A rapid vortex eliminator for a water inlet of a hydropower station

By designing a vortex-eliminating device with buffer and guiding components at the intake of the hydropower station, combined with an adjustable shell fixing structure, the problems of flow velocity disturbance and device adaptability caused by water flow impact were solved, achieving efficient vortex elimination and stable water intake.

CN122147839APending Publication Date: 2026-06-05SICHUAN HUANENG JIALINGJIANG HYDROPOWER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SICHUAN HUANENG JIALINGJIANG HYDROPOWER CO LTD
Filing Date
2026-04-17
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vortex suppression devices at the intake of hydropower stations lack a pre-buffered structure. The direct impact of water flow on the vortex suppression components causes sudden changes in flow velocity and turbulent flow patterns. Furthermore, the spacing between the devices is not adjustable, making it impossible to adapt to different operating conditions and affecting the vortex suppression effect and versatility.

Method used

A rapid vortex-eliminating device with a vortex-eliminating shell and a buffer plate was designed. The device combines a buffer component and a guide component to regulate the flow pattern, and the distance between the device and the inlet is adjustable through a shell fixing mechanism to adapt to different water levels and flow rate changes.

Benefits of technology

It effectively weakens the conditions for vortex formation, improves the vortex elimination effect, ensures water intake efficiency, adapts to different working conditions, and improves the versatility and ease of maintenance of the device.

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Abstract

The application discloses a kind of quick vortex-damping devices of water intake of hydropower station, belong to water intake vortex-damping technical field, including vortex-damping shell, the inside of vortex-damping shell is provided with vortex-damping mechanism, and the side of vortex-damping shell is provided with shell fixed mechanism;The vortex-damping mechanism includes center column, and the inside center position of vortex-damping shell is provided with center column, and center column is fixedly connected with vortex-damping shell by fixed rod one, by being provided with vortex-damping mechanism, utilize buffer plate cooperation buffer assembly's buffer spring elasticity to resolve water flow impact force, realize the front buffer deceleration of water flow, simultaneously, guide assembly and buffer assembly form double-side guide limit, guarantee buffer plate movement smooth, effectively regular flow state from source weaken vortex generation condition, avoid water flow impact to cause secondary turbulence, greatly improve vortex-damping effect, and the fit design of reinforcing plate and center column reduces water flow gap, further optimizes water flow state, guarantees water intake efficiency.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vortex elimination technology for water inlets, specifically relating to a rapid vortex elimination device for the water inlet of a hydropower station. Background Technology

[0002] During operation, the water flow at the intake of a hydropower station is prone to forming vertical-axis vortices due to uneven flow velocity and turbulent flow patterns. These vortices can trap air and floating debris, reducing intake efficiency, exacerbating unit vibration, and affecting the safe and stable operation of the power station. To improve the flow pattern at the intake and eliminate harmful vortices, the industry typically installs vortex suppression devices at the front end of the intake. These devices suppress vortex formation by blocking the vortex core and regulating the water flow, thus ensuring stable intake conditions.

[0003] Most existing vortex suppression devices lack a pre-buffered structure, allowing water flow to directly impact the vortex suppression components. This can easily cause sudden changes in local flow velocity and secondary turbulence, making it difficult to weaken the conditions for vortex generation at the source and limiting the vortex suppression effect. At the same time, these devices are mostly fixed installations with no adjustable relative distance to the inlet, making them unable to adapt to changes in operating conditions with different water levels, flow rates, and inlet shapes. They have poor versatility and adaptability, making it difficult to maintain a stable vortex suppression effect in complex environments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems mentioned in the background section, this invention provides a rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station, featuring a pre-buffering function and an adjustable distance between the vortex suppression device and the intake.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a rapid vortex elimination device for the intake of a hydropower station, comprising a vortex elimination shell, wherein a vortex elimination mechanism is provided inside the vortex elimination shell, and a shell fixing mechanism is provided on the side of the vortex elimination shell; The vortex-eliminating mechanism includes a central column, which is located at the center of the vortex-eliminating shell. The central column is fixedly connected to the vortex-eliminating shell by a fixing rod. Four sets of buffer plates are slidably connected to the outer surface of the central column. Side reinforcement plates are provided on both sides of the buffer plates. A buffer component is provided on one side of the side reinforcement plate, and a guide component is provided on the other side of the side reinforcement plate.

