Low-noise long-life water current generator adaptive to different flow requirements

Abstract

The application relates to a low-noise long-life water current generator capable of adapting to different flow requirements, and belongs to the technical field of water current generators. The water current generator comprises a generator, an impeller and an end cover. The impeller is connected to the rotating shaft of the generator. The end cover is arranged on the top surface of the output end of the generator. A passage opening is arranged on the side surface of the generator. A through hole and a water joint are arranged on the top surface of the end cover. A water discharge groove is arranged on the bottom surface of the end cover. The through hole is communicated with the passage opening through the water discharge groove. The water joint, the space where the impeller is arranged and the passage opening form a main water channel. A spring and a stop block are arranged in the water discharge groove. The spring, the stop block and the water discharge groove form a bypass water channel. The stop block is abutted to the water discharge groove through the spring and blocks the through hole. The application solves the problems that the traditional water current generator is difficult to meet the application requirements of different flow rates and the generator is loud and short in service life when the flow rate is large by arranging the bypass water channel on the end cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydroelectric generator technology, specifically relating to a low-noise, long-life hydroelectric generator that can adapt to different flow requirements. Background Technology

[0002] In the wave of upgrades and replacements in bathroom products, the trends of intelligence and user-friendliness are becoming increasingly apparent. Many bathroom products have shifted from simple manual mechanical structures to electronic structures, thus increasing the demand for power supply. Connecting to mains power is the simplest and most direct way to obtain power; however, this presents both the inconvenience of additional wiring and the inherent safety hazards due to the product's contact with water, making it less popular with users. In contrast, using a hydroelectric generator to power bathroom products solves both wiring problems and safety concerns, and is gradually becoming the mainstream power supply method for bathroom products.

[0003] A hydroelectric generator consists of a turbine and a generator. It primarily utilizes the pressure difference of the water flow to drive the turbine, which in turn powers the generator to produce electricity. The performance indicators of a hydroelectric generator include power generation, water flow rate, pressure loss, and noise. To meet the needs of different applications, designers need to adjust the turbine structure to achieve a balance between power generation and water flow. This means minimizing the turbine impeller speed while still meeting power generation requirements, thereby reducing noise. A common method for controlling turbine impeller speed while maintaining power generation is to adjust the size of the turbine's through-hole. In applications like washbasins where water flow is low, the through-hole can be designed smaller. This ensures that the water flow velocity through the impeller is not too low, thus guaranteeing a sufficiently high impeller speed and sufficient power generation. However, for water-powered generators used in shower faucets, where water flow is relatively high, the power generation is generally sufficient. In this case, the through-hole can be designed larger to reduce pressure loss and make showering more enjoyable. This leads to traditional water-powered generators struggling to meet the needs of different flow rates, and problems such as high noise and short lifespan due to high speeds at high flow rates. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the existing technology, this invention provides a low-noise, long-life hydro-flow generator that can adapt to different flow requirements, solving the problems of traditional hydro-flow generators being unable to meet the application requirements of different flow rates and having high generator noise and short lifespan when the flow rate is high.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: a low-noise, long-life hydroelectric generator adaptable to different flow requirements, comprising a generator, an impeller, and an end cover. The impeller is connected to the generator's shaft. The end cover is located on the top surface of the generator's output end. A channel opening is provided on the side of the generator. A through hole and a water slit are provided on the top surface of the end cover. A drain groove is provided on the bottom surface. The through hole communicates with the channel opening through the drain groove. The water slit, the space where the impeller is located, and the channel opening form a main waterway. A spring and a stop block are provided in the drain groove. The spring, the stop block, and the drain groove constitute a bypass waterway. The stop block abuts against the drain groove through the spring and blocks the through hole.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the generator is provided with a rotor speed control circuit, which is electrically connected to the generator coil and controls the magnitude of the coil output current.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rotor speed control circuit is composed of a fixed voltage clamping circuit.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixed voltage clamping circuit is composed of a Zener diode.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rotor speed control circuit is composed of a power supply step-down and voltage-stabilized circuit.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply step-down and voltage regulation circuit includes a rectifier and filter circuit, a speed control circuit, a step-down circuit, and a central control module. The central control module has a first input port, a second input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The output terminal of the generator is connected to the first input port and the input terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit, respectively. The first output port is connected to the input terminal of the speed control circuit. The output terminal of the speed control circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit. The second input port is connected to the output terminal of the step-down circuit. The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit, and its output terminal is connected to the load. The second output port is connected to the input terminal of the step-down circuit.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stop block is made of stainless steel balls.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bypass waterway is provided in multiple ways.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0014] 1. By opening through holes, drain grooves, and water gaps on the end cover, and installing a baffle and spring at the drain groove, the baffle blocks the through hole, forming a pressure-stabilizing bypass waterway. When the water flow demand is low, the water flows into the turbine through the normal main waterway, driving the turbine to rotate and drive the generator to generate electricity. When the water flow demand increases, the pressure difference between the turbine inlet and outlet increases, pushing the baffle to move inward and opening the bypass waterway, thereby inhibiting the water flow through the impeller from continuing to increase. This prevents the impeller speed from continuing to rise under high flow conditions, solving the problems of traditional hydroelectric generators being unable to meet the application requirements of different flow rates and having high generator noise and short lifespan when the flow rate is too high.

