept vertical, the direction of the propeller shaft 22 is consistent with the direction of the water flow, and the position of the propeller 4 can slide along the propeller shaft 22 as the direction of the water flow changes with the ebb and flow of the tide. The flow meter controller 1 emits light and transmits it to the probe 6 through the optical fiber 7 along the measuring rod 3.

[0054] In engineering practice, it is generally stipulated that the flood tide velocity is negative and the ebb tide velocity is positive.

[0055] During high tide, when propeller 4 slides to the upstream end and is in a stable state, propeller 4 is located to the left of propeller shaft 22, and the second reflective coating 52 is directly below probe 6. At this time, the first reflective coating 51 has no reflection. Propeller 4 rotates under the action of water flow. Propeller 6 receives the light source signal reflected by the second reflective coating 52 of propeller 4, which is transmitted to filter 88 through measuring rod 3. The red filter converts the transmitted light source reflection signal into a simple light color. Optical signal amplifier 87 amplifies the light source reflection signal and sends it to optical signal sensor 82. The first optical signal sensor of optical signal sensor 82 analyzes the color and intensity of the light and records the number of high tide pulses n within a unit time t through the first memory. The direction of the current velocity is determined according to the color of the light signal. At this time, the reflected light is red light. According to the data recorded in the first memory, the optical signal processor 83 calculates the magnitude of the current velocity and then transmits the data to the upper acquisition computer through the wireless transmission unit. The computer recognizes the signal as negative, that is, high tide. The current meter controller 1 determines that the high tide velocity value at this moment i is V. i .

[0056] As the water flow reverses, its direction changes, and the propeller 4 slides downstream under the influence of the water flow. When the propeller 4 is in a stable state, it is located to the right of the propeller shaft 22, and the first reflective coating 51 is directly below the probe 6. At this time, the second reflective coating 52 is non-reflective. The propeller 4 rotates under the influence of the water flow. At this time, the probe 6 receives the light source signal reflected by the first reflective coating 51 of the propeller 4, which is transmitted to the filter 88 through the measuring rod 3. The green filter converts the transmitted light source reflection signal into a simple light color. The optical signal amplifier 87 amplifies the light source reflection signal and sends it. The light signal sensor 82 analyzes the color and intensity of the light through its second light signal sensor, and records the number of ebb tide pulses n within a unit time t in the second memory. The direction of the tide velocity is determined based on the color of the light signal; at this time, the reflected light is green. Based on the data recorded in the second memory, the light signal processor 83 calculates the tide velocity and then transmits the data to the host computer via a wireless transmission unit. The computer recognizes the signal as positive, indicating an ebb tide, and the current meter controller 1 determines the ebb tide velocity value at that moment as V. i .

[0057] In this embodiment, the flow meter controller 1 receives the green or red light reflected by the propeller 4 to determine whether the propeller 4 is rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, and records whether the number of revolutions of the propeller 4 is positive or negative, thereby distinguishing the direction of the flow velocity. This embodiment calculates the water flow velocity value using the following formula:

[0058] V = kn / t + C;

[0059] Where V is the water flow velocity during the measurement period, in cm / s, T is the measurement duration, in seconds, n is the propeller revolutions, and k and C are the propeller hydraulic pitch and current meter constant, respectively, which are usually calibrated after the current meter measuring rod is manufactured and before it is put into use.

[0060] In the existing technology, the applicable scope of this formula and the calculation conditions are as follows:

[0061] (1) n>0, V=kn / t+C;

[0062] (2) n=0, V=0.

