Running water power conversion device

By combining a single-axis multi-helix unit and a gear commutator, the problem of energy capture and conversion in hydropower equipment under low flow velocity and complex water flow conditions is solved, achieving efficient and stable energy output and low-cost clean energy application.

CN223647946UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-09XUZHOU ZHONGSEN INTELLIGENT EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423119864.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-17
Publication Date
2025-12-09
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing hydropower equipment is difficult to effectively capture water flow energy in low-flow environments, and its operating efficiency is unstable and it is prone to damage under complex water flow conditions. In addition, traditional equipment has high construction costs and significant environmental impact.

Method used

It adopts a combination design of single-shaft multi-screw unit, gear commutator and steel plate base frame. Power is transmitted through multiple propellers and gear commutator. Combined with speed regulation unit and external generator or water pump, it can adapt to different water flow conditions and achieve efficient energy conversion and stable output.

Benefits of technology

It improves energy conversion efficiency under low flow velocity and complex water flow conditions, reduces construction and maintenance costs, is highly adaptable, suitable for a variety of water areas and application scenarios, is environmentally friendly, and has flexible deployment capabilities.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a flowing water power conversion device which aims at utilizing kinetic energy of flowing water to carry out energy conversion. Comprising single-shaft multi-spiral units, a gear reverser and a steel plate underframe, the multiple single-shaft multi-spiral units are arranged in the water flow direction and can push propellers to rotate through water flow, and then kinetic energy of the water flow is converted into mechanical energy. The gear reverser gathers the rotating force of the multiple single-shaft multi-spiral units and transmits the rotating force to the speed adjusting unit, and the output power or the rotating speed is adjusted. In addition, the device can absorb rotating power through an external unit (such as a generator or a water pump), and mechanical energy is converted into electric energy or used for driving the water pump to conduct agricultural irrigation, water storage or pumped storage and the like. The device is simple in structure and convenient to mount, can be widely applied to various water areas, and realizes clean and sustainable energy conversion. By adjusting the combination mode of the single-shaft multi-spiral unit and the gear reverser, the working efficiency can be flexibly adjusted according to different water flow conditions, and the kinetic energy of water flow is utilized to the maximum extent.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy technology, specifically to a water flow power conversion device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydropower, as a clean and renewable energy source, is widely used in hydroelectric power generation, ocean energy, and tidal energy. Most existing hydroelectric technologies focus on the construction of large dams and hydropower stations. While these technologies offer significant advantages for large-scale power generation, they also have high construction costs, substantial environmental impacts, and significant ecological damage. Furthermore, traditional hydroelectric power equipment relies on large water flows and fixed geographical locations, limiting its application in certain regions and small-scale projects.

[0003] In recent years, with technological advancements, the development of more flexible and adaptable small-scale hydropower equipment has become a research hotspot. Especially in areas with flowing natural water bodies such as oceans, rivers, and lakes, energy conversion using water flow dynamics can achieve the generation of clean energy without harming the natural environment. This type of equipment can utilize various water flow patterns, including low-speed currents and tides, and has a small footprint and low construction cost, making it suitable for applications in offshore areas, river basins, agricultural irrigation, and power supply in remote regions.

[0004] Despite the progress made in existing hydropower technology and equipment, some technical bottlenecks remain. For example, effectively capturing water flow energy and converting it into stable mechanical or electrical energy in low-flow environments remains a challenge. Furthermore, existing hydropower equipment often struggles to maintain stable operating efficiency under complex flow conditions, especially with fluctuating currents, where the efficiency of traditional turbines decreases, easily leading to equipment damage.

[0005] To address these issues, developing a hydraulic energy conversion device that can adapt to various water flow conditions, operate at lower flow rates, and is simple in structure and easy to deploy has become an important direction for technological innovation in the industry. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned technical deficiencies, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a water flow power conversion device that can not only effectively capture the kinetic energy in the water flow, but also convert it into rotational torque or electrical energy.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A flow power conversion device includes a single-axis multi-helix unit, a gear commutator, and two steel plate base frames; the two steel plate base frames are arranged in parallel and spaced apart; bearing seats are installed on the steel plate base frames; the single-axis multi-helix unit is arranged between the two steel plate base frames, and its two ends are respectively connected to the bearing seats on the two steel plate base frames; the gear commutator is fixed on the steel plate base frame and is drivenly connected to one end of the single-axis multi-helix unit.

[0009] Preferably, the single-axis multi-screw unit includes a rotating shaft with multiple propellers fixed on it; the multiple propellers are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft.

[0010] Preferably, the propeller is configured with at least two blades.

[0011] Preferably, the single-axis multi-helix unit includes a rotating shaft, on which helical blades are fixedly mounted.

[0012] Preferably, multiple single-axis multi-helix units are configured; the multiple single-axis multi-helix units are distributed in parallel at equal intervals between the two steel plate base frames.

[0013] Preferably, multiple gear commutators are configured, each corresponding to a single-axis multi-helix unit; adjacent gear commutators are connected in a driving connection.

