A water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage and its test method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of water tunnel tests, and relates to a water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage and a test method thereof. The water tunnel test device includes: a circulating water tunnel device, which includes a straight pipe section, a U-shaped pipe section, a test section, an L-shaped pipe section and an axial flow pump that are connected in sequence to form a circulating loop. The pump shaft output end of the axial flow pump extends into the straight pipe section, and an impeller is connected at the pump shaft output end; a steam turbine, whose output shaft is connected to the pump shaft input end of the axial flow pump; a high-pressure air energy storage device, which includes a plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks. The air inlet of the high-pressure gas storage tank is connected to a compressor, and the air outlet is connected to the inlet end of the steam turbine. In the valley electricity period, the present invention uses electric power to drive a compressor to compress and store air in the high-pressure gas storage tank. During the water tunnel test, the steam turbine is used to convert the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, and drive the impeller to rotate to generate high-flow-rate and large-flow water flow, thereby improving the test capacity, operation efficiency and economy of the water tunnel test device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of water tunnel tests, and particularly relates to a water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage and a test method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the gradual deepening of human exploration and development of marine resources, underwater equipment technology has entered a period of rapid development; the R & D requirements for underwater high-speed vehicles, deep-sea exploration equipment, and other advanced underwater equipment are increasing continuously. As a key test equipment, the water tunnel test device is developing towards high flow velocity, large flow rate, and large aperture, and the demand for large-scale water tunnel test devices is becoming more and more urgent. However, the existing water tunnel test devices usually adopt a single water pump drive mode or gravity drive mode, and these modes have the following deficiencies when providing high flow velocity and large flow rate test conditions:

[0003] 1) In terms of loading equipment: The existing water pump drive power is usually several hundred kilowatts to several megawatts, which is difficult to meet the power consumption requirements of high flow velocity and large flow rate, restricting the research ability of high-speed flow fields (such as turbulence and cavitation). Moreover, the efficiency of existing low-power water pumps drops sharply during high-speed operation, resulting in increased energy consumption and reduced stability, affecting the accuracy and repeatability of test data.

[0004] 2) In terms of energy consumption and cost: To meet the test requirements of high flow velocity and large flow rate, it is necessary to provide a large amount of energy loading when the water tunnel test device starts. This places extremely high requirements on power supply facilities and causes a great impact on the power grid. At the same time, there are other problems such as poor equipment reliability and high maintenance costs; moreover, due to the limitation of the large amount of energy loading, the existing water pump drive or gravity drive mode cannot provide extremely high power to drive water flow instantaneously. If instantaneous large flow rate and high flow velocity loading are to be achieved, additional supporting facilities such as a 300 million yuan substation need to be configured, and the construction cost is extremely high.

[0005] 3) In terms of energy efficiency ratio: The existing water pump drive mode directly drives the water pump with an electric motor, resulting in relatively high energy consumption, and its comprehensive energy efficiency ratio is about 50% - 60%; the existing gravity drive mode relies on the potential energy of a high-position water tank, and the energy utilization rate is restricted by the terrain, and its comprehensive energy efficiency ratio is about 40% - 50%; thus, it can be seen that the operating costs of the existing drive modes are relatively high, restricting the economy and sustainability of the water tunnel test device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the deficiencies in the related art, the present invention provides a water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage and a test method thereof to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] The present invention provides a water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage, including:

[0008] A circulating water tunnel device, which comprises a straight pipe section, a U-shaped pipe section, a test section, an L-shaped pipe section and an axial flow pump that are connected in sequence to form a circulating loop; wherein, the axial flow pump includes a pump casing, a pump shaft and an impeller, the pump casing is in an L shape, and its two ends are respectively connected to the L-shaped pipe section and the straight pipe section; the input end of the pump shaft is located outside the pump casing, the output end of the pump shaft penetrates through the pump casing and extends into the straight pipe section, and an impeller is connected to the output end of the pump shaft;

[0009] A steam turbine, whose output shaft is connected to the input end of the pump shaft of the axial flow pump;

[0010] A high-pressure air energy storage device, which includes a plurality of compressors and a plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks; the outlet of each compressor is connected to the inlet of a high-pressure gas storage tank, and the outlets of the plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks are all connected to an outlet pipe, and the outlet end of the outlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the steam turbine;

[0011] A control system, which is connected to the compressor to control the start, stop and operation of the compressor; the control system is also used to monitor the grid load status;[[ID=]10]