[0063] The calculated flow velocity V≥0 only indicates the magnitude of the flow velocity. The direction of the flow velocity is determined by the intensity and color of the light. When passing through the section without a reflective coating, the light source is not reflected, and the light signal sensor 82 and the light signal amplifier 87 do not operate. When passing through the first reflective coating 51 and the second reflective coating 52 at both ends of the propeller 4, the light has a particulate nature. The light source is generated by reflection. The number of photons N transmitted by the light source through the green reflective coating per unit time t is... g It is more than the number of photons N transmitted through the red reflective coating per unit time t. rThat is, green light intensity E g Greater than E r The optical signal sensor 82 receives the light intensity E. g and E r At that time, the intensity is compared by a ratio, and the optical signal sensor 82 identifies the light intensity E. g It is identified as state '1', which is a positive value, and the light intensity E is identified. r The beam is identified as state '-1', which is a negative value. The beam then passes through the optical signal processor 83 to calculate the magnitude of the flow velocity. The optical signal carries the information of the flow velocity value and the direction of the flow velocity and transmits it to the computer for image loading processing.

[0064] This embodiment improves the structure of the existing current meter measuring rod 3 by setting a first reflective coating 51, a second reflective coating 52, and an uncoated area on the propeller 4 to distinguish the flow velocity and direction of the rising and falling tides. It should be noted that this embodiment adds a filter 88 to the current meter controller 1 to process the rising tide velocity signal and the falling tide velocity signal respectively.

[0065] Furthermore, this embodiment expands the applicability of the general flow velocity calculation formula V=kn / t+C to n<0, that is:

[0066] (1) n > 0, V = k n / t+C, V>0, represents the ebb current velocity;

[0067] (2) n=0, V =0;

[0068] (3) n < 0, V = k n / t+C, V<0, represents the current velocity during the rising tide.

[0069] In this embodiment, the flow velocity is determined by the rotation speed of the propeller 4, and the direction of the tidal flow is determined by the color and intensity of the light waves reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The propeller 4 is divided into three sections: one end is coated with the first reflective coating 51, the other end is coated with the second reflective coating 52, and the middle section is not coated with a reflective coating. When the probe 6 is at the end of the first reflective coating 51 (green), it indicates that the flow velocity is positive and the tide is low tide. When the probe is at the end of the second reflective coating 52 (red), it indicates that the flow velocity is negative and the tide is high tide. For tidal channels, it is generally stipulated in engineering that low tide is positive and high tide is negative. Example

[0070] refer to Figure 5-8 As shown, a propeller photocurrent velocity meter for tidal current measurement is composed of a propeller head 2, a measuring rod 3, and a current meter controller 1 connected in sequence.

[0071] The propeller head 2 includes a hexagonal support 21, which is connected to the lower end of the measuring rod 3. The propeller shaft 22 is fixed inside the hexagon and is perpendicular to the measuring rod 3. A propeller 4 is mounted on the propeller shaft 22. The outer ridge surface of the blades of the propeller 4 is coated with a reflective coating 5. When the light source shines on the reflective coating 5, the reflective coating 5 absorbs the light source and reflects light sources of different intensities and transmits them back to the flow meter controller 1.

[0072] In addition, the propeller shaft 22 passes through the center of the propeller 4, and limiting sleeves 23 are provided at both ends of the propeller shaft 22. The inner diameter of the center of the propeller 4 is slightly larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft 22. The external structure of the propeller shaft 22 is smooth, so that the propeller 4 can rotate and slide freely on the propeller shaft 22 between the limiting sleeves 23 at both ends. It should also be noted that two probes 6 are provided on the upper layer of the bracket 21, and are located on the left and right sides of the upper part of the bracket 21, respectively, which are the high tide probe 61 and the low tide probe 62. When the propeller 4 slides on the propeller shaft 22 to the position of the limiting sleeve 23, the propeller 4 is exactly below the probe 6.

[0073] Specifically, the outer ridge surface of the blades of the propeller 4 is coated with a reflective coating 5; when the propeller 4 is located at the left limiting sleeve 23 of the propeller shaft 22, the high tide probe 61 corresponds to the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4; when the propeller 4 is located at the right limiting sleeve of the propeller shaft 22, the low tide probe 62 corresponds to the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4; when the propeller 4 is located in the middle position of the propeller shaft 22, no probe corresponds to the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4.