[0015] 2. By setting up a rotor speed control circuit to control the output current of the internal coils of the motor, the speed of the generator rotor can be controlled to reduce generator speed, thereby reducing generator noise and extending generator life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply step-down regulator circuit of the present invention;

[0020] Explanation of main component symbols

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Generator; 11. Channel opening; 2. Impeller; 3. End cover; 31. Through hole; 32. Water gap; 33. Drain groove; 4. Spring; 5. Stop block. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features, and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, is provided.

[0023] Please see Figure 1-3This embodiment provides a low-noise, long-life hydroelectric generator adaptable to different flow requirements, including a generator 1, an impeller 2, and an end cover 3. The impeller 2 is connected to the shaft of the generator 1. The end cover 3 is placed on the top surface of the output end of the generator 1. A channel opening 11 is provided on the side of the generator 1. A through hole 31 and a water slit 32 are provided on the top surface of the end cover 3, and a drain groove 33 is provided on the bottom surface. The through hole 31 communicates with the channel opening 11 through the drain groove 33. The water slit 32, the space where the impeller 2 is located, and the channel opening 11 form a main waterway. A spring is installed in the drain groove 33. Spring 4 and stop block 5, spring 4, stop block 5 and drain trough 33 constitute a bypass waterway. Stop block 5 abuts against the drain trough 33 through spring 4 and blocks the through hole 31. When the water flow is small, the pressure difference between the through hole 31 and the channel opening 11 is also relatively low. At this time, the water pressure difference on both sides is not enough to offset the elastic force of spring 4 to press stop block 5 down below the opening of drain trough 33. Therefore, the bypass waterway formed by spring 4, stop block 5 and drain trough 33 is in a closed state. All water can only flow through the main waterway and drive impeller 2 to rotate to drive the rotor of generator 1 to generate electricity and do work. As the flow rate increases, the pressure difference between the through-hole 31 and the channel opening 11 gradually increases due to the obstruction effect of the water gap 32 and impeller 2. When the pressure is high enough, the baffle 5 in the through-hole 31 blocking the bypass channel will overcome the pressure of the spring 4 and move towards the channel opening 11. At this time, the bypass channel opens, and some water will bypass the water gap 32 and impeller 2, flowing directly through the through-hole 31 and the drain trough 33 of the bypass channel to the channel opening 11. As the pressure difference increases, the baffle 5 will move further towards the channel opening 11, and the opening of the drain trough 33 will also increase, allowing more water to flow out of the bypass channel, thus suppressing further increases in pressure difference. Therefore, when a larger flow rate is required, the pressure loss can be kept relatively stable. The water flowing through the bypass channel does not flow through the impeller 2 and does not drive the impeller 2 to rotate, thus preventing the impeller 2 speed from increasing indefinitely under high flow conditions. This avoids the problem that when the water flow demand increases, the impeller speed increases rapidly, the noise increases rapidly, and the wear increases sharply, which would shorten the service life of the generator 1.