[0006] Preferably, the buffer assembly includes an annular slider, and an annular slider is provided on one side of the side reinforcement plate inside the vortex-eliminating shell. The inner wall of the vortex-eliminating shell is provided with an annular groove corresponding to the annular slider.

[0007] Preferably, the buffer assembly further includes a central ring, and the central ring is slidably connected to the annular slider through a through hole. A buffer spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the central ring.

[0008] Preferably, the guide assembly includes an annular slider two, and the other side of the side reinforcement plate is provided with an annular slider two inside the vortex-eliminating shell, and the inner wall of the vortex-eliminating shell is provided with an annular groove two corresponding to the annular slider two.

[0009] Preferably, the annular groove II is provided with a central ring II inside, the central ring II and the annular slider II are slidably connected through a through hole, and the central ring II and the anti-vortex shell are fixedly connected through a fixing rod II.

[0010] Preferably, the other set of side reinforcement plates is provided with an arc-shaped groove on its side that matches the central column.

[0011] Preferably, the housing fixing mechanism includes a connecting ring. A connecting ring is provided on one end surface of the anti-vortex housing. A connecting lug is provided on the side of the connecting ring. A fixing outer rod is fixed on one side of the connecting lug. A fixing inner rod is slidably connected inside the fixing outer rod. A second ear plate is rotatably connected to the other end of the fixing inner rod through a bearing. An installation ring is provided on the side of the second ear plate. A fixing screw is threaded inside the fixing outer rod. A handle is provided at the other end of the fixing screw.

[0012] Preferably, the housing fixing mechanism further includes a lug plate, and lug plates are provided on the other two sides of the mounting ring. The lug plates are fixedly connected to the outer side of the hydropower station inlet by bolts.

[0013] Preferably, the housing fixing mechanism further includes a limiting block, a limiting block is provided on the other side of the inner rod, a semi-circular groove corresponding to the limiting block is provided on the side of the outer rod, and an embedding groove is provided on one side of the semi-circular groove.

[0014] Preferably, the housing fixing mechanism further includes a positioning hole, and a positioning hole is provided on the other side of the fixing inner rod, and an anti-slip pad is provided on the inner wall of the positioning hole.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention incorporates a vortex-eliminating mechanism, utilizing the buffer plate and the buffer spring of the buffer assembly to elastically dissipate the impact force of the water flow, thereby achieving pre-buffering and deceleration of the incoming water flow. Simultaneously, the guide assembly and the buffer assembly form a double-sided guide limit, ensuring smooth movement of the buffer plate and effectively regulating the flow pattern to weaken the conditions for vortex generation from the source, avoiding secondary turbulence caused by water flow impact, and significantly improving the vortex-eliminating effect. Furthermore, the close fit design between the reinforcing plate and the central column reduces the water flow gap, further optimizing the incoming water flow pattern and ensuring water intake efficiency.