[0012] The water tunnel test device is configured as follows: when the control system monitors that it is currently in the low grid load period, each compressor is driven to operate by electricity to compress air to a high-pressure state and store it in each high-pressure gas storage tank; when conducting a water tunnel test, the compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tank enters the steam turbine through the outlet pipe, and the steam turbine converts the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy to drive the pump shaft to drive the impeller to rotate, so that water circulates in the circulating water tunnel device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the number of high-pressure air energy storage devices is multiple, and the multiple outlet pipes of the multiple high-pressure air energy storage devices are all connected to an outlet main pipe, and the outlet end of the outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet end of the steam turbine.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water tunnel test device further includes a gearbox; the input shaft of the gearbox is connected to the output shaft of the steam turbine, and the output shaft of the gearbox is connected to the input end of the pump shaft of the axial flow pump.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gearbox is a two-stage gearbox, which has a high gear and a low gear; the gearbox performs gear shifting under the control of the control system.

[0016] In some embodiments, an overload protector is provided between the output shaft of the steam turbine and the input shaft of the gearbox.

[0017] In some embodiments, a coupling is provided between the output shaft of the gearbox and the input end of the pump shaft of the axial flow pump.

[0018] The present invention also provides a test method for the above water tunnel test device, including the following steps:

[0019] Energy storage step: When the control system monitors that the current is in the low grid load period, use electricity to drive each compressor to operate, compress the air to a high pressure state and store it in each high-pressure gas storage tank;

[0020] Test start-up step: Place the gear position of the gearbox in the low gear; Open the valve at the intake end of the steam turbine, and open the valves at the air outlets of multiple high-pressure gas storage tanks. The compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tanks enters the steam turbine successively through the outlet pipes and the main outlet pipe; The compressed air expands and does work in the steam turbine, pushing the blades in the steam turbine to rotate to convert the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, driving the high-torque operation of the gearbox, and then driving the pump shaft of the axial flow pump to drive the impeller to rotate, so that the water starts to circulate and accelerate in the circulating water tunnel device;

[0021] Test operation step: When the water flow velocity in the test section reaches the preset flow velocity, switch the gear position of the gearbox to the high gear, so that the water continuously and rapidly flows through the test section, thereby carrying out the water tunnel test;

[0022] Test end step: When the water tunnel test is completed, gradually reduce the opening of the valve at the intake end of the steam turbine until it is closed, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the pump shaft of the axial flow pump, so that the water slows down and stops flowing in the circulating water tunnel device.

[0023] In some of the embodiments, in the energy storage step, a pressure sensor is provided on each high-pressure gas storage tank to monitor the pressure condition in the high-pressure gas storage tank in real time; When the pressure in the high-pressure gas storage tank reaches the preset pressure threshold, the compressor connected to the high-pressure gas storage tank stops operating.

[0024] In some of the embodiments, in the test start-up step and the test operation step, the overload protector monitors the torque of the input shaft of the gearbox in real time; If the torque exceeds the preset torque threshold, the overload protector automatically cuts off or reduces the power transmission between the steam turbine and the gearbox.

[0025] In some of the embodiments, a flow velocity sensor is provided at the test section of the circulating water tunnel device to monitor the water flow velocity in the test section in real time and transmit it to the control system; In the test operation step, when the gear position of the gearbox is switched to the high gear, the control system adjusts the opening of the valve at the intake end of the steam turbine in real time according to the water flow velocity condition in the test section, so that the water flow velocity in the test section remains stable.

[0026] Based on the above technical solutions, the water tunnel test device and its test method driven by compressed air energy storage in the embodiments of the present invention innovatively adopt a compressed air energy storage driving method to provide energy loading for water tunnel tests. During off-peak electricity periods, electricity is used to drive a compressor to compress and store air in a high-pressure gas storage tank. During water tunnel tests, a steam turbine is used to convert the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, driving the impeller to rotate to generate high-flow and high-velocity water flows, solving various deficiencies of existing water pump driving or gravity driving methods when providing high-velocity and large-flow test conditions, and significantly improving the test capacity, operating efficiency, and economy of the water tunnel test device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form a part of this application. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the water tunnel test device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the test method of the water tunnel test device of the present invention.