[0074] It should also be noted that in this embodiment, the measuring rod 3 has a hollow structure, with its upper end connected to the flow meter controller 1 via a fixing screw. A partition 31 is installed inside the measuring rod 3, vertically dividing the interior of the measuring rod 3 into two chambers. Optical fibers 7 are threaded through the measuring rod 3 for signal transmission and reception. In this embodiment, two sets of optical fibers are provided: a high-tide optical fiber 73 and a low-tide optical fiber 74. The high-tide optical fiber 73 and the low-tide optical fiber 74 are respectively threaded into the two chambers of the measuring rod 3. The high-tide optical fiber 73 is connected to the high-tide probe 61, and the low-tide optical fiber... 74 is connected to the ebb tide probe 62; in addition, the rising tide optical fiber 73 includes a rising tide receiving optical fiber and a rising tide emitting optical fiber, and the ebb tide optical fiber 74 includes an ebb tide receiving optical fiber and an ebb tide emitting optical fiber; the rising tide emitting optical fiber transmits the light signal emitted by the flow meter controller 1, the rising tide receiving optical fiber receives the light pulse reflected by the rising tide probe 61, the ebb tide emitting optical fiber transmits the light signal emitted by the flow meter controller 1, and the ebb tide receiving optical fiber receives the light pulse reflected by the ebb tide probe 62. The pulse is generated by the rotation of the propeller 4 of the propeller head 2, which causes the reflective coating 5 to emit light signals.

[0075] The current meter controller 1 is mainly used to collect and transmit current velocity data. The current meter controller 1 includes a light-emitting unit, a light signal receiving unit, a light signal storage unit, a signal processing unit, and a wireless transmission unit. The light-emitting unit and the light signal receiving unit face the optical fiber 7. The light-emitting unit emits a light source signal to the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The light signal receiving unit receives the light source pulses reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The light signal storage unit stores the light pulse signals reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. The signal processing unit calculates the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides based on the number of pulses in the light signal storage unit per unit time. The wireless transmission unit receives and transmits the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides calculated by the signal processing unit. Specifically… The flow meter controller 1 in this embodiment includes a housing 11, which is connected to the upper end of the measuring rod 3 by fixing bolts. A charging port 12 and a transmission antenna are provided at the upper end of the housing 11, and a power switch 13 is provided at the lower end of the housing 11. The housing 11 contains a circuit board 8 and a memory 81, a light signal sensor 82, a light-emitting diode 84, a rechargeable battery 85, and a smart sensor 86 connected to the circuit board 8. The charging port 12, power switch 13, and transmission antenna are all connected to the circuit board 8. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit is a light-emitting diode 84, and the light signal receiving unit is a light signal sensor 82. The light signal sensor 82 is typically a photodiode, and it includes a first light signal sensor (such as...). Figure 12The optical signal sensor 1) and the second optical signal sensor (such as Figure 12 The optical signal sensor 2), the light-emitting diode 84, and the first and second optical signal sensors are directly opposite the optical fiber 7. The aforementioned optical signal storage unit is a memory 81, and the memory 81 includes a first memory (such as...). Figure 12 Memory 1 in the middle) and second memory (such as Figure 12 The memory 2 in the memory, the signal processing unit mentioned above is the smart sensor 86, and the wireless transmission unit mentioned above is the transmission antenna connected to the upper end of the housing 11. For the specific connection and process between the various units of the flow meter controller 1, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 12 As shown.

