Cascaded hydropower station structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a cascade type hydropower station structure installed in a riverbed. According to the scheme, a weir table (7) is arranged on a foundation plate (6); wall bodies (4) are arranged on the two sides of the bottom plate (6) and the weir table (7) so as to fix the installation positions of the flow guide hydrofoil (8) and the arch-shaped structure (9) with the antifouling grating (10). A fall (17) of the slow-flow water body (2) is formed through the arrangement of the flow guide hydrofoil (8), and the slow-flow water body (2) flows below the flow guide hydrofoil (8) to drive the turbine blades (15) to work. And the multiple rows of stainless steel chains (29), the chain guide rails (30) with the protective covers and the rollers (31) act together to drive the turbine blades (15) to rotate around the flow guide hydrofoils (8). And a plurality of rows of stainless steel chains (29) drive turbine blades (15) to rotate through chain wheels (28) with protective covers. A sensor (25) is used to monitor the water level, and the turbine blade (15) is also used as a shut-off valve (24) to shut off the water flow when the hydraulic turbine is automatically started or stopped by the above device. The structure realizes all functions required by power generation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a cascade hydropower station structure capable of efficiently developing the potential of lowland river water energy, which utilizes the small difference in the flow of riverbed slow water and the action of sea currents to generate electricity by improving the structure of rotary hydro turbines. The structure is simple and efficient, capable of preventing riverbank flooding, improving the ecological environment, and ensuring river navigation capacity. Through this structure, the flow of the river can be interrupted at night, and restored during the day according to the demand for electricity generation. This has been technically difficult to achieve in the past from the river basin to the estuary. BACKGROUND

[0002] Current technologies for generating electricity using sea currents are not yet mature, and the economics of building a cascade hydropower station in a river, such as the technology applied in patent WO 2019 / 103634 A2, also has deficiencies. Although the existing technical solutions have certain practicality, they require a large amount of material resources during application and are complex to maintain. SUMMARY

[0003] The concept of the present invention is an extension of patent document WO 2019 / 103634 A2. Through a new structural solution, the number of turbine blades can be significantly reduced technically, and the construction is simplified using a modular reinforced concrete structure. At the same time, the number of water retaining structures and water intercepting valves is reduced, and the generator set cabin is located below the water level, with only the reinforced concrete arch structure visible. The improvement proposed in the present invention further simplifies the structure based on the existing patent, making the technology closer to actual commercial application, as described in the detailed description.

[0004] By setting a reinforced concrete plate as a foundation plate in the riverbed and raising the weir deck position, the water flow into and out of the turbine pipeline can be collected. The turbine pipeline is formed by the horizontally arranged weir deck, the lower surface of the guide water wing, and the vertical retaining walls on both sides. The height of the guide water wing is consistent with the water level of the water body, and the top is provided with an overflow port for water flow, and the surrounding is provided with six to eight rotating blades. An arch structure is provided above the guide water wing for protection of the rotation of the blades; when the river level rises or floods, the flood can flow over the arch structure. The trash screen located upstream of the hydropower station is connected to the foundation plate and the arch structure, which can ensure safe operation during the operation of the power station until the water used for power generation is discharged downstream. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in the drawings to illustrate the principle of use of the structure. The present invention is not limited to the technical model shown, and the drawings only illustrate an optional configuration form of the hydropower station, in which:

[0006] Figure 1This is a sectional view of the cascaded hydropower station structure, showing the positional relationship of the weir, guide vanes, and arch structure to ensure the stable installation of the rotary hydraulic turbine. All components shown are arranged according to the requirements of this invention.

[0007] Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power station shows the installation position of the multiple rows of stainless steel chains that drive the turbine blades to rotate around the guide vanes. The operation of the chain also requires the cooperation of sprockets with protective covers, chain guides with protective covers, rollers with housings, and all other necessary components to ensure the smooth rotation of the turbine blades to generate mechanical energy.

[0008] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the installation locations of the guide hydrofoil section and the generator compartment, which are connected by a retaining wall. This allows for the centralized arrangement of all relevant components and parts, enabling safe power generation below the water level. The diagram also shows alternative methods for water flow into the debris barrier and the location of the variable water-retaining structure.

[0009] Figure 4 The longitudinal and transverse sections of the turbine duct show the position and direction of motion of the turbine blades as they collect the potential energy of the water flow and transfer it into mechanical energy through multiple rows of stainless steel chains.

[0010] Figure 5 The top view of the riverbed layout shows the position of each component in the riverbed to ensure the coordination between the water-retaining structure and the lock, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the cascaded hydroelectric power station. It also shows the recreational, sports and tourism facilities that can be added to the riverbank.

