Self-floating water taking system for water-power engineering layered water taking and installation and maintenance method

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-floating water taking system for layered water taking of water conservancy and hydropower engineering and an installation and maintenance method, and belongs to the technical field of design and construction of water conservancy and hydropower engineering structures. The self-floating water taking system for layered water taking of the water conservancy and hydropower engineering is simple in structure, convenient to operate and maintain and capable of taking water according to requirements. The self-floating water taking system comprises supporting and limiting partition walls which are sequentially arranged at the top of the front retaining wall according to the specified interval, and further comprises a water retaining gate, a gate opening supporting and adjusting assembly and a water retaining gate self-weight adjusting mechanism. The water retaining gate is arranged between the two adjacent supporting and limiting partition walls through rotating shafts on the two sides under the matching of the corresponding limiting gate grooves, and the gate opening supporting and adjusting assembly is hinged to the top of the water retaining gate; the opening degree of the water retaining gate is adjusted and determined through the gate opening supporting and adjusting assembly, and the arrangement depth of the water retaining gate is determined by adjusting the weight of the water retaining gate through the water retaining gate self-weight adjusting mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a self-floating water intake system, and more particularly to a self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects, belonging to the technical field of water conservancy and hydropower engineering structure design and construction. This invention also relates to an installation and maintenance method for the self-floating water intake system used in the stratified water intake of the aforementioned water conservancy and hydropower projects. Background Technology

[0002] To achieve stratified water intake, various solutions have been disclosed in existing technologies. Although traditional stacked beam gates or multi-layer gate systems are widely used, they are usually complex in structure and large in size, requiring large hoists for operation. This not only results in high energy consumption and high operation and maintenance costs, but also poses challenges to the long-term reliability of their underwater mechanical components.

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, some innovative designs have emerged aimed at achieving automation and powerless operation. For example, patent CN118911239A discloses a reservoir water intake device with no additional energy consumption. It utilizes a pontoon that rises and falls with the water level. A rack on the pontoon meshes with transmission gear sets at different elevations, thereby automatically opening or closing the corresponding water intake gates using buoyancy or gravity. While this solution achieves powerless adaptive operation, its mechanical transmission chain is complex and precise, containing multiple gear sets, requiring high manufacturing and installation precision. Furthermore, its reliability and maintenance during long-term underwater operation are relatively difficult.

[0004] Another approach is to use a flexible structure. For example, patent CN119800931A describes a self-floating, stratified water intake gate device. It uses a float to connect multiple suspension ropes, with several rigid gate beams suspended below the ropes, connected by flexible gate leaves. This device can automatically unfold or fold according to water level changes, demonstrating an ingenious structure. However, this structure, relying on flexible gate leaves and suspension ropes, may suffer from insufficient pressure-bearing capacity, poor structural stability, and issues with the long-term durability of flexible materials under high flow rate and high velocity conditions.

[0005] Other solutions attempt to utilize fluids to alter the device's shape. For example, patent CN120250584A discloses a water-filled, foldable, tiered water intake gate. The gate's main body is a flexible, water-fillable dam-like bladder, and its expansion and contraction are controlled by filling or draining water. While this solution is lightweight, its control objective is to achieve overall opening and closing of the gate to block or allow water to pass through, rather than precisely adjusting the overflow elevation for tiered water intake.

[0006] In summary, existing technologies have made beneficial explorations in achieving automation and energy conservation in stratified water intake, but they generally suffer from at least one of the following problems: either the mechanical structure is complex and underwater maintenance is difficult; or the structural strength and stability are limited, restricting applicable working conditions; and almost all solutions, especially heavy rigid structures, face the common challenges of complex installation and maintenance processes, high costs, and high risks.

[0007] Therefore, developing a stratified water intake device that can achieve self-adaptive operation without power, has high structural strength, and greatly simplifies installation and maintenance processes is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects that is simple in structure, easy to operate and maintain, and capable of taking water as required, as well as an installation and maintenance method for the self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in the water conservancy and hydropower projects.

[0009] The technical solution adopted to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects, including a front retaining wall and supporting limiting partitions. Each set of supporting limiting partitions is arranged sequentially at a specified interval on the top of the front retaining wall. The self-floating water intake system also includes a water-retaining gate, a gate opening support adjustment component, and a water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. A set of rotating shafts is respectively provided at both ends of the bottom of the water-retaining gate, and a set of vertically extending limiting gate slots is respectively provided on both sides of the supporting limiting partitions. The water-retaining gate can be moved up and down vertically between two adjacent sets of supporting limiting partitions through the rotating shafts on both sides in cooperation with the corresponding limiting gate slots. The power output end of the gate opening support adjustment component is hinged to the top of the water-retaining gate. The opening degree of the water-retaining gate is adjusted and confirmed by the gate opening support adjustment component in cooperation with the water body in the reservoir area. The arrangement depth of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting its own weight through the water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, at least three sets of supporting and limiting partitions are arranged sequentially on the front retaining wall along the width direction of the water intake of the water conservancy and hydropower project. A set of water-blocking gates is arranged between each pair of adjacent supporting and limiting partitions. At least each set of water-blocking gates can independently adjust its opening degree through a set of gate opening support adjustment components.