[0024] By opening a water slit 32 and a through hole 31 on the end cover 3, and by having the through hole 31 cooperate with the spring 4, the stop block 5 and the drain groove 33 to form a bypass water channel opposite to the water slit 32, when the water flow increases, the bypass water channel can be automatically opened by the increased pressure difference in the water channel, thereby reducing the water flow through the impeller 2, reducing the noise and wear caused by the continuous increase in rotor speed of the impeller 2 as the water flow increases, and ultimately reducing the life of the generator 1.

[0025] To further reduce generator noise and extend its lifespan, the rotor speed of generator 1 needs to be controlled within a suitable range. Generator 1 also contains a control circuit for controlling its rotor speed. The core principle is based on Lenz's law, which states that "the magnetic force on an induced current in a moving conductor always opposes or impedes the conductor's motion." Therefore, when the output current of generator 1 increases, the magnetic force impeding the rotor's motion also increases, thus slowing its rotation. Thus, the rotor speed of generator 1 can be controlled by controlling its output current. However, since the motor rotor and impeller 2 are coaxially connected, a decrease in rotor speed will also decrease the impeller 2 speed, affecting water flow. Therefore, for a traditional water flow generator 1, simply controlling the rotor speed is often insufficient. In practice, either the rotor speed decreases while the water flow decreases, or the rotor speed reduction is insignificant while pressure loss increases. Conversely, when a pressure-stabilizing bypass channel exists in the water path, water that cannot pass through impeller 2 can flow out through the pressure-stabilizing bypass channel. Therefore, the rotor speed control circuit setting will not significantly restrict the increase in water flow. Thus, it can simultaneously achieve the effect of limiting rotor speed and ensuring water flow.

[0026] Therefore, in this embodiment, the generator 1 is equipped with a rotor speed control circuit. The rotor speed control circuit is electrically connected to the coil of the generator 1 and controls the magnitude of the coil output current. By setting the rotor speed control circuit, the electrical control current output by the coil is controlled, thereby limiting the rotor speed.

[0027] To better control the rotor speed of generator 1 by controlling the generator output current, in one embodiment, the rotor speed control circuit consists of a fixed voltage clamping circuit. When setting the fixed voltage clamping circuit, a voltage clamping circuit is connected in parallel to the motor coil output terminals. The clamping circuit can constrain the voltage between the coil output terminals to not exceed a certain preset value. When the generator 1 speed is lower than the preset value, the voltage between the coil output terminals will also be lower than the conduction voltage of the clamping circuit. At this time, no current flows through the clamping circuit, and the current generated by the coil is only supplied to the load. When the speed increases, the voltage between the coil output terminals also increases. When it exceeds the threshold of the clamping circuit, the clamping circuit will conduct, generating additional current besides the load. On the other hand, the higher the rotor speed, the higher the voltage between the coil output terminals, and the greater the current flowing through the clamping circuit. Since the current in the coil always hinders rotor rotation, this increase in current will, in turn, limit further increases in rotor speed, keeping the speed approximately stable.