[0016] 2. This invention features a housing fixing mechanism that allows for free adjustment of the distance between the anti-vortex housing and the inlet through the sliding cooperation of the inner and outer fixing rods. This adapts to changes in working conditions such as different water levels and flow rates. The dual positioning of the limiting block and the positioning hole ensures the stability of the structure after adjustment. At the same time, the connection method of the ear plate and the bolts enables quick assembly and disassembly of the device, greatly improving its versatility and adaptability, and facilitating later maintenance and replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the vortex-eliminating mechanism of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional sectional view of the casing of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the housing fixing mechanism of the present invention; Figure 5 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; In the diagram: 1. Anti-vortex shell; 2. Shell fixing mechanism; 21. Ear plate one; 22. Bolt; 23. Mounting ring; 24. Ear plate two; 25. Fixed inner rod; 26. Connecting ear; 27. Fixed outer rod; 28. Fixed screw; 29. ​​Handle; 210. Connecting ring; 211. Limiting block; 212. Positioning hole; 213. Anti-slip pad; 214. Semi-arc slide groove; 215. Embedded groove; 3. Anti-vortex mechanism; 31. Central column; 32. Fixed rod one; 33. Guide assembly; 331. Annular slide groove two; 332. Central ring two; 333. Annular slider two; 334. Fixed rod two; 34. Buffer plate; 35. Buffer assembly; 351. Annular slider one; 352. Buffer spring; 353. Central ring one; 354. Annular slide groove one; 36. Side reinforcement plate. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Example 1 Please see Figure 1-6The present invention provides the following technical solution: a rapid vortex elimination device for the intake of a hydropower station, comprising a vortex elimination shell 1, a vortex elimination mechanism 3 disposed inside the vortex elimination shell 1, and a shell fixing mechanism 2 disposed on the side of the vortex elimination shell 1. The vortex-eliminating mechanism 3 includes a central column 31. The central column 31 is located at the center of the vortex-eliminating housing 1. The central column 31 is fixedly connected to the vortex-eliminating housing 1 by a fixing rod 32. Four sets of buffer plates 34 are slidably connected to the outer surface of the central column 31. Side reinforcement plates 36 are provided on both sides of the buffer plates 34. A buffer assembly 35 is provided on one side of the side reinforcement plate 36, and a guide assembly 33 is provided on the other side of the side reinforcement plate 36.

[0020] Specifically, the buffer assembly 35 includes an annular slider 351. One side of the side reinforcement plate 36 is located inside the vortex-eliminating housing 1 and the annular slider 351 is provided. The inner wall of the vortex-eliminating housing 1 is provided with an annular groove 354 corresponding to the annular slider 351. By adopting the above technical solution, the annular slider 351 is limited to slide within the annular groove 354, which provides guidance for the movement of the side reinforcement plate 36 and the buffer plate 34, prevents the buffer plate 34 from shifting under the impact of water flow, and ensures the stability of the buffer adjustment.

[0021] Specifically, the buffer assembly 35 also includes a central ring 353. The central ring 353 is disposed inside the annular slider 351 and is slidably connected to it through a through hole. A buffer spring 352 is sleeved on the outer surface of the central ring 353. By adopting the above technical solution, the elastic extension and contraction characteristics of the buffer spring 352 are used to elastically buffer the sliding of the annular slider 351, thereby dissipating the impact force of the water flow on the buffer plate 34, realizing the buffering and deceleration of the incoming water flow, and weakening the power of vortex generation from the source.

[0022] Specifically, the guide component 33 includes an annular slider 333. The other side of the side reinforcement plate 36 is located inside the vortex-eliminating housing 1 and an annular slider 333 is provided. The inner wall of the vortex-eliminating housing 1 is provided with an annular groove 331 corresponding to the annular slider 333. By adopting the above technical solution, a double-sided guide structure is formed in conjunction with the buffer component 35, which further improves the smoothness of movement of the side reinforcement plate 36 and the buffer plate 34, prevents jamming due to unilateral force, and ensures the overall operational stability of the vortex-eliminating mechanism 3.

[0023] Specifically, the annular slide groove 331 has a central ring 332 inside. The central ring 332 and the annular slider 333 are slidably connected through a through hole. The central ring 332 and the anti-vortex housing 1 are fixedly connected through a fixing rod 334. By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding trajectory of the annular slider 333 is limited for the second time, and at the same time, a stable installation support is provided for the guide assembly 33, ensuring that the guide assembly 33 will not loosen or shift under long-term water flow impact.

[0024] Specifically, the other set of side reinforcement plates 36 are provided with arc-shaped grooves on the side that match the central column 31. By adopting the above technical solution, the side reinforcement plates 36 can slide against the outer surface of the central column 31, reducing the gap between the side reinforcement plates 36 and the central column 31, preventing water flow from passing through the gap and forming local turbulence, while further improving the sliding limiting effect of the buffer plate 34.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the water flows into the vortex-eliminating housing 1, it first impacts the buffer plate 34. The buffer plate 34 is driven by the impact force of the water flow to move the side reinforcement plate 36. The annular slider 351 and annular slider 333 at both ends of the side reinforcement plate 36 slide in the annular groove 354 and annular groove 331, respectively. The buffer spring 352 is compressed by the annular slider 351 and undergoes elastic deformation, converting the impact force of the water flow into the elastic potential energy of the spring and gradually releasing it, thereby achieving buffering and deceleration of the water flow and regularizing the flow pattern, weakening the tendency of the water flow to form vortices, and completing the initial vortex-eliminating operation.