[0076] As can be seen from the above disclosure, in this embodiment, the light-emitting diode 84 and the optical signal sensor 82 are directly opposite the optical fiber 7, used to emit light source illumination signals and receive signals reflected from the light source. The optical signal sensor 82 receives signals from the tide probe 61 (e.g., Figure 12 Probe 1) or ebb tide probe 62 (e.g.) Figure 12 The sensor 86 analyzes the light signal from probe 2 and records the pulse count of the ebb and flow of the tide in the memory 81. The intelligent sensor 86 calculates the forward and reverse flow velocities of the ebb and flow of the tide based on the pulse counts in the two memories in the memory 81 during the time period, and transmits the data to the host computer via the wireless transmission unit (transmission antenna) to reflect the tidal flow situation.

[0077] Specifically, in this embodiment, the propeller head 2 is inserted into the water at the point where the flow velocity needs to be measured. The measuring rod 3 is kept vertical, the direction of the propeller shaft 22 is consistent with the direction of the water flow, and the position of the propeller 4 can slide along the propeller shaft 22 as the direction of the water flow changes with the ebb and flow of the tide. The flow meter controller 1 emits light through the optical fiber 7 and transmits it along the measuring rod 3 to the high tide probe 61 and the low tide probe 62.

[0078] In engineering practice, it is generally stipulated that the flood tide velocity is negative and the ebb tide velocity is positive.

[0079] During low tide, when propeller 4 slides to the downstream end and reaches a stable state, propeller 4 is located to the right of propeller shaft 22, directly below low tide probe 62. At this time, high tide probe 61 has no reflection, and propeller 4 rotates under the action of water flow. Low tide probe 62 receives the light source signal reflected by the reflective coating 5 of propeller 4, which is transmitted to the light signal sensor 82 of current meter controller 1 through measuring rod 3. The second light signal sensor of light signal sensor 82 analyzes the light intensity and records the number of low tide pulses n per unit time t in the second memory. The second memory stores a positive number n for the number of revolutions. Current meter controller 1 determines that the current velocity at that moment i is the low tide velocity value V. i .

[0080] When the water flow rises, the direction of the flow changes, and the propeller 4 slides upstream under the action of the water flow. When the propeller 4 is in a stable state, it is located to the left of the propeller shaft 22, directly below the tide probe 61. At this time, the ebb tide probe 62 has no reflection. The propeller 4 rotates under the action of the water flow, and the tide probe 61 receives the light source signal reflected by the reflective coating 5 of the propeller 4. This signal is transmitted to the optical signal sensor 82 of the current meter controller 1 through the measuring rod 3. The first optical signal sensor of the optical signal sensor 82 records the number of tide pulses n in a unit time t. The first memory stores the number of revolutions n as a negative number. The current meter controller 1 determines that the current velocity at that moment is the tide velocity value V. i .

[0081] In this embodiment, the position of the propeller 4 is used in conjunction with the probes 6 at different positions to determine whether the propeller 4 is rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, and the rotation number of the propeller 4 is recorded as positive or negative, thereby distinguishing the direction of the flow velocity. This embodiment calculates the water flow velocity value using the following formula:

[0082] V = kn / t + C

[0083] Where V is the water flow velocity during the measurement period, in cm / s, T is the measurement duration, in seconds, n is the propeller revolutions, and k and C are the propeller hydraulic pitch and current meter constant, respectively, which are usually calibrated after the current meter measuring rod is manufactured and before it is put into use.

[0084] In the existing technology, the applicable scope of this formula and the calculation conditions are as follows:

[0085] (1) n>0, V=kn / t+C;

[0086] (2) n=0, V=0.

[0087] The calculated flow velocity V≥0 only indicates the magnitude of the flow velocity. The direction of the flow velocity is determined by the position of the propeller 4 in conjunction with the cooperation of the high tide probe 61 and the low tide probe 62.

[0088] This embodiment improves the structure of the existing current meter measuring rod by setting a reflective coating 5 on the propeller 4 to distinguish the flow velocity and direction of the rising and falling tides. In addition, this embodiment adds an optical fiber 7 inside the measuring rod 3 to transmit the rising tide velocity signal and the falling tide velocity signal respectively.