[0011] The preferred embodiment of the above scheme is that each gate opening support adjustment assembly includes a telescopic connecting rod and a pontoon. The upper end of each telescopic connecting rod is hinged to the bottom of the corresponding pontoon, and the lower end of each telescopic connecting rod is hinged to the upper end of the corresponding water-retaining gate. The opening degree of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting the pontoon according to the changes in water level and the telescopic length of the telescopic connecting rod in coordination with the water body in the reservoir and the telescopic connecting rod.

[0012] Furthermore, the water-retaining gate includes a steel gate body and a weight adjustment support structure. The weight adjustment support structure is arranged on the steel gate body, and the rotating shaft is arranged at both ends of the bottom of the steel gate body. The self-weight adjustment mechanism of the water-retaining gate is connected to the weight adjustment support structure through the steel gate body.

[0013] The preferred embodiment of the above scheme is that the weight adjustment receiving structure includes at least three sealed cavities arranged vertically on the steel gate body, each sealed cavity being independently connected to the gate's self-weight adjustment mechanism; during the gate's self-weight adjustment process, the gate's self-weight adjustment mechanism, in a prescribed order, independently inputs or discharges weight adjustment medium into each sealed cavity to adjust the gate's own weight, so as to at least determine the bottom position of the gate along the height direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the weight adjustment medium is water and air. The self-weight adjustment mechanism of the sluice gate includes a hydraulic conveying component and a pressurized gas conveying component. Each sealed cavity is provided with at least one liquid conveying hole and at least one gas conveying hole. Each liquid conveying hole is independently connected to the hydraulic conveying component, and each gas conveying hole is independently connected to the pressurized gas conveying component. The weight of the sluice gate itself is adjusted and determined by the coordinated hydraulic conveying component and the pressurized gas conveying component, with the cooperation of each liquid conveying hole and each gas conveying hole, by inputting a specified amount of water and / or air into each sealed cavity in a specified order.

[0015] The preferred embodiment of the above scheme is that each set of water-blocking gates is equipped with a hydraulic conveying assembly. Each set of liquid conveying assembly includes a hydraulic station and multiple sets of filling and draining pipes, which are equal in number to the number of sealed cavities. Each set of filling and draining pipes is equipped with a water supply shut-off valve. Each sealed cavity is fed or discharged with a specified amount of water through a set of filling and draining pipes in cooperation with the hydraulic station and the pressurized gas conveying assembly to adjust the weight of the water-blocking gate itself.

[0016] Furthermore, each set of water-blocking gates is equipped with a pressurized gas delivery assembly. Each pressurized gas delivery assembly includes an air pump and multiple sets of air filling and exhaust pipes, which are equal in number to the number of sealed cavities. Each set of air filling and exhaust pipes is equipped with an air supply shut-off valve. Each sealed cavity is fed or discharged with a specified amount of air through a set of air filling and exhaust pipes in cooperation with the air pump and the hydraulic delivery assembly to regulate the weight of the water-blocking gate itself.

[0017] Preferably, for the above solution, one set of hydraulic conveying components is provided for a water conservancy and hydropower project. Each set of liquid conveying components respectively includes a hydraulic station and multiple groups of filling and draining pipes with a quantity equivalent to the number of each sealing cavity on each set of water retaining gates. A water conveyance stop valve is respectively provided on each group of filling and draining pipes; the pressurized gas conveying components include a compressed air supply system supporting the water conservancy and hydropower project and multiple groups of filling and exhaust pipes with a quantity equivalent to the number of each sealing cavity on each set of water retaining gates. An air conveyance stop valve is respectively provided on each group of filling and exhaust pipes; each sealing cavity respectively inputs or discharges a specified quantity of water through each group of filling and draining pipes and each group of filling and exhaust pipes under the cooperation of the hydraulic station and the compressed air supply system to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself.

[0018] The installation and maintenance method for the self-floating water intake system for layered water intake of the water conservancy and hydropower project includes an installation process and a maintenance process. The installation process is as follows: First, connect the filling and draining pipes and the filling and exhaust pipes to the corresponding sealing cavities, the hydraulic station, and the air pump respectively when the sealing cavities are filled with air. Hinge the floating box to the top of the steel gate body through the telescopic connecting rod. Then, lift the steel gate body between two adjacent groups of supporting and limiting partition walls with the cooperation of the rotating shaft, and arrange the floating box in the reservoir water body. Finally, input water into each sealing cavity in sequence from bottom to top according to the position where the steel gate body needs to be arranged to complete the installation of the water retaining gate. The maintenance process is as follows: First, start the air pump and open the water conveyance stop valve on the filling and draining pipes. After discharging the water in each sealing cavity during the process of inputting air, the water retaining gate automatically floats to the water surface. Then, remove the telescopic connecting rod connected to the water retaining gate. Finally, use a lifting device to lift the water retaining gate to the maintenance station for inspection and repair. After passing the inspection, install the water retaining gate to the specified position according to the installation sequence to complete the maintenance work.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The technical solution provided in this application is based on the existing front retaining wall and supporting limiting partition wall, and combined with the characteristic that each set of supporting limiting partition walls is arranged sequentially at a specified interval on the top of the front retaining wall, the self-floating water intake system of this application is constituted by adding a water-retaining gate, a gate opening support adjustment component, and a water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. A set of rotating shafts is respectively set at both ends of the bottom of the water-retaining gate, and a set of vertically extending limiting gate slots is respectively set on both sides of the supporting limiting partition wall. Then, the water-retaining gate can be moved up and down in the vertical direction between two adjacent sets of supporting limiting partition walls through the rotating shafts on both sides in cooperation with the corresponding limiting gate slots, and the power output end of the gate opening support adjustment component is hinged to the top of the water-retaining gate. Finally, the opening degree of the water-retaining gate is adjusted and confirmed by the gate opening support adjustment component in cooperation with the water body in the reservoir area, and the arrangement depth of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting its own weight through the water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. Thus, since the water-blocking gate of this application is arranged by means of a rotating shaft in cooperation with the limiting gate slot, and the water-blocking gate of this application can also change its own weight according to the self-weight adjustment mechanism of the water-blocking gate, it can effectively realize different arrangement heights and opening degrees of the water-blocking gate, thereby simplifying the structure of the layered water intake gate, facilitating operation and maintenance, and enabling water intake according to requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the water-retaining gate involved in the self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a simplified structural diagram of the pressurized gas conveying component involved in the self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a simplified structural diagram of the hydraulic conveying components involved in the self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to the present invention.