[0030] In the figure: 10, circulating water tunnel device; 11, straight pipe section; 12, U-shaped pipe section; 13, contraction section; 14, test section; 15, diffuser section; 16, L-shaped pipe section; 17, axial flow pump; 171, pump casing; 172, pump shaft; 173, impeller; 20, steam turbine; 30, high-pressure air energy storage device; 31, high-pressure gas storage tank; 32, outlet pipe; 33, main outlet pipe; 40, gearbox; 50, overload protector; 60, coupling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "transverse", "longitudinal", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation", "connection", and "coupling" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage. The water tunnel test device includes a circulating water tunnel device 10, a steam turbine 20, a high-pressure air energy storage device 30, and a control system.

[0035] The circulating water tunnel device 10 includes a straight pipe section 11, a U-shaped pipe section 12, a test section 14, an L-shaped pipe section 16, and an axial flow pump 17 that are connected in sequence to form a circulating loop. Specifically, a contraction section 13 is connected between the test section 14 and the U-shaped pipe section 12, and a diffuser section 15 is connected between the test section 14 and the L-shaped pipe section 16. It can be understood that the cross-sectional dimension of the test section 14 is smaller than that of the straight pipe section 11, the U-shaped pipe section 12, and the L-shaped pipe section 16. The water flow in the circulating water tunnel device 10 is accelerated for the second time when passing through the contraction section 13 to ensure that the water flow in the test section 14 meets the high-flow velocity test conditions. After the water flow passes through the test section 14, it enters the diffuser section 15, thereby realizing the circulation of water in the circulating water tunnel device 10. Further, a flow velocity sensor is provided at the test section 14 to monitor the water flow velocity in the test section 14 in real time.

[0036] The axial flow pump 17 includes a pump casing 171, a pump shaft 172, and an impeller 173. The pump casing 171 is L-shaped, and both ends of the pump casing 171 are respectively connected to the L-shaped pipe section 16 and the straight pipe section 11. The input end of the pump shaft 172 is located outside the pump casing 171, the output end of the pump shaft 172 penetrates the pump casing 171 and extends into the straight pipe section 11, and an impeller 173 is connected to the output end of the pump shaft 172. Further explanation, when the pump shaft 172 rotates, the impeller 173 rotates under the drive of the pump shaft 172. The impeller 173 applies an axial thrust to the water flow in the straight pipe section 11, causing the water flow to accelerate axially along the straight pipe section 11, thereby driving the water flow in the circulating water tunnel device 10 to circulate, realizing the loading of water flow kinetic energy, and enabling the water to continuously flow through the test section 14 to carry out water tunnel tests.

[0037] The steam turbine 20 and the high-pressure air energy storage device 30 are both located outside the circulating water tunnel device 10. The output shaft of the steam turbine 20 is connected to the input end of the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17. The high-pressure air energy storage device 30 includes a plurality of compressors and a plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks 31; the outlet of each compressor is connected to the inlet of a high-pressure gas storage tank 31, and the compressor is used to compress air to a high-pressure state and store it in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31; each high-pressure gas storage tank 31 is provided with a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure condition in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 in real time; the outlet ports of the plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks 31 are all connected to an outlet pipe 32, and the outlet end of the outlet pipe 32 is connected to the inlet end of the steam turbine 20. Further explanation, when the compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 is released and enters the steam turbine 20, the steam turbine 20 can convert the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy; specifically, when the compressed air enters the steam turbine 20, its high-pressure and high-temperature state contains huge internal energy and pressure energy. In the blade passage of the steam turbine 20, the compressed air expands and accelerates, its pressure and temperature gradually decrease, and the internal energy is converted into kinetic energy, driving the blades of the steam turbine 20 to rotate, thereby converting the internal energy and pressure energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, and then driving the pump shaft 172 and the impeller 173 of the axial flow pump 17 to rotate through the output shaft of the steam turbine 20, so that the water circulates in the circulating water tunnel device 10.

[0038] The control system is connected to each compressor to control the start, stop and operation of each compressor, that is, to control the energy storage of each high-pressure gas storage tank 31; the control system is also connected to the pressure sensor on each high-pressure gas storage tank 31 to obtain the pressure condition in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 in real time; the control system is also connected to the flow velocity sensor at the test section 14 to obtain the water flow velocity condition in the test section 14 in real time. The control system is also used to monitor the grid load status to select the energy storage timing of the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 according to the specific electricity price situation, and preferentially store energy during the period with the lowest electricity price to reduce the operation cost.