[0026] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the housing fixing mechanism 2 includes a connecting ring 210. One end surface of the anti-vortex housing 1 is provided with the connecting ring 210, and the side of the connecting ring 210 is provided with a connecting lug 26. One side of the connecting lug 26 is fixed with a fixed outer rod 27, and the inside of the fixed outer rod 27 is slidably connected with a fixed inner rod 25. The other end of the fixed inner rod 25 is rotatably connected with a second ear plate 24 through a bearing. The side of the second ear plate 24 is provided with an mounting ring 23. The inside of the fixed outer rod 27 is threadedly connected with a fixed screw 28, and the other end of the fixed screw 28 is provided with a handle 29. By adopting the above technical solution, by rotating the handle 29, the fixed screw 28 is driven to rotate, and the fixed inner rod 25 is pushed to slide inside the fixed outer rod 27 by the threaded transmission, so as to realize the free adjustment of the distance between the anti-vortex housing 1 and the mounting ring 23, which can adapt to the distance requirements of the inlet and the anti-vortex device under different working conditions.

[0027] Specifically, the housing fixing mechanism 2 also includes ear plates 21. Ear plates 21 are provided on the other two sides of the mounting ring 23. The ear plates 21 are fixedly connected to the outer side of the hydropower station inlet by bolts 22. By adopting the above technical solution, a stable installation and fixing structure is provided for the entire device, realizing the quick connection and disassembly of the vortex suppression device and the hydropower station inlet, which facilitates the later maintenance and replacement operations.

[0028] Specifically, the housing fixing mechanism 2 also includes a limiting block 211. The other end of the inner rod 25 is provided with a limiting block 211, and the side of the outer rod 27 is provided with a semi-arc-shaped groove 214 corresponding to the limiting block 211. One end of the semi-arc-shaped groove 214 is provided with an embedding groove 215. By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting block 211 can slide in the semi-arc-shaped groove 214 to limit the sliding stroke of the inner rod 25 and prevent the inner rod 25 from slipping out of the outer rod 27. At the same time, the embedding groove 215 can lock and position the limiting block 211, thereby improving the structural stability after the spacing is adjusted.

[0029] Specifically, the housing fixing mechanism 2 also includes a positioning hole 212. The other end of the fixing inner rod 25 is provided with a positioning hole 212. The inner wall of the positioning hole 212 is provided with an anti-slip pad 213. By adopting the above technical solution, the end of the fixing screw 28 can be screwed into the positioning hole 212. With the anti-slip effect of the anti-slip pad 213, the adjusted fixing inner rod 25 is locked and positioned to prevent the device from shifting in spacing under the impact of water flow and to ensure the installation stability of the vortex-eliminating device.

[0030] In this embodiment, the ear plate 21 is first fixed to the outside of the hydropower station inlet by bolt 22, so that the mounting ring 23 is coaxial with the inlet. Then, the distance between the vortex suppressor housing 1 and the inlet is adjusted according to the actual working conditions. The handle 29 is turned to drive the fixing screw 28 to rotate, pushing the fixing inner rod 25 to slide in the fixing outer rod 27 until the vortex suppressor housing 1 reaches the preset position. At this time, the limiting block 211 slides to the designated position of the semi-arc sliding groove 214, and the end of the fixing screw 28 is screwed into the positioning hole 212 and locked by the anti-slip pad 213. The distance adjustment and installation of the vortex suppressor device are completed, which is suitable for the working conditions of inlets with different water levels and flow rates.

[0031] The working principle and usage process of this invention: When using this invention, the device is first installed and fixed to the water inlet of the hydropower station through the housing fixing mechanism 2. The distance between the vortex-eliminating housing 1 and the water inlet is adjusted according to the actual working conditions. The handle 29 is rotated to drive the fixing screw 28 to rotate. After pushing the fixing inner rod 25 to slide to the preset position, the locking and positioning are completed by the cooperation of the limiting block 211, the positioning hole 212 and the anti-slip pad 213.