[0021] The following are marked in the diagram: 1. Front retaining wall, 2. Support limiting partition wall, 3. Rotating shaft, 4. Limiting gate slot, 5. Steel gate body, 6. Sealing cavity, 7. Liquid conveying hole, 8. Gas conveying hole, 9. Hydraulic station, 10. Inflation and drainage pipe, 11. Air pump, 12. Inflation and exhaust pipe, 13. Telescopic connecting rod, 14. Float box. Detailed Implementation

[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4The figure shows a self-floating water intake system provided by the present invention, which is simple in structure, easy to operate and maintain, and can take water according to requirements for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects. The self-floating water intake system includes a front retaining wall 1 and supporting limiting partitions 2. Each set of supporting limiting partitions 2 is arranged sequentially at a specified interval on the top of the front retaining wall 1. The self-floating water intake system also includes a water-retaining gate, a gate opening support adjustment assembly, and a water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. A set of rotating shafts 3 is provided at each end of the bottom of the water-retaining gate. A set of vertically extending limiting gate slots 4 is provided on each side of the supporting limiting partitions 2. The water-retaining gate can be moved up and down vertically between two adjacent sets of supporting limiting partitions 2 through the rotating shafts 3 on both sides in cooperation with the corresponding limiting gate slots 4. The power output end of the gate opening support adjustment assembly is hinged to the top of the water-retaining gate. The opening degree of the water-retaining gate is adjusted and confirmed by the gate opening support adjustment assembly in cooperation with the water in the reservoir area. The arrangement depth of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting its own weight through the water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. The technical solution provided in this application is based on the existing front retaining wall and supporting limiting partition wall. Combining this with the characteristic that each set of supporting limiting partition walls is arranged sequentially at a specified interval on top of the front retaining wall, a self-floating water intake system is constructed by adding a water-retaining gate, a gate opening support adjustment assembly, and a water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. A set of rotating shafts is provided at each end of the bottom of the water-retaining gate, and a set of vertically extending limiting gate slots is provided on each side of the supporting limiting partition wall. The water-retaining gate, through the rotating shafts on both sides and in cooperation with the corresponding limiting gate slots, can move vertically up and down between adjacent sets of supporting limiting partition walls. The power output end of the gate opening support adjustment assembly is hinged to the top of the water-retaining gate. Finally, the opening degree of the water-retaining gate is adjusted and confirmed by the gate opening support adjustment assembly in cooperation with the water body in the reservoir area, and the arrangement depth of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting its own weight through the water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. Thus, since the water-retaining gate of this application is arranged through a rotating shaft in cooperation with the limiting gate slot, and the water-retaining gate of this application can also change its own weight according to the self-weight adjustment mechanism, it can effectively realize different arrangement heights and opening degrees of the water-retaining gate, thereby simplifying the structure of the layered water intake gate, facilitating operation and maintenance, and achieving the purpose of water intake according to requirements. In combination with the actual situation of the project, this application arranges at least three sets of supporting limiting partition walls 2 sequentially on the front retaining wall 1 along the width direction of the water intake of the water conservancy and hydropower project. Each set of supporting limiting partition walls 2 is arranged between two adjacent sets of supporting limiting partition walls 2, and at least each set of water-retaining gates independently adjusts its opening degree through a gate opening support adjustment component.