[0089] Furthermore, this embodiment expands the applicability of the general flow velocity calculation formula V=kn / t+C to n<0, that is:

[0090] (1) n > 0, V = k n / t+C, V>0, represents the ebb current velocity;

[0091] (2) n=0, V=0;

[0092] (3) n < 0, V = k n / t+C, V<0, represents the current velocity during the rising tide.

[0093] This embodiment can quickly determine the flow velocity and direction of the tidal estuary by using the position of the propeller 4 in conjunction with the high tide probe 61 and the low tide probe 62. Specifically, the flow velocity is determined by the rotation speed of the propeller 4, and the direction of the tidal flow is determined by the position of the propeller 4 on the propeller shaft 22, with one end representing the positive direction and the other end representing the negative direction. In engineering practice, the low tide is generally defined as a positive value and the high tide as a negative value.

[0094] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Any other modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention, as long as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement, characterized in that: It includes a current meter controller and a propeller head for measurement, wherein the current meter controller and the propeller head are connected via a measuring rod; The propeller head includes a bracket and a propeller shaft fixed on the bracket. A rotatable propeller is mounted on the outside of the propeller shaft, and the outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with a reflective coating. The probe is mounted on the bracket, the propeller slides along the outside of the propeller shaft, and the reflective coating of the propeller corresponds to the position of the probe. The flow meter controller sends light signals to the reflective coating, receives light pulses reflected by the reflective coating, and transmits data on flow velocity and flow direction. The propeller shaft passes through the center of the propeller, and limiting bushings are provided at both ends of the propeller shaft; the center of the propeller is larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft, and the propeller can rotate and slide freely on the propeller shaft between the limiting bushings at both ends; The probe is configured as a single unit and is positioned in the middle of the upper part of the support. The outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with two different colors of reflective coating, namely a first reflective coating and a second reflective coating; the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating are respectively applied to the two ends of the propeller, and the middle position of the propeller does not include the reflective coating. The propeller is located on the left side of the propeller shaft, and the probe corresponds to the second reflective coating of the propeller. The propeller is located on the right side of the propeller shaft, and the probe corresponds to the first reflective coating of the propeller. The propeller is located in the middle of the propeller shaft, and the probe corresponds to the middle non-reflective coating area of ​​the propeller. The first reflective coating, the second reflective coating, and the non-reflective coating area are set to distinguish the flow rate and direction of the ebb and flow tides. The measuring rod is designed as a hollow structure, and a partition is installed inside the measuring rod, which vertically divides the interior of the measuring rod into two chambers. The measuring rod is internally perforated with optical fibers, which include receiving optical fibers and transmitting optical fibers. The receiving optical fibers and transmitting optical fibers are respectively perforated in two chambers of the measuring rod and are both connected to the probe.

2. The propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket is configured as a hexagonal shape, which is connected to the lower end of the measuring rod. The propeller shaft is fixed inside the hexagonal shape and is perpendicular to the measuring rod.

3. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow meter controller includes a light-emitting unit, a light signal receiving unit, a light signal storage unit, a signal processing unit, and a wireless transmission unit; The light-emitting unit and the light signal receiving unit face the optical fiber. The light-emitting unit emits light signals to the reflective coating of the propeller. The light signal receiving unit receives the light pulses reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The light signal storage unit stores the light pulse signals reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The signal processing unit calculates the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides based on the number of pulses in the light signal storage unit per unit time. The wireless transmission unit receives and transmits the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides calculated by the signal processing unit.

4. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flow meter controller includes a housing connected to the upper end of the measuring rod. The upper end of the housing is provided with a charging port and a transmission antenna, and the lower end of the housing is provided with a power switch. The interior of the housing includes a circuit board and a memory, a filter, an optical signal sensor, an optical signal processor, an optical signal amplifier, a light-emitting diode, and a rechargeable battery connected to the circuit board. The charging port, power switch, and transmission antenna are connected to the circuit board. The light-emitting unit is the light-emitting diode, the optical signal receiving unit is a filter, an optical signal sensor, and an optical signal amplifier, the optical signal storage unit is the memory, the signal processing unit is the optical signal processor, and the wireless transmission unit is the transmission antenna.

5. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement, characterized in that: It includes a current meter controller and a propeller head for measurement, wherein the current meter controller and the propeller head are connected via a measuring rod; The propeller head includes a bracket and a propeller shaft fixed on the bracket. A rotatable propeller is mounted on the outside of the propeller shaft, and the outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with a reflective coating. The probe is mounted on the bracket, the propeller slides along the outside of the propeller shaft, and the reflective coating of the propeller corresponds to the position of the probe. The flow meter controller sends light signals to the reflective coating, receives light pulses reflected by the reflective coating, and transmits data on flow velocity and flow direction. The probes are configured as two, and are located on the left and right sides of the upper part of the bracket, respectively, which are the high tide probe and the low tide probe; The propeller shaft passes through the center of the propeller, and limiting bushings are provided at both ends of the propeller shaft; the center of the propeller is larger than the diameter of the propeller shaft, and the propeller can rotate and slide freely on the propeller shaft between the limiting bushings at both ends; The outer ridge surface of the propeller blades is coated with a reflective coating; when the propeller is located at the left limiting sleeve of the propeller shaft, the high tide probe corresponds to the reflective coating of the propeller; when the propeller is located at the right limiting sleeve of the propeller, the low tide probe corresponds to the reflective coating of the propeller; when the propeller is located in the middle position of the propeller shaft, no probe corresponds to the reflective coating of the propeller; the measuring rod is set as a hollow structure, and a partition is installed inside the measuring rod, which vertically divides the interior of the measuring rod into two chambers. Two sets of optical fibers are installed inside the measuring rod. The optical fibers are a high tide optical fiber and a low tide optical fiber. The high tide optical fiber and the low tide optical fiber are respectively installed in two chambers of the measuring rod. The high tide optical fiber is connected to the high tide probe, and the low tide optical fiber is connected to the low tide probe. By using the position of the propeller in conjunction with probes at different positions, it can be determined whether the propeller is rotating forward or backward, and the propeller rotation number can be recorded as positive or negative, thereby distinguishing the direction of the flow velocity.

6. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement according to claim 5, characterized in that: The rising tide optical fiber includes a rising tide receiving optical fiber and a rising tide emitting optical fiber, and the ebb tide optical fiber includes an ebb tide receiving optical fiber and an ebb tide emitting optical fiber.

7. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flow meter controller includes a light-emitting unit, a light signal receiving unit, a light signal storage unit, a signal processing unit, and a wireless transmission unit; The light-emitting unit and the light signal receiving unit face the optical fiber. The light-emitting unit emits light signals to the reflective coating of the propeller. The light signal receiving unit receives the light pulses reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The light signal storage unit stores the light pulse signals reflected by the reflective coating of the propeller. The signal processing unit calculates the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides based on the number of pulses in the light signal storage unit per unit time. The wireless transmission unit receives and transmits the forward and reverse current velocities of the ebb and flow tides calculated by the signal processing unit.

8. A propeller photocurrent velocimeter for tidal current measurement according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flow meter controller includes a housing connected to the upper end of the measuring rod. The upper end of the housing is provided with a charging port and a transmission antenna, and the lower end of the housing is provided with a power switch. The interior of the housing includes a circuit board and a memory, a smart sensor, a light signal sensor, a light-emitting diode, and a rechargeable battery connected to the circuit board. The charging port, power switch, and transmission antenna are connected to the circuit board. The light-emitting unit is the light-emitting diode, the light signal receiving unit is the light signal sensor, the light signal storage unit is the memory, the signal processing unit is the smart sensor, and the wireless transmission unit is the transmission antenna.

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