[0032] After the water flows into the vortex-eliminating shell 1, it first impacts the buffer plate 34 of the vortex-eliminating mechanism 3. The buffer plate 34 is driven by the impact force to move the side reinforcement plate 36. The annular slider 1 351 and annular slider 2 333 slide in the corresponding groove. The buffer spring 352 elastically expands and contracts to dissipate the impact force of the water flow, thereby achieving buffering and deceleration of the water flow and regulating the flow pattern. This weakens the conditions for vortex generation from the source, completes the rapid vortex elimination operation, and the regulated water flow smoothly enters the water intake of the hydropower station, improving the water intake efficiency and avoiding problems such as vibration of the unit due to vortices.

[0033] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station, comprising a vortex suppression shell (1), characterized in that: The vortex-eliminating shell (1) is provided with a vortex-eliminating mechanism (3) inside, and a shell fixing mechanism (2) is provided on the side of the vortex-eliminating shell (1). The vortex-eliminating mechanism (3) includes a central column (31). The central column (31) is located at the center of the vortex-eliminating shell (1). The central column (31) and the vortex-eliminating shell (1) are fixedly connected by a fixing rod (32). Four sets of buffer plates (34) are slidably connected to the outer surface of the central column (31). Side reinforcement plates (36) are provided on both sides of the buffer plates (34). A buffer assembly (35) is provided on one side of the side reinforcement plate (36), and a guide assembly (33) is provided on the other side of the side reinforcement plate (36).

2. The rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer assembly (35) includes an annular slider (351), and an annular slider (351) is provided on one side of the side reinforcement plate (36) inside the vortex-eliminating shell (1). The inner wall of the vortex-eliminating shell (1) is provided with an annular groove (354) corresponding to the annular slider (351).

3. The rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer assembly (35) also includes a central ring (353), the central ring (353) is provided through the interior of the annular slider (351) and is slidably connected to it through a through hole, and a buffer spring (352) is sleeved on the outer surface of the central ring (353).

4. The rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide assembly (33) includes an annular slider two (333). The other side of the side reinforcement plate (36) is located inside the vortex-eliminating shell (1) and an annular groove two (331) corresponding to the annular slider two (333) is provided on the inner wall of the vortex-eliminating shell (1).

5. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 4, characterized in that: The annular groove 2 (331) is provided with a central ring 2 (332) inside. The central ring 2 (332) and the annular slider 2 (333) are slidably connected through a through hole. The central ring 2 (332) and the vortex-eliminating shell (1) are fixedly connected through a fixing rod 2 (334).

6. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other set of side reinforcement plates (36) are provided with arc-shaped grooves on the side that match the central column (31).

7. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing fixing mechanism (2) includes a connecting ring (210). One end surface of the anti-vortex housing (1) is provided with a connecting ring (210). A connecting ear (26) is provided on the side of the connecting ring (210). A fixed outer rod (27) is fixed on one side of the connecting ear (26). A fixed inner rod (25) is slidably connected inside the fixed outer rod (27). The other end of the fixed inner rod (25) is rotatably connected to a second ear plate (24) through a bearing. An installation ring (23) is provided on the side of the second ear plate (24). A fixed screw (28) is threaded inside the fixed outer rod (27). A handle (29) is provided on the other end of the fixed screw (28).

8. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing fixing mechanism (2) also includes ear plate one (21). Ear plates one (21) are provided on the other two sides of the mounting ring (23). Ear plates one (21) are fixedly connected to the outside of the water inlet of the hydropower station by bolts (22).

9. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing fixing mechanism (2) also includes a limiting block (211). The other side of the inner rod (25) is provided with a limiting block (211), and the side of the outer rod (27) is provided with a semi-arc groove (214) corresponding to the limiting block (211). One side of the semi-arc groove (214) is provided with an embedding groove (215).

10. A rapid vortex suppression device for the intake of a hydropower station according to claim 7, characterized in that: The housing fixing mechanism (2) also includes a positioning hole (212). The other end of the fixing inner rod (25) is provided with a positioning hole (212), and the inner wall of the positioning hole (212) is provided with an anti-slip pad (213).