[0023] Accordingly, considering the existing technology, in order to minimize the design and manufacturing of new components, each gate opening support adjustment assembly in this application includes a telescopic connecting rod 13 and a float 14. The upper end of each telescopic connecting rod 13 is hinged to the bottom of the corresponding float 14, and the lower end of each telescopic connecting rod 13 is hinged to the upper end of the corresponding water-retaining gate. The opening degree of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting the float 14 according to the changes in water level and the telescopic length of the telescopic connecting rod 13 in coordination with the reservoir water body and the telescopic connecting rod 13. The water-retaining gate of this application includes a steel gate body 5 and a weight adjustment support structure. The weight adjustment support structure is arranged on the steel gate body 5, and the rotating shaft 3 is arranged at both ends of the bottom of the steel gate body. The self-weight adjustment mechanism of the water-retaining gate is connected to the weight adjustment support structure through the steel gate body 5. At this point, the preferred method is that the weight adjustment receiving structure includes at least three sealed cavities 6 arranged vertically on the steel gate body 5, each sealed cavity 6 being independently connected to the gate's self-weight adjustment mechanism; during the gate's self-weight adjustment process, the gate's self-weight adjustment mechanism, in a prescribed order, independently inputs or discharges weight adjustment medium into each sealed cavity 6 to adjust the gate's own weight, so as to at least determine the bottom of the gate's arrangement position along the height direction.

[0024] Further, in combination with the actual situation of the engineering site, the weight adjustment medium of the present application is water and air. Correspondingly, the self-weight adjustment mechanism of the water retaining gate of the present application includes a hydraulic conveying component and a pressurized gas conveying component. At least one liquid conveying hole 7 and one gas conveying hole 8 are respectively provided on each sealing cavity 6. Each liquid conveying hole 7 is independently connected to the hydraulic conveying component, and each gas conveying hole 8 is independently connected to the pressurized gas conveying component. The weight of the water retaining gate itself is adjusted and determined by inputting a specified amount of water and / or air into each sealing cavity in a specified order through the cooperation of the mutually cooperating hydraulic conveying component and pressurized gas conveying component and the cooperation of each liquid conveying hole 7 and each gas conveying hole 8. At this time, the above-mentioned hydraulic conveying component and pressurized gas conveying component can respectively have the following two structures. One is that a set of hydraulic conveying components are respectively arranged on each set of water retaining gates. Each set of liquid conveying components respectively includes a hydraulic station 9 and multiple groups of charging and discharging pipes 10 with a quantity equivalent to the number of sealing cavities 6. A water conveyance stop valve is respectively provided on each group of charging and discharging pipes 10. Each sealing cavity 6 inputs or discharges a specified amount of water through a group of charging and discharging pipes 10 in cooperation with the hydraulic station 9 and the pressurized gas conveying component to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself. A set of pressurized gas conveying components are respectively arranged on each set of water retaining gates. Each set of pressurized gas conveying components respectively includes an air inflation pump 11 and multiple groups of charging and discharging pipes 12 with a quantity equivalent to the number of sealing cavities 6. An air conveyance stop valve is respectively provided on each group of charging and discharging pipes 12. Each sealing cavity 6 inputs or discharges a specified amount of air through a group of charging and discharging pipes 12 in cooperation with the air inflation pump 11 and the hydraulic conveying component to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself. The other structure is that a set of hydraulic conveying components is provided for a water conservancy and hydropower project. Each set of liquid conveying components respectively includes a hydraulic station 9 and multiple groups of charging and discharging pipes 10 with a quantity equivalent to the number of each sealing cavity 6 on each set of water retaining gates. A water conveyance stop valve is respectively provided on each group of charging and discharging pipes 10. The pressurized gas conveying component includes a compressed air supply system supporting the water conservancy and hydropower project and multiple groups of charging and discharging pipes 12 with a quantity equivalent to the number of each sealing cavity 6 on each set of water retaining gates. An air conveyance stop valve is respectively provided on each group of charging and discharging pipes 12. Each sealing cavity 6 inputs or discharges a specified amount of water through each group of charging and discharging pipes 10 and each group of charging and discharging pipes 12 in cooperation with the hydraulic station 9 and the compressed air supply system to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself.

[0025] Correspondingly, the installation and maintenance method for the self-floating water intake system for layered water intake in the above-mentioned water conservancy and hydropower project includes an installation process and a maintenance process. The installation procedure is as follows: First, with the sealed cavities filled with air, connect the air inlet / outlet pipes and the air outlet pipes to the corresponding sealed cavities, hydraulic station, and air pump, respectively. Then, hinge the float box to the top of the steel gate body via a telescopic connecting rod. Next, with the help of the rotating shaft, hoist the steel gate body between two adjacent sets of support and limiting partitions, and place the float box in the reservoir water. Finally, according to the required placement of the steel gate body, water is sequentially introduced into each sealed cavity from bottom to top to complete the installation of the water-retaining gate. The maintenance procedure is as follows: First, start the air pump, open the water supply shut-off valve on the air supply and drainage pipe, and after the water in each sealed cavity is discharged during the air input process, the water gate will automatically float to the water surface. Then, remove the telescopic connecting rod connected to the water gate, and finally use lifting equipment to lift the water gate to the maintenance position for inspection and repair. After passing the inspection, the water gate will be installed in the designated position according to the installation sequence to complete the maintenance work.

[0026] In summary, the technical solution provided in this application also has the following advantages: 1. Balancing passive operation and active control, with strong applicability: In operation, the purely mechanical structure of float box-linkage-rotating gate achieves self-adaptive operation without power, overcoming the high energy consumption problem of traditional gates; compared with CN118911239A, the transmission mechanism of this application is simpler and more direct, and has higher reliability. During installation and maintenance phases requiring manual intervention, the unique buoyancy control system transforms passive operation into active operation, solving the common installation and maintenance challenges faced by all heavy hydraulic structures.