[0028] A voltage clamping circuit typically includes a voltage regulator or diode combination, and a voltage comparator or operational amplifier. The voltage regulator or diode limits the voltage of the input signal, ensuring it does not exceed a set threshold. The voltage comparator or operational amplifier monitors the input signal voltage and takes appropriate measures, such as cutting off or adjusting the output signal, when the voltage exceeds or falls below the set threshold. To limit rotor speed while reducing production costs, in one embodiment, the fixed voltage clamping circuit is composed of a Zener diode. Compared to other voltage clamping solutions, voltage clamping circuits using diodes are relatively low-cost. Diodes are common electronic components, inexpensive, and readily available, thus enabling voltage clamping functionality within a limited budget.

[0029] While a fixed voltage clamping circuit can achieve the purpose of controlling the rotor speed of generator 1, this circuit has low efficiency and is suitable for applications with light and relatively constant loads. However, it is not suitable for applications with heavy loads or large load variations. Therefore, in one embodiment, the rotor speed control circuit is composed of a power supply step-down regulator circuit, which can also achieve the purpose of controlling the rotor speed of generator 1.

[0030] In order to control the rotor speed in situations with heavy loads or large load variations, in one embodiment, the power supply step-down and voltage regulation circuit includes a rectifier and filter circuit, a speed control circuit, a step-down circuit, and a central control module. The central control module has a first input port, a second input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The output terminal of the generator 1 is connected to the first input port and the input terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit, respectively. The first output port is connected to the input terminal of the speed control circuit. The output terminal of the speed control circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit. The second input port is connected to the output terminal of the step-down circuit. The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit. The output terminal is connected to the load. The second output port is connected to the input terminal of the step-down circuit.

[0031] The rectifier and filter circuit consists of a rectifier bridge B and a filter capacitor C1. The AC terminal of the rectifier bridge is connected to the output terminal of the generator GEN. The function of the rectifier and filter circuit is to convert the AC power generated by the motor into DC power. The speed control circuit consists of a resistor R1 and a switching transistor Q1. This circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit. When Q1 is turned on, part of the filtered and rectified current will flow back to the generator 1 through R1 and Q1, thereby adding an extra load to the generator 1. The overall load of the motor can be effectively adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle of the control terminal of Q1. The step-down circuit consists of a switching transistor Q2, a freewheeling diode D, an inductor L, a capacitor C2, and output voltage feedback resistors R2 / R3. The input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit, and the output terminal is connected to the load RL. Its main function is to efficiently convert the unregulated high-voltage DC power output by the rectifier and filter circuit into stable low-voltage DC power and supply it to the load RL. Since the structure and overall operation of this step-down circuit are basically the same as those of the commonly used BUCK step-down circuit, its step-down principle will not be elaborated further.

[0032] The central control module is the core of the entire circuit control, responsible for acquiring and controlling the speed of generator 1 and adjusting the buck circuit to ensure stable output voltage. It has two input terminals and two output terminals. The first input terminal is directly connected to the output terminal of generator 1, allowing real-time measurement of generator 1's speed by detecting the zero-crossing point of the generator 1's output voltage. The first output terminal is connected to the control terminal of Q1 in the speed control circuit, allowing adjustment of the current flowing through the speed control circuit by controlling the on / off state ratio of Q1 through outputting PWM signals with different duty cycles, thereby controlling the speed of generator 1. The second input terminal is connected to the output voltage feedback resistors R2 / R3 of the buck circuit; the actual output voltage of the buck circuit can be obtained by measuring the voltage at the connection point of R2 / R3. The second output terminal is connected to the control terminal of the switching transistor Q2 in the buck circuit, providing a drive waveform for Q2. When the load changes, the output voltage of the buck circuit can be stabilized by adjusting the output duty cycle of the second output terminal. The central control module operates as follows: it continuously measures the output voltage changes of the buck converter to understand the power consumption of the load RL connected to the buck converter, and simultaneously measures the zero-crossing interval of the generator 1's output voltage to understand the current speed of generator 1. When the output voltage drops, it indicates that the power consumption of the load RL has increased. At this time, the central control module will reduce the duty cycle of the PWM signal at the first output port to reduce the power consumption of the speed control circuit, while increasing the duty cycle of the square wave at the second output port, allowing more power to enter the buck converter and restoring the output voltage of the buck converter to a normal level. Conversely, when the output voltage rises, it indicates that the power consumption of the load RL has decreased. The central control module will increase the duty cycle of the PWM signal at the first output port to increase the current flowing through the speed control circuit, while decreasing the duty cycle of the square wave at the second output port to reduce the power entering the buck converter, thus ensuring the stability of the buck converter's output voltage. Simultaneously, the central control module also continuously monitors the real-time speed of generator 1. When generating enough power for the load RL, it utilizes the speed control circuit to minimize the generator 1's speed to reduce generator 1 noise and extend its lifespan.