[0011] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0012] (1) Water level; (2) Water body; (3) Air; (4) Retaining wall; (5) Riverbed bottom; (6) Plate foundation / strip foundation; (7) Weir; (8) Guide vane; (9) Arch structure; (10) Bar screen; (11) Drainage funnel; (12) Drainage outlet; (13) Turbine pipe; (14) Water flow through the turbine; (15) Turbine blade; (16) Overflow outlet; (17) Slow-flowing water drop; (18) Rotating blade bearing; (19) Blade support bearing; (20) Blade positioning bearing; (21) Blade guide; (22) Buffer device; (23) Rubber belt; (24) Water shut-off valve; (25) Sensor / camera; (26) Wall groove; (27) U-shaped metal profile; (28) Sprocket with guard; (29) Multi-row stainless steel chain; (30) Chain guide with guard Track; (31) Roller with shell; (32) Generator compartment; (33) Generator compartment cover; (34) Generator compartment wall sealing joint; (35) Mechanical energy transmission device; (36) Drive sprocket; (37) Drive shaft; (38) Generator with reducer; (39) Flywheel; (40) Generator compartment wall braking device; (41) Flow regulator; (42) Vertical water inlet on the grid; (43) Water barrier structure; (44) Water barrier structure shaft; (45) Fishway; (46) Blade support; (47) Blade sealing rubber; (48) Dredging device; (49) Stainless steel plate; (50) Lock; (51) Small lock; (52) Ship; (53) Riverbank / riverside walkway; (54) Dock with viewing platform; (55) Barge-type garbage collection device; (56) Theme park and water park. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cascaded hydropower station structure is shown, along with the positional relationship between the weir (7), the guide vanes (8), and the arch structure (9). This configuration ensures the stable operation of the rotating hydraulic turbine. A strip foundation (6) is securely set at the bottom of the riverbed (5) as the installation foundation for the reinforced concrete weir (7). The internal structural cavities of the weir (7) are filled with perched water to reduce material consumption during construction.

[0014] Above the weir (7), a guide vane (8) is set in parallel to form the required slow-flowing water drop (17). A slow-flowing water overflow outlet (16) is set above the guide vane (8). The surface of the guide vane (8) is also the rotation area of ​​the turbine blade (15). Its support bearing (19) moves on this surface, while the position bearing (20) rotates around the guide vane (8) and is corrected and guided by the buffer device (22), guide (21) and rubber belt (23). The turbine blade (15) rotates through the rotating bearing (18) suspended on the chain. The internal structural cavity of the guide vane (8) is also filled with stagnant water to reduce the amount of material used during construction. Through its structural shape and firm connection with the retaining wall (4), the guide vane can effectively withstand the pressure from the water body (2) below. In this embodiment, the force is evenly distributed on the lower surface of the guide vane (8), and the total thrust is about 300 to 400 tons.

[0015] An arched structure (9) is installed above the guide vane (8) to ensure the stable installation of the hydraulic turbine together with the debris screen (10). A flow space is left above the arched structure (9) for high water level (2) for flood control purposes, the details of which are described in patent WO 2019 / 103634. Sensors (25) and cameras are installed below the arched structure (9) to monitor the operating status. In this way, the turbine blades (15) can be ensured to operate quietly in the water below the arched structure (9), with almost no sound. The turbine blades (15) rotate smoothly and quietly in the water, about once per second. During the movement, the stretching action of the rubber ring belt (23) and the limiting action of the guide (21) ensure stable and safe operation.

[0016] The five main components mentioned above, namely the base plate (6), weir platform (7), guide vane (8), arch structure (9), and debris screen (10), are all firmly connected by the supporting retaining walls (4) on both sides to form an integrated structure, thereby achieving the required slow-flowing water drop (17). The resulting water collection funnel (11) can collect 100% of the water flow and guide it into the turbine pipe (13). The water flow (14) formed by the water body (2) flowing through the turbine pipe (13) continuously generates rotational force to drive the turbine blades (15) to rotate. The water body (2) after power generation is discharged through the drain outlet (12).

[0017] The retaining wall (4) is provided with grooves (26) that can be embedded into the foundation components as needed for the installation of all necessary parts and maintenance of the hydroelectric power station. The relevant structures can be temporarily fixed, and then lateral inflation is used to expand the sealing rubber strip, thereby firmly adhering to the retaining wall (4) to prevent water (2) from seeping in. At this time, excess water (2) can be temporarily pumped out to meet maintenance needs.