[0027] 2. Stable structure and convenient installation and maintenance: Compared with the flexible structure of CN119800931A, this application adopts a rigid cavity water-tight gate, which has higher structural strength and stability and a wider range of applications. At the same time, by actively controlling its own weight, it cleverly avoids the inconvenience of installation and maintenance caused by a bulky rigid structure, achieving "heavy body, light use".

[0028] 3. Functional innovation and unique principle: It utilizes the same principle of "fluid filling" as CN120250584A, but the latter aims to realize the opening and closing of the dam body, while the core purpose of this application is to accurately control the weight and floating state of the device during installation and maintenance. This is a fundamental difference in function at the application level, and it has obvious creativity and technological progress.

[0029] 4. Optimized motion structure and higher reliability: Compared with folding gates, which typically contain multiple hinge points or flexible connections, these parts are stress concentration points and potential weak points during long-term underwater reciprocating motion, making them prone to wear and damage. The cavity-type water-retaining gate of this application, consisting of a steel gate body and a sealed cavity, rotates as a single rigid structure, avoiding complex folding and hinges. This results in a simpler and more durable structure, significantly improving the long-term operational reliability of the device and reducing maintenance frequency.

[0030] 5. This invention ingeniously combines passive adaptive operation and active buoyancy control modes, solving the problems of complex structure and difficult installation and maintenance of traditional stratified water intake devices. It has significant advantages such as simple structure, energy-saving operation, and convenient and safe installation and maintenance.

[0031] The technical solution of this application will be further described below through specific embodiments: The purpose of this application is to address the problems of complex mechanical structure, difficult installation and maintenance, and inability to balance non-powered operation and convenient manual intervention in existing stratified water intake devices in the background art, and to provide an adaptive rotating stratified water intake device based on controllable buoyancy and its installation and maintenance method. This application has a simple and reliable structure and has the dual advantages of energy saving and convenient installation and maintenance.

[0032] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: An adaptive rotating stratified water intake device based on controllable buoyancy includes: A cavity water-tight door, wherein the cavity water-tight door has at least one variable weight cavity inside, and a pivot is provided at the bottom of the cavity water-tight door so that the cavity water-tight door can rotate around the pivot. A pontoon, configured to float on the water surface and rise and fall with changes in water level; A connecting rod, movably connected between the float and the upper part of the cavity watertight gate, for coupling the lifting motion of the float to the rotational motion of the cavity watertight gate; and a buoyancy control system, connected to the cavity, for changing the overall weight of the cavity watertight gate by filling or discharging fluid into the cavity.

[0033] The interior of the cavity water-tight door is divided into multiple independent cavities to improve the safety redundancy and the precision of attitude control of the device.

[0034] The buoyancy control system includes multiple sets of independent pipes and valves, which are connected to the multiple independent cavities one by one to achieve independent control of each cavity.

[0035] The buoyancy control system includes a gas pipeline subsystem and a liquid pipeline subsystem connected to the cavity. The gas pipeline subsystem is connected to an air hole provided on the cavity for filling or venting the cavity; the liquid pipeline subsystem is connected to a water hole provided on the cavity for filling or draining the cavity.

[0036] The gas pipeline subsystem includes an air pump, an air filling valve connected to the air pump, and a pressure relief valve for connecting the cavity to the atmosphere. The liquid pipeline subsystem is equipped with a drain valve.

[0037] This application also provides a maintenance method for a stratified water intake device, which is applied to the above-mentioned device. The core of this method is: by using the buoyancy control system, gas is injected into the cavity of the cavity water-tight door to discharge the pre-stored liquid, thereby significantly reducing its own weight, and the resulting net buoyancy is used to make the cavity water-tight door float to the water surface, ultimately achieving convenient lifting and maintenance.

[0038] This application also provides an installation method for a stratified water intake device, applied to the aforementioned device. The method includes: firstly, hoisting a lightweight hollow water-tight gate, whose interior is filled with gas, into place; then, establishing an initial positive pressure higher than the external atmospheric pressure inside the cavity through a buoyancy control system; finally, quickly connecting the cavity to the atmosphere and external water body, and utilizing the pressure difference effect generated by the high-speed discharge of the internal high-pressure gas, rapidly drawing external water body into the cavity, thereby causing the hollow water-tight gate to smoothly sink to its working position due to the increased weight.

[0039] Example 1 To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 4 This application provides an adaptive rotating stratified water intake device based on controllable buoyancy. This device is mainly used in water conservancy projects such as reservoirs, lakes, or hydropower stations that require surface or near-surface water intake. The device mainly includes a main structure and a buoyancy control system. The main structure includes a cavity water-tight gate that can rotate around its bottom, a float box floating on the water surface, and a connecting rod for connecting the cavity water-tight gate and the float box. The cavity water-tight gate is installed between a limiting gate slot and a front retaining wall. The buoyancy control system is used to actively adjust the internal buoyancy of the cavity water-tight gate under specific operating conditions (such as during installation or maintenance).