[0039] Further, the water tunnel test device is configured as follows: when the control system monitors that the current is in the low grid load period, that is, the valley electricity period, it uses relatively cheap electricity to drive each compressor to operate, so as to compress air to a high-pressure state and store it in each high-pressure gas storage tank 31; when conducting the water tunnel test, the compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 is released, and it enters the steam turbine 20 through the outlet pipe 32. The steam turbine 20 converts the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, driving the blades of the steam turbine 20 to rotate and then driving the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17 to drive the impeller 173 to rotate, so that the water circulates in the circulating water tunnel device 10.

[0040] In the above-described exemplary embodiments, through the provision of the high-pressure air energy storage device 30, during the valley electricity period, the compressor is driven by electricity to compress and store air in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31, achieving the advance storage of energy and reducing the operating cost; through the provision of the steam turbine 20, during the water tunnel test, the potential energy of the compressed air is instantaneously converted into mechanical energy, which can provide high-flow velocity and large-flow-rate water flow kinetic energy loading for the circulating water tunnel device 10, solving the various deficiencies of the existing water pump drive or gravity drive methods when providing high-flow velocity and large-flow-rate test conditions, and improving the test capacity, operating efficiency, and economy of the water tunnel test device.

[0041] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the number of the high-pressure air energy storage devices 30 is multiple, and the multiple air outlet pipes 32 of the multiple high-pressure air energy storage devices 30 are all connected to an air outlet main pipe 33, and the air outlet end of the air outlet main pipe 33 is connected to the air inlet end of the steam turbine 20; thereby realizing the parallel connection of the multiple high-pressure air energy storage devices 30, improving the energy storage effect, and also flexibly adjusting the on / off states of each high-pressure air energy storage device 30 and / or each high-pressure gas storage tank 31 according to the needs of the water tunnel test, taking into account the dual requirements of energy storage and release, and further providing continuous and stable energy input for the water tunnel test.

[0042] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the water tunnel test device further includes a gearbox 40; the input shaft of the gearbox 40 is connected to the output shaft of the steam turbine 20, and the output shaft of the gearbox 40 is connected to the input end of the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17; through the provision of the gearbox 40, the torque of the output shaft of the steam turbine 20 is transmitted to the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17, realizing the power transmission between the steam turbine 20 and the axial flow pump 17.

[0043] In some embodiments, the gearbox 40 is a two-stage gearbox 40, and the gearbox 40 has a high gear and a low gear, that is, by engaging the gears on the input shaft, the intermediate shaft, and the output shaft of the gearbox 40, the switching between the high and low gears is realized, and a specific transmission ratio is achieved; the gearbox 40 performs gear shifting under the control of the control system. Further, the low gear provides a large torque output for the heavy-load scenario at the start of the water tunnel test; when the water flow velocity in the circulating water tunnel device 10 increases, it is switched to the high gear to achieve high-speed operation, thereby ensuring a high flow velocity during the water tunnel test process.

[0044] Refer to Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, an overload protector 50 is provided between the output shaft of the steam turbine 20 and the input shaft of the gearbox 40 to limit the torque transmission therebetween to prevent overload. When the torque exceeds the preset torque threshold, the overload protector 50 will automatically cut off or reduce the power transmission from the steam turbine 20, avoiding damage to the shaft due to overload, ensuring the safe operation of the water tunnel test device, and reducing the downtime maintenance time and cost caused by overload.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a coupling 60 is provided between the output shaft of the gearbox 40 and the input end of the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17 to achieve power transmission between the output shaft of the gearbox 40 and the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a test method for the above-mentioned water tunnel test device, including an energy storage step, a test start step, a test operation step, and a test end step.

[0047] Energy storage step: When the control system monitors that the current is in the low grid load period, it automatically starts each compressor, uses relatively cheap electricity to drive each compressor to operate, compresses air to a high pressure state (such as 10 MPa to 20 MPa) and stores it in each high-pressure gas storage tank 31. Specifically, according to the specific electricity price situation, energy storage is preferentially carried out at the lowest electricity price period to reduce the operation cost.

[0048] Test start step: Place the gear position of the gearbox 40 in the low gear position; open the valve at the air inlet end of the steam turbine 20, and open the valves at the air outlet ends of the multiple high-pressure gas storage tanks 31 to release the compressed air therein. The compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tanks 31 enters the steam turbine 20 after passing through the air outlet pipe 32 and the air outlet main pipe 33 in sequence. The compressed air expands and does work in the steam turbine 20, pushing the blades in the steam turbine 20 to rotate to convert the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, driving the gearbox 40 to operate at high torque through the output shaft of the steam turbine 20, and then driving the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17 to drive the impeller 173 to rotate, so that the water starts to circulate and accelerate in the circulating water tunnel device 10, thereby avoiding the water hammer effect.