[0033] To further extend the service life of generator 1, in one embodiment, the stop block 5 is made of stainless steel balls. Since generator 1 is installed in a humid environment (water), stainless steel balls are chosen as the material for stop block 5. Stainless steel possesses excellent corrosion resistance and wear resistance, effectively resisting corrosion and friction in water, thereby extending the lifespan of generator 1. By using stainless steel balls as the material for stop block 5, the possibility of wear and damage caused by friction and corrosion can be reduced, improving the reliability and durability of generator 1. This design choice ensures that generator 1 maintains stable performance even when operating under prolonged immersion in water, thus extending its service life.

[0034] In order to better control the rotor speed when the water flow rate is increased, in one embodiment, multiple bypass channels are provided. By providing multiple bypass channels, the water flow rate through the impeller 2 can be reduced when the water flow rate increases, thereby achieving more precise and flexible flow control and improving the applicability and efficiency of the water flow generator 1.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow rate requirements, characterized in that: The device includes a generator, an impeller, and an end cover. The impeller is connected to the generator's shaft. The end cover is placed on the top surface of the generator's output end. A channel opening is provided on the side of the generator. A through hole and a water slit are provided on the top surface of the end cover. A drain groove is provided on the bottom surface. The through hole communicates with the channel opening through the drain groove. The water slit, the space where the impeller is located, and the channel opening form a main waterway. A spring and a stop block are installed in the drain groove. The spring, the stop block, and the drain groove form a bypass waterway. The stop block is abutted against the drain groove by the spring and blocks the through hole. The generator is equipped with a rotor speed control circuit, which is electrically connected to the generator coil and controls the magnitude of the coil output current. By setting the rotor speed control circuit, the electrical control current output by the coil is controlled, thereby limiting the rotor speed. When there is a pressure-stabilizing bypass waterway in the water circuit, the water that cannot pass through the impeller can flow out through the pressure-stabilizing bypass waterway. Therefore, the setting of the rotor speed control circuit will not significantly restrict the increase of water flow, thus achieving the effect of both limiting rotor speed and ensuring water flow at the same time.

2. The low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow requirements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotor speed control circuit is composed of a fixed voltage clamping circuit.

3. A low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow requirements according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fixed voltage clamping circuit is composed of Zener diodes.

4. A low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow requirements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotor speed control circuit is composed of a power supply step-down and voltage-regulating circuit.

5. A low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow requirements according to claim 4, characterized in that: The power supply step-down and voltage regulation circuit includes a rectifier and filter circuit, a speed control circuit, a step-down circuit, and a central control module. The central control module has a first input port, a second input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The output terminal of the generator is connected to the first input port and the input terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit, respectively. The first output port is connected to the input terminal of the speed control circuit, and the output terminal of the speed control circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit. The second input port is connected to the output terminal of the step-down circuit, and the input terminal of the step-down circuit is connected in parallel with the output terminal of the rectifier and filter circuit. The output terminal of the step-down circuit is connected to the load, and the second output port is connected to the input terminal of the step-down circuit.

6. A low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow requirements according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stop is made of stainless steel balls.

7. A low-noise, long-life hydro-generator adaptable to different flow requirements according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple bypass waterways are provided.

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