[0041] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 4The hollow water-tight gate is a hollow, sealed plate-like structure, with its bottom pivotally connected to the bottom of a front retaining wall or a limiting gate slot via a pivot. This pivotal connection allows the hollow water-tight gate to rotate and swing back and forth around its bottom within the limiting gate slot. The limiting gate slot is located upstream of the water intake and is used to constrain the lateral position of the hollow water-tight gate and guide its rotational movement. The front retaining wall serves as the supporting foundation for the pivot and forms the bottom sill of the water intake channel.

[0042] The pontoon is a hollow box with sufficient buoyancy, which can float freely on the water surface without external constraints and rise and fall vertically in sync with the rise and fall of the water level.

[0043] The connecting rod is a rigid member, with its upper end connected to the pontoon via a first hinge point and its lower end connected to the upper part of the cavity water-tight gate via a second hinge point. The hinge points can be connected using pins or similar methods to ensure free rotation at the connection. Through the transmission of this connecting rod, the vertical lifting motion of the pontoon is precisely converted into the rotational motion of the cavity water-tight gate around its axis.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 To achieve precise control of buoyancy and improve structural safety, the interior of the cavity watertight door is divided into at least two, preferably three, independent sealed cavities in this embodiment, namely, the first cavity, the second cavity, and the third cavity, from top to bottom. Each cavity is an independent compartment and is not connected to the others. This compartmentalized design ensures that even if a single cavity leaks, the remaining cavities can still function, avoiding catastrophic failure of the entire device.

[0045] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 To enable filling / draining and filling / venting operations for each individual cavity, this invention incorporates a buoyancy control system. This system includes independent piping and valves corresponding to each cavity.

[0046] Specifically, the first cavity is provided with a first air vent and a first water vent. The first air vent is connected to an external gas control valve assembly via a first inflation / deflation pipe; the first water vent is connected to an external liquid control valve assembly via a first inflation / deflation pipe. Similarly, the second cavity is connected to a second inflation / deflation pipe and a second inflation / deflation pipe via a second air vent and a second water vent, respectively; the third cavity is connected to a third inflation / deflation pipe and a third inflation / deflation pipe via a third air vent and a third water vent, respectively. In this embodiment, the air vent is preferably located at a higher position in the cavity for easy air release; the water vent is preferably located at a lower position in the cavity for easy water release. All pipelines are led out from the device to a location easily accessible to personnel, such as the shore or an operating platform.

[0047] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shore-based portion of the buoyancy control system includes an air pump and a series of control valves.

[0048] The valve assembly connected to the gas pipeline includes: a first inflation valve, a second inflation valve, and a third inflation valve, respectively connected in series on the first, second, and third inflation / exhaust pipes; and a first pressure relief valve, a second pressure relief valve, and a third pressure relief valve. The upstream of all inflation valves is connected to the outlet of the inflation pump 630. The pressure relief valves are used to vent the gas in the cavity to the atmosphere.

[0049] The valve assembly connected to the liquid pipeline includes: a first drain valve 661, a second drain valve, and a third drain valve, which are respectively installed at the ends of the first, second, and third fill / drain pipes.

[0050] By combining the operation of the above valves, it is possible to independently inflate, vent, fill with water, or drain any cavity, thereby precisely changing the overall weight and buoyancy of the cavity watertight door.

[0051] Under normal operating conditions, the device of this invention operates entirely passively and adaptively, requiring no external energy input. Its working principle is as follows: First, before operation, the first, second, and third cavities of the cavity water-tight gate are pre-filled with water using the installation method described later. At this point, the overall weight of the cavity water-tight gate is relatively large, and it is in a submerged state. Its initial position is determined by the water level of the reservoir and the traction force of the pontoon.

[0052] When the reservoir water level changes: As the water level rises, the pontoon floating on the surface rises vertically. The pontoon pulls the upper part of the cavity water-tight gate upwards via a connecting rod. Since the bottom of the cavity water-tight gate is fixed by a pivot, this pulling force causes it to rotate upwards (counter-clockwise) around the pivot. As the water-tight gate rotates, the overflow elevation of its top edge also increases, maintaining a relatively stable height difference with the water surface, thus ensuring that the intake can always draw surface or near-surface water.

[0053] As the water level drops, the pontoon descends vertically. The pontoon, via a connecting rod, presses downwards against the upper part of the cavity watertight gate, or reduces the lifting force on it. Under the combined action of the cavity watertight gate's own weight (already counterweighted by the internal water) and the connecting rod, the cavity watertight gate will rotate downwards (clockwise) around its pivot. The overflow elevation at its top edge also decreases accordingly, continuing to automatically track changes in the water level.

[0054] In summary, when in operation, the entire device constitutes a sophisticated mechanical linkage system that can automatically and continuously respond to water level changes, achieve a constant surface water intake depth, and achieve energy-saving, environmentally friendly operation without the need for manual intervention.

[0055] When the cavity watertight door needs inspection or maintenance, its unique controllable buoyancy design allows it to be easily lifted to the operating platform. The specific inspection and maintenance procedures include the following steps: Step S1: Preparation. Close all first, second, and third pressure relief valves to ensure the gas pipeline is in a sealed state.