[0049] Test operation step: When the water flow velocity in the test section 14 reaches the preset flow velocity, switch the gear position of the gearbox 40 to the high gear position to increase the rotational speed of the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17, so that the water continuously and rapidly flows through the test section 14, providing high flow velocity and large flow rate hydrodynamic test conditions for the circulating water tunnel device 10, thereby carrying out the water tunnel test.

[0050] Test end procedure: When the water tunnel test is completed, gradually reduce the valve opening at the intake end of the steam turbine 20 until it is closed, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the pump shaft 172 of the axial flow pump 17, causing the water to flow more slowly in the circulating water tunnel device 10 until it stops, thus avoiding the pressure shock caused by the sudden stop of the water flow.

[0051] In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the high-pressure air energy storage device 30 is used to store energy in advance during the valley electricity period, reducing the operating cost and energy consumption; during the water tunnel test, through the application of the steam turbine 20 and the gearbox 40, the potential energy of the compressed air is instantaneously converted into mechanical energy, providing high-flow velocity and large-flow-rate water flow kinetic energy loading for the circulating water tunnel device 10, and further providing a full-scale high-flow velocity test environment for the research and development of underwater equipment, improving the accuracy and repeatability of the flow field test data, and significantly enhancing the test capacity, operating efficiency, and economy of the water tunnel test device.

[0052] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, during the energy storage step, a pressure sensor is provided on each high-pressure gas storage tank 31 to monitor the pressure in each high-pressure gas storage tank 31 in real time and transmit it to the control system. When the pressure in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 reaches the preset pressure threshold, the compressor connected to the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 stops operating, thereby completing the conversion of electrical energy into the potential energy of compressed air and energy storage.

[0053] Furthermore, during the water tunnel test, when the pressure in a high-pressure gas storage tank 31 is exhausted or reaches the preset energy storage timing, close the valve at the outlet of the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 and start the compressor connected to the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 to recharge and store energy in the high-pressure gas storage tank 31 again.

[0054] Refer to Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, during the test start step and the test operation step, the overload protector 50 monitors the torque of the input shaft of the gearbox 40 in real time and transmits it to the control system. If the torque exceeds the preset torque threshold (such as 120% of the rated torque value), the overload protector 50 automatically cuts off or reduces the power transmission between the steam turbine 20 and the gearbox 40 to avoid damage to transmission components such as the shaft and ensure the safe operation of the water tunnel test device.

[0055] In some embodiments, a flow velocity sensor is provided at the test section 14 of the circulating water tunnel device 10 to monitor the water flow velocity in the test section 14 in real time and transmit it to the control system; in the test operation step, after the gear of the gearbox 40 is switched to the high gear, the control system adjusts the valve opening at the air inlet end of the steam turbine 20 in real time according to the water flow velocity in the test section 14 to keep the water flow velocity in the test section 14 stable; thus, the dynamic feedback and real-time control of the water flow velocity in the test section 14 are realized, and the accuracy, stability and repeatability of the flow field test data during the water tunnel test are further improved.

[0056] In summary, the water tunnel test device and its test method based on compressed air energy storage drive of the present invention innovatively adopt the compressed air energy storage drive mode to provide energy loading for the water tunnel test, and solve the problems existing in the existing water pump drive or gravity drive modes, such as high construction cost, sharp decline in efficiency during high-speed operation, increased energy consumption and reduced stability when providing high flow velocity and large flow rate test conditions; the present invention utilizes compressed air energy storage during the valley electricity period, releases compressed air during the water tunnel test and performs energy conversion through the steam turbine 20 to drive the water flow, and its comprehensive energy efficiency ratio can reach 70% - 80%. Compared with the existing water pump drive or gravity drive modes, its energy consumption is reduced by about 30% - 40%; thus, the test ability, operation efficiency and economy of the water tunnel test device are significantly improved, the economy and sustainability of the water tunnel test device are improved, and it better meets the development requirements of large water tunnel test devices.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the key points of each embodiment are the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0058] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: it is still possible to modify the specific implementation manners of the present invention or perform equivalent replacements for some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A water tunnel test device driven by compressed air energy storage, characterized in that, Comprising: A circulating water tunnel device, which includes a straight pipe section, a U-shaped pipe section, a test section, an L-shaped pipe section, and an axial flow pump that are connected in sequence to form a circulating loop; wherein, the axial flow pump includes a pump casing, a pump shaft, and an impeller, the pump casing is L-shaped, and its two ends are respectively connected to the L-shaped pipe section and the straight pipe section; the input end of the pump shaft is located outside the pump casing, the output end of the pump shaft penetrates the pump casing and extends into the straight pipe section, and an impeller is connected to the output end of the pump shaft; A steam turbine, whose output shaft is connected to the input end of the axial flow pump shaft; A high-pressure air energy storage device, which includes a plurality of compressors and a plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks; the outlet of each compressor is connected to the inlet of a high-pressure gas storage tank, and the outlets of the plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks are all connected to an outlet pipe, and the outlet end of the outlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the steam turbine; A control system, which is connected to the compressor to control the start, stop, and operation of the compressor; the control system is also used to monitor the grid load status; The water tunnel test device is configured as follows: when the control system monitors that it is currently in a low grid load period, the compressors are driven by electricity to operate, so as to compress air to a high-pressure state and store it in each high-pressure gas storage tank; when conducting a water tunnel test, the compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tank enters the steam turbine through the outlet pipe, and the steam turbine converts the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy to drive the pump shaft to drive the impeller to rotate, so that water circulates in the circulating water tunnel device.