[0018] The figure shows the distribution of different water levels (1), water bodies (2), and air (3). Among them, the shut-off valve (24) that controls the flow of water body (2) actually corresponds to the working position of the turbine blades (15) inside the turbine pipe (13). When the hydraulic turbine described below is mechanically locked by the braking device and the transmission system, the turbine blades (15) will temporarily prevent the water body (2) from flowing through the turbine pipe (13).

[0019] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a cascaded hydroelectric power station is shown, illustrating multiple rows of stainless steel chains (29) and their installation positions, which drive turbine blades (15) to rotate around guide vanes (8). A series of mutually separated sprockets (28) with protective covers are arranged on the guide vanes (8) to enable continuous movement of the blades. On the lower surface of the guide vanes (8), a chain (29) guide rail (30) with a protective cover is installed, the outer cover of which is used to limit the lateral approach of the turbine blades (15) to the retaining wall (4), keeping them centered; while on the upper surface of the guide vanes (8), rollers (31) with rubber coatings and their housings are installed to assist the movement of the chains.

[0020] One side of the turbine blade (15) is covered with rubber to securely support it on the multi-row chain (29) and prevent friction when returning to the initial position. The turbine blade (15) can extract energy from the water body (2) as it passes through the turbine conduit (13); during the return phase, the turbine blade mainly moves in the air (3) with almost no resistance. For a detailed description of the position and operation of the turbine blade (15) in the turbine conduit (13), please refer to patent WO 2019 / 103634.

[0021] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 Figure 1 shows the position of the guide hydrofoil (8) and the generator compartment (32) located behind the supporting retaining wall (4) from the upstream direction. A sealed joint (34) is provided at the connection between the two to prevent water (2) from seeping into the generator compartment (32). A passage for the drive shaft (37) to pass through the retaining wall (4) is reserved at the sealed joint (34). Near the connection between the guide hydrofoil (8) and the retaining wall (4), a housing drive sprocket (36) is provided, whose main function is to transmit mechanical energy (35) to the generator (38) with a reducer through multiple rows of chains (29). Thus, the generator compartment (32) is located below the water level, and an entrance and exit are provided at the generator compartment cover (33).

[0022] Inside the generator compartment (32), all necessary components and parts are installed to ensure safe power generation. A water flow regulator (41) is located below the arched structure (9) to monitor water level rise and fall and control the start-up and shutdown of the hydraulic turbine. A flywheel (39) is located at the working position of the drive shaft (37) inside the generator compartment (32) to correct the operation of the hydraulic turbine and stabilize the mechanical energy output of the generator (38). A braking device (40) is installed on the wall of the generator compartment (32). This device, in conjunction with the automatic control device and the flywheel (39), acts as a brake disc, stopping the hydraulic turbine operation via the mechanical energy transmission device (35). At this time, the turbine blades (15) with sealing rubber strips will block the water flow passage of the turbine pipe, achieving a shutdown seal.

[0023] Figure 3 .2 shows a partial schematic diagram of an alternative scheme in which water enters from a vertical inlet (42) on a debris screen (10), allowing for the separation of waste based on water level. Figure 3 .3 shows the position of the water-blocking structure (43) that can be moved up and down via the water-blocking structure shaft (44). Its structure is described in more detail in patent WO 2019 / 103634, which also provides an optional setting method for the fish passage (45).

[0024] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the turbine duct (13) and the arrangement of the turbine blades (15). After the potential energy of the water body (2) is collected, the mechanical energy obtained is further transferred through the cooperation of the components and the chain (29). Its direction of movement is consistent with the direction of the water body (2) shown in the figure. The turbine blades (15) are in a stable working position under the support of the components shown, and their lower part is supported on the "U"-shaped profile (27). The turbine blades (15) are also supported on the surface of the weir (7) and the guide vanes (8), thereby further ensuring the smooth operation of the turbine blades (15). The turbine blades (15) are equipped with scrapers (48), which can periodically clean the surface of the weir (7) to remove sediment.

[0025] Figure 4Figure 2 shows the cross-section of the turbine duct (13), in which the turbine blades (15) are positioned between two retaining walls (4), a weir platform (7), and a guide vane (8). The turbine blades (15) are supported on four U-shaped profiles (27) located within the retaining walls (4) and supported at the points of movement by two support bearings (19), as well as two positioning bearings (20). The turbine blades (15) do not interfere with the movement towards the retaining walls (4) because multiple stainless steel chains (29) and guide members (30) fixed to the lower part of the guide vane (8) ensure that the turbine blades are in a centered position during operation. The turbine blades (15) adopt a metal profile structure design, which has good resistance to deformation. The additional blade support members (46) enhance the stability of the turbine blades and ensure that the turbine blades roll along the surfaces of the weir platform (7) and the guide vane (8). The metal profile is covered with a stainless steel plate (49), and the plates are riveted to each other and connected and fixed on opposite sides of the turbine blade (15) by the same stainless steel plate (49).