[0056] Step S2: Drain the water from the first cavity. First, close the second and third drain valves. Then, open the first air inlet valve and the first drain valve. Start the air pump to fill the first cavity with compressed air. The pressure of the compressed air forces the water in the first cavity out through the first water hole and the first inlet / drain pipe. As the water level in the first cavity decreases, buoyancy begins to form at the top of the cavity's water-tight door. After the water in the first cavity is basically drained, close the first air inlet valve and the first drain valve.

[0057] Step S3: Drain the water from the remaining cavities sequentially. Using the same method as in Step S2, open the corresponding air valves and drain valves sequentially to drain the water from the second and third cavities respectively. This compartmentalized and orderly drainage method can smoothly control the increase in buoyancy of the cavity water-tight gates, allowing them to gradually rotate stably to a near-vertical state.

[0058] Step S4: Overall Floating and Lifting. After all the water in the cavities has been drained and filled with air, the overall weight of the cavity watertight gate is significantly reduced. This results in its own weight being much less than the buoyancy it experiences, generating a large net buoyancy. Driven by this net buoyancy, the cavity watertight gate will rotate upwards around its pivot axis and float as a whole, eventually floating stably on the water surface in a roughly vertical posture, with part of its structure above the water surface. At this point, the cavity watertight gate, which is in a vertically floating state, can be easily lifted from the limiting gate slot and transported to a designated location for maintenance using lifting equipment (such as a crane) on the shore or platform. This method, by actively and significantly changing the weight of the device itself, enables it to achieve a controllable floating posture using the buoyancy of water, greatly reducing the difficulty of maintenance operations and the equipment requirements.

[0059] The installation process of this invention utilizes the principles of gas dynamics, achieving rapid and controllable water filling and sinking by actively creating a pressure difference. The process is simple and safe. The specific installation operation method includes the following steps: Step S1: Lifting and Positioning. With the hollow water-tight gate empty of water (i.e., filled with air), its overall weight is relatively light. Use lifting equipment to vertically lift it and accurately place it into the limiting gate slot, aligning the bottom pivot with the bearing on the base. At this point, due to its light weight, the hollow water-tight gate will float on the water surface and will not sink on its own.

[0060] Step S2: Establish Internal Positive Pressure. First, ensure that all first, second, and third drain valves and first, second, and third pressure relief valves are closed. Then, open the first, second, and third inflation valves and start the inflation pump to fill all cavities with compressed air until the preset pressure value is reached. Afterward, close all inflation valves and stop the inflation pump. The purpose of this step is to establish an initial positive pressure environment inside the cavities that is higher than the external atmospheric pressure.

[0061] Step S3: Rapidly draw water in using the pressure difference effect. After positive pressure has been established inside the cavity, quickly and simultaneously or sequentially open all the first, second, and third pressure relief valves and the first, second, and third drain valves. At this time, because the gas pressure inside the cavity is much greater than the external atmospheric pressure, the high-pressure gas inside will be discharged out at high speed through the vents and filling / draining pipes. According to Bernoulli's principle, the high-speed gas flow will cause an instantaneous negative pressure (i.e., the pressure is lower than the static pressure of the external water) to be generated in the pipes and inside the cavity. Driven by this significant pressure difference, the external water will be forcefully and rapidly "drawn" into each cavity through the water vents and filling / draining pipes.

[0062] Step S4: Installation Completed by Sinking. As water is rapidly drawn in and fills each cavity, the overall weight of the cavity watertight gate increases rapidly. When its overall weight is sufficient to overcome the buoyancy it experiences, the device begins to sink smoothly, gradually adjusting its attitude during the process, and finally stabilizing at the initial working position determined by the float and connecting rod. The installation process is now complete. This installation method achieves a faster and more reliable water filling effect than simply relying on hydrostatic pressure by actively creating a pressure difference. The entire process requires no underwater operations, making it safe and efficient.

[0063] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects, comprising a front retaining wall (1) and supporting limiting partitions (2), wherein each set of supporting limiting partitions (2) is arranged sequentially at a specified interval on top of the front retaining wall (1), characterized in that: The self-floating water intake system also includes a water-retaining gate, a gate opening support adjustment assembly, and a water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism. A set of rotating shafts (3) are respectively provided at both ends of the bottom of the water-retaining gate, and a set of vertically extending limiting gate slots (4) are respectively provided on both sides of the supporting limiting partition wall (2). The water-retaining gate can be moved up and down in the vertical direction between two adjacent sets of supporting limiting partition walls (2) with the cooperation of the rotating shafts (3) on both sides and the corresponding limiting gate slots (4). The power output end of the gate opening support adjustment assembly is hinged to the top of the water-retaining gate. The opening degree of the water-retaining gate is adjusted and confirmed by the gate opening support adjustment assembly with the cooperation of the reservoir water body. The arrangement depth of the water-retaining gate is determined by adjusting its own weight through the water-retaining gate self-weight adjustment mechanism.

2. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least three sets of supporting and limiting partition walls (2) are arranged sequentially on the front retaining wall (1) along the width direction of the water intake of the water conservancy and hydropower project. A set of water-blocking gates is arranged between each of the two adjacent sets of supporting and limiting partition walls (2). At least each set of water-blocking gates is independently adjusted to its opening degree by a set of gate opening support adjustment components.

3. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each gate opening support adjustment assembly includes a telescopic link (13) and a pontoon (14). The upper end of each telescopic link (13) is hinged to the bottom of the corresponding pontoon (14), and the lower end of each telescopic link (13) is hinged to the upper end of the corresponding water gate. The opening degree of the water gate is determined by adjusting the pontoon (14) according to the water level change and the telescopic length of the telescopic link (13) in coordination with the reservoir water and the telescopic link (13).

4. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The water-blocking gate includes a steel gate body (5) and a weight adjustment support structure. The weight adjustment support structure is arranged on the steel gate body (5), and the rotating shaft (3) is arranged at both ends of the bottom of the steel gate body. The water-blocking gate self-weight adjustment mechanism is connected to the weight adjustment support structure through the steel gate body (5).

5. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 4, characterized in that: The weight adjustment receiving structure includes at least three sealed cavities (6) arranged vertically on the steel gate body (5), each sealed cavity (6) being independently connected to the self-weight adjustment mechanism of the gate; during the self-weight adjustment process of the gate, the self-weight adjustment mechanism of the gate independently inputs or discharges weight adjustment medium into each sealed cavity (6) in a prescribed order to adjust the weight of the gate itself, so as to at least determine the arrangement position of the bottom of the gate along the height direction.

6. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 5, characterized in that: The weight adjustment medium is water and air. The self-weight adjustment mechanism of the sluice gate includes a hydraulic conveying component and a pressurized gas conveying component. Each sealed cavity (6) is provided with at least one liquid conveying hole (7) and at least one gas conveying hole (8). Each liquid conveying hole (7) is independently connected to the hydraulic conveying component, and each gas conveying hole (8) is independently connected to the pressurized gas conveying component. The weight of the sluice gate itself is adjusted and determined by the hydraulic conveying component and the pressurized gas conveying component working together, and by the cooperation of each liquid conveying hole (7) and each gas conveying hole (8), by inputting a specified amount of water and / or air into each sealed cavity in a specified order.

7. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 6, characterized in that: A set of hydraulic transmission components is arranged on each water retaining gate. Each set of liquid transmission components respectively includes a hydraulic station (9) and multiple groups of water filling and draining pipes (10) with the same quantity as the number of sealing cavities (6). A water conveyance stop valve is arranged on each group of water filling and draining pipes (10). Each sealing cavity (6) inputs or discharges a specified quantity of water through a group of water filling and draining pipes (10) under the cooperation of the hydraulic station (9) and the pressurized gas transmission components to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself.

8. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 7, characterized in that: A set of pressurized gas transmission components is arranged on each water retaining gate. Each set of pressurized gas transmission components respectively includes an air inflation pump (11) and multiple groups of air filling and exhausting pipes (12) with the same quantity as the number of sealing cavities (6). An air conveyance stop valve is arranged on each group of air filling and exhausting pipes (12). Each sealing cavity (6) inputs or discharges a specified quantity of air through a group of air filling and exhausting pipes (12) under the cooperation of the air inflation pump (11) and the hydraulic transmission components to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself.

9. The self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in water conservancy and hydropower projects according to claim 6, characterized in that: One set of hydraulic transmission components is provided for a water conservancy and hydropower project. Each set of liquid transmission components respectively includes a hydraulic station (9) and multiple groups of water filling and draining pipes (10) with the same quantity as the number of each sealing cavity (6) on each set of water retaining gates. A water conveyance stop valve is arranged on each group of water filling and draining pipes (10). The pressurized gas transmission components include a compressed air supply system supporting the water conservancy and hydropower project and multiple groups of air filling and exhausting pipes (12) with the same quantity as the number of each sealing cavity (6) on each set of water retaining gates. An air conveyance stop valve is arranged on each group of air filling and exhausting pipes (12). Each sealing cavity (6) inputs or discharges a specified quantity of water through each group of water filling and draining pipes (10) and each group of air filling and exhausting pipes (12) under the cooperation of the hydraulic station (9) and the compressed air supply system to adjust the weight of the water retaining gate itself.

10. A method for installing and maintaining a self-floating water intake system for stratified water intake in a water conservancy and hydropower project as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The installation and maintenance method includes an installation process and a maintenance process. The installation process is as follows: First, connect the water filling and draining pipes and the air filling and exhausting pipes to the corresponding sealing cavities, hydraulic station, and air inflation pump respectively when the sealing cavities are filled with air. Hinge the floating box to the top of the steel gate body through the telescopic connecting rod. Then, lift the steel gate body between two adjacent groups of supporting and limiting partition walls with the cooperation of the rotating shaft, and arrange the floating box into the reservoir water body. Finally, input water into each sealing cavity in sequence from bottom to top according to the position where the steel gate body needs to be arranged to complete the installation of the water retaining gate. The maintenance process is as follows: First, start the air inflation pump and open the water conveyance stop valve on the water filling and draining pipes. When inputting air, the water in each sealing cavity is discharged, and the water retaining gate automatically floats to the water surface. Then, remove the telescopic connecting rod connected to the water retaining gate. Finally, use a lifting device to lift the water retaining gate to the maintenance station for inspection and repair. After passing the inspection, install the water retaining gate to the specified position according to the installation sequence to complete the maintenance work.

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