2. The water tunnel test device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the high-pressure air energy storage devices is multiple, and the outlet pipes of the multiple high-pressure air energy storage devices are all connected to an outlet main pipe, and the outlet end of the outlet main pipe is connected to the inlet end of the steam turbine.

3. The water tunnel test device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water tunnel test device further includes a gearbox; the input shaft of the gearbox is connected to the output shaft of the steam turbine, and the output shaft of the gearbox is connected to the input end of the axial flow pump shaft.

4. The water tunnel test device according to claim 3, wherein The gearbox is a two-stage gearbox, which has a high gear and a low gear; the gearbox switches gears under the control of the control system.

5. The water tunnel test device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An overload protector is provided between the output shaft of the steam turbine and the input shaft of the gearbox.

6. The water tunnel test device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A coupling is provided between the output shaft of the gearbox and the input end of the axial flow pump shaft.

7. The test method of the water tunnel test device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Including the following steps: Energy storage step: when the control system monitors that it is currently in a low grid load period, the compressors are driven by electricity to operate, and air is compressed to a high-pressure state and stored in each high-pressure gas storage tank; Test start step: place the gear position of the gearbox in the low gear; open the valve at the inlet end of the steam turbine, and open the valves at the outlets of the plurality of high-pressure gas storage tanks. The compressed air in the high-pressure gas storage tank enters the steam turbine through the outlet pipe and the outlet main pipe in sequence; the compressed air expands and does work in the steam turbine, pushing the blades in the steam turbine to rotate to convert the potential energy of the compressed air into mechanical energy, driving the gearbox to operate at high torque, and then driving the axial flow pump shaft to drive the impeller to rotate, so that water starts to circulate and accelerate in the circulating water tunnel device. Test running steps: After the water flow velocity in the test section reaches the preset flow velocity, shift the gear of the gearbox to the high gear position to enable water to continuously and rapidly flow through the test section, thereby conducting the water tunnel test; Test end steps: After the water tunnel test is completed, gradually reduce the valve opening at the steam turbine intake end until it is closed, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the shaft of the axial flow pump, and causing the water to flow at a reduced speed and stop in the circulating water tunnel device.

8. The test method of the water tunnel test device according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the energy storage step, a pressure sensor is provided on each of the high-pressure gas storage tanks to monitor the pressure condition in the high-pressure gas storage tanks in real time; when the pressure in the high-pressure gas storage tank reaches the preset pressure threshold, the compressor connected to the high-pressure gas storage tank stops operating.

9. The test method of the water tunnel test device according to claim 7, characterized in that, In the test start step and the test running step, the overload protector monitors the torque of the input shaft of the gearbox in real time; if the torque exceeds the preset torque threshold, the overload protector automatically cuts off or reduces the power transmission between the steam turbine and the gearbox.

10. The test method of the water tunnel test device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A flow velocity sensor is provided at the test section of the circulating water tunnel device to monitor the water flow velocity in the test section in real time and transmit it to the control system; in the test running step, after the gear of the gearbox is shifted to the high gear, the control system adjusts the valve opening at the steam turbine intake end in real time according to the water flow velocity condition in the test section to keep the water flow velocity in the test section stable.

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