[0026] Figure 4 The two figures together show the arrangement of the blade support (46) and the arrangement of the sealing rubber (47) on the turbine blade (15). When the turbine blade (15) is used as a shut-off valve (24), the sealing rubber (47) prevents water (2) from seeping in. A groove can be provided at the blade support (46) under the turbine blade (15) where it is supported by the guide vane (8) to accommodate other bearings, thereby preventing vibration of the multiple rows of stainless steel chains (29) and the upper part of the turbine blade (15) during operation. Alternatively, an additional U-shaped metal profile (27) can be installed in the middle of the lower surface of the guide vane (8) by designing a suspension structure so that other blade support bearings (19) can move along the profile, which is also connected to the middle of the turbine blade (15).

[0027] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5A top-down view shows the possible application locations of this innovative technology, namely the arrangement of the components of the Novi Sad cascade hydroelectric power station on the Danube. The power station is mainly located in the middle of the river channel. The power station is connected to the lock (50) on one side of the riverbank (53) by a water-retaining structure (43), and on the other side, a small lock (51) connects the riverbank (53) to the dock (54) and the observation deck. The power station is arranged in the riverbed in the shape of the Latin letter "S", corresponding to the river section profile. It uses the inclined water-retaining structure (43) and the arch structure (9) to collect the water flow and collect floating garbage below the dock (54). Below the dock (54), floating garbage and plastics are collected and automatically transported to the barge-type garbage collection device (55) through the overflow outlet (16). All details of the cascade hydropower station are further described in patent WO 2019 / 103634, which also describes the structural design for ships (52) to pass quickly through locks (50) and small locks (51), as well as the arrangement of other riverbank (53) facilities for theme parks and water parks (56).

[0028] In this embodiment, the elevation of the riverbank (53) is 0.00 meters, the overflow outlet (16) on the fixed reinforced concrete arch structure (9) is located at -1.50 meters, and the operating positions of the two water-retaining structures (43) are located at -2.50 meters. Therefore, the elevation of the slow-flowing water body (17) is -2.50 meters, while the outlet elevation downstream of the hydropower station is -5.50 meters. The effective drop of the slow-flowing water body (17) is 3 meters.

[0029] The estimated average annual flow rate is 5,600 cubic meters per second, with a recorded peak flow rate of 11,700 cubic meters per second. The turbine duct is 10 meters wide and 3.4 meters high, with a cross-sectional area of ​​34 square meters. Each turbine has a flow rate of approximately 100 cubic meters per second, and a total of 56 turbines are installed. Each pair of turbines is equipped with a generator compartment with a width of 25 meters.

[0030] The generator compartment (32) is located below the arched structure (9) and below the water level. From the riverbank (53), an elliptical arched structure (9) is visible, visually connecting the upper and lower water levels. The generator compartment (32) houses 28 generators with a power output of 6 MW each, for a total installed capacity of 168 MW. The arched structure (9) is approximately 25 meters long and consists of 28 arched structures, with a total length of approximately 700 meters.

[0031] The river section is 400 meters wide, and the total length of the hydropower station is 1,000 meters. The wharf (54), which includes a small lock (51), is 150 meters long. The water-retaining structure (43), which includes a lock (50), is 150 meters long. The overflow outlet (16) of the auxiliary facilities is 300 meters long, 2 meters high, and has a water velocity of 6 meters per second, with a corresponding overflow flow of 3,600 cubic meters per second.

[0032] In the event of extreme flooding, the entire 1-kilometer-long hydropower station can withstand an additional overflow of 2,500 cubic meters per second. At a water velocity of 6 meters per second, the water level will rise by another 0.4 meters. There is still a safety margin of 0.6 meters from the riverbank (53) elevation.

[0033] The current water level difference in the riverbed is 8 meters. The water-retaining structure (43) is installed at a position where the water level difference is 2 meters. The hydropower station utilizes a water level difference of 3 meters, and the remaining 3 meters of water level rise is used to maintain the normal navigation needs of the downstream section of the river.

[0034] Based on patent WO 2019 / 103634, this invention develops a series of technical solutions for the simplified and efficient application of cascaded hydropower stations. Various technical details and shortcomings have been improved, specifically including the following aspects: The hydropower station is mainly constructed of modular reinforced concrete structures, allowing for individual installation and easy assembly of components, which can be replaced after their service life. This improved structure enables noiseless operation of multiple turbines in a large hydropower station. Hydropower stations using this structure do not accumulate sediment, enabling long-term use. Tension and vibration issues of operating components have been effectively resolved. Turbine blades can return to their initial position without resistance. The hydropower station can achieve 100% control and fully utilizes the average flow rate of the river at the turbine's operating location. Even when the river is frozen, the hydropower station can still operate smoothly. The generator compartment is located underwater, and its operation is completed by an automatic control system, achieving coordinated control with other hydropower stations.

[0035] When applying this structure to tidal energy utilization, the basic structure described in patent WO 2019 / 103634 was adopted and expanded accordingly. Specifically, a rubber membrane is placed between the guide vane and the arched structure, and multiple rows of stainless steel chains and turbine blades operate under the protection of this rubber membrane. At this time, the surfaces of the guide vane and the arched structure are parallel to each other, and the space enclosed by them is slightly larger than the outer contour of the turbine blades. When generating electricity using tidal energy, the engine drives the six turbine blades to rotate in the opposite direction through gears and a reduction gear to resist the tidal effect. The hydraulic turbines can be arranged in a stacked configuration as needed.

[0036] Furthermore, this invention can also be used in industrial applications and other applications.

[0037] The structure provided by this invention can be used for plains rivers and tidal power generation. In river management, it can achieve flood control, improved irrigation, and natural irrigation of land within tens of kilometers of the coast. It can maintain farmland fertility for a long time and prevent river meandering and shoreline erosion. Through natural drainage, it can achieve efficient irrigation and cultivation of large areas of paddy fields, facilitating harvesting. It can promote urban development along the river and support the construction of tourism and sports facilities. It ensures safe, regulated, and stable navigation regardless of climatic conditions. New profitable ports can be built on the river, alleviating traditional transportation pressure. It improves the ecological environment, creating safe spawning grounds for fish. It enables the river to self-clean itself from garbage and plastic, automatically completing this process without additional energy consumption. It allows for water storage and regulation using the riverbed, achieving 100% flow restriction at night for daytime power generation, a feat impossible with existing technologies. It allows for the planned underwater extraction of sand, gravel, and other building materials, which is both economically beneficial and conducive to river maintenance.

Claims

1. A structure for a cascaded hydropower station, characterized in that, include: a) A weir platform (7) is set on the foundation slab (6) at the bottom of the riverbed (5); b) A guide vane (8) and an arched structure (9) with a debris screen (10), wherein the guide vane (8) and the arched structure (9) with a debris screen (10) are connected to the side walls (4). c) The lower part of the weir platform (7), the guide vane (8) and the two side retaining walls (4) together form a turbine pipe (13); d) The guide hydrofoil (8) structurally forms the required slow-flowing water body (2) drop (17); e) An overflow outlet (16) located on the upper part of the guide vane (8) and the arched structure (9); and f) A generator compartment (32) located between two turbines, between two opposing retaining walls (4), and below an arched structure (9), with the inlet and outlet of the generator compartment (32) located at the generator compartment cover (33).

2. The structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple rows of stainless steel chains (29) drive turbine blades (15) to rotate on the surface of the guide vane (8), which is supported by a sprocket (28) with a protective cover, a chain guide rail (30) with a housing, and a roller (31) with a housing.

3. The structure as described in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, The turbine blades (15) are equipped with blade guides (21), rubber belts (23), U-shaped metal profiles (27), buffer devices (22) and rubber layers on the blades to achieve noiseless and safe operation of the turbine blades (15).

4. The structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The retaining wall (4) is equipped with a drive shaft (37) and provides a generator set bulkhead seal (34), and is also equipped with a drive sprocket (36) with a flywheel (39) to achieve stable power generation below the water level.

5. The structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A braking device (40) is installed on the wall of the generator compartment (32). The braking device uses a flywheel (39) as a brake disc and, through a linkage system and control device, enables the turbine blades (15) to act as a water shut-off valve (24) in the turbine pipe (13) to control the water flow.

6. The structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining wall (4) is provided with grooves (26) so as to form a temporary structure during the maintenance of the hydropower station.

7. The structure as described in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, Additional profiles with bearings, guides and blade supports (46) are provided to ensure the stable operation of the turbine blades (15) in the turbine duct (13).

8. When the hydropower station is located in a river channel in the shape of the Latin letter "S", it is connected to the riverbank through a water-blocking structure (43) to control the water body at higher elevations (2), and the entire length of the hydropower station can be used as an overflow outlet (16) to achieve flood control function.

9. The structure of a cascaded hydropower station can be adjusted according to the needs of tidal power generation and segmented power generation.

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