[0014] Preferably, a connecting rod is fixedly provided at the end of the steel plate base frame.

[0015] Preferably, it further includes a speed regulating unit; the speed regulating unit is connected to the gear commutator; the speed regulating unit is a speed increaser or a speed reducer.

[0016] Preferably, it further includes an external unit for absorbing rotational power; the external unit for absorbing rotational power is connected to the gear commutator; the external unit for absorbing rotational power is a generator or a water pump.

[0017] Preferably, the gear commutator is connected to an output spline shaft.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] 1. High-efficiency energy conversion: This invention utilizes multiple spiral units to capture water flow energy and transmits power through a gear commutator, which can effectively improve the conversion efficiency of water flow force and adapt to energy harvesting in low-flow-rate water areas.

[0020] 2. Adaptability to various water flows: The device can be widely used in different water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, adapting to changes in various flow velocities and directions, and can still operate efficiently in tidal, unstable, or low-flow environments.

[0021] 3. Modular design: The modular configuration of multiple single-axis multi-helix units and gear commutators allows for flexible addition or reduction of the number of units as needed, thereby achieving power adjustability and meeting the power generation needs of different scales.

[0022] 4. Reduced construction and maintenance costs: Compared to traditional large-scale hydropower equipment, the flow power conversion device of this invention has lower construction and maintenance costs. Its simple structure enables rapid deployment and long-term stable operation, reducing its impact on the natural environment.

[0023] 5. Improve equipment stability and reliability: By rationally designing the gear commutator and speed regulation unit, this device can maintain stable output under different water flow conditions, avoiding equipment failure due to excessive water flow fluctuations or low water speed, and improving system reliability.

[0024] 6. High adaptability: This device is not only suitable for large-scale hydropower projects, but also for small or household energy systems. It can even be linked with existing agricultural irrigation systems, water pumps and other equipment to achieve multiple uses of hydropower energy.

[0025] 7. Environmentally friendly: This device does not require the construction of large-scale dams or reservoirs and can be installed in existing water bodies, with minimal impact on the ecological environment, which is in line with the development trend of modern green energy.

[0026] 8. Flexible deployment: The device can adapt to various water flow conditions and can be fixed to the ship or floating frame via connecting rods, enabling flexible deployment in different locations and increasing its versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral blade in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle.

[0031] in:

[0032] 1. Gear commutator; 2. Connecting rod; 3. Steel plate base frame; 4. Bearing housing; 5. Rotating shaft; 6. Propeller; 7. Blade; 8. Helical blade; 9. Output spline shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a flow power conversion device includes a single-axis multi-spiral unit, a gear commutator 1, and two steel plate base frames 3; the two steel plate base frames 3 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart; bearing seats 4 are installed on the steel plate base frames 3; the single-axis multi-spiral unit is arranged between the two steel plate base frames 3, and its two ends are respectively connected to the bearing seats 4 on the two steel plate base frames 3; the gear commutator 1 is fixed on the steel plate base frame 3 and is drivenly connected to one end of the single-axis multi-spiral unit.

[0035] This device is placed on the water surface, with the axis of the single-axis multi-helix unit arranged in the same direction as the water flow. The water flow drives the single-axis multi-helix unit to rotate, and the rotational force is transmitted through the gear commutator 1, thereby realizing the collection and conversion of water kinetic energy. In practical applications, the device can be deployed in natural or artificial water bodies such as rivers, oceans, or reservoirs, adapting to different water flow environments, thus achieving stable energy collection.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the single-axis multi-screw unit includes a rotating shaft 5, on which multiple propellers 6 are fixed; the multiple propellers 6 are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 5. This design not only improves the utilization efficiency of water flow, but also enhances the working performance of the device at low flow rates through the array of multiple propellers 6.

[0037] In this embodiment, the propeller 6 is configured with at least two blades 7. The blades 7 of each propeller 6 can be optimized according to the direction and speed of the water flow to maximize the capture of water flow energy. This blade design also helps to reduce turbulence and vibration, enhancing the stability of the equipment.

[0038] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the single-axis multi-helix unit includes a rotating shaft 5, on which helical blades 8 are fixedly mounted. The design of the helical blades 8 enables the device to maintain high rotational efficiency in water flows with unstable velocities or in different directions. The angle and material selection of the helical blades 8 also help to reduce water flow resistance and improve overall working efficiency.

[0039] In this embodiment, multiple single-axis multi-spiral units are configured; these units are evenly spaced and parallel between two steel plate base frames 3. Multiple single-axis multi-spiral units can absorb the power of large-area horizontal water flow, converging the extracted power into shaft-driven torque. This layout design, by increasing the number of single-axis multi-spiral units, improves the device's efficiency in capturing water kinetic energy, while also enabling the system to adapt to a wider range of application scenarios, such as coastal areas and tidal areas.

[0040] In this embodiment, multiple gear commutators 1 are configured, each corresponding to one of the multiple single-axis multi-helix units; adjacent gear commutators 1 are connected in a transmission manner. This design can effectively integrate and transmit the power of multiple single-axis multi-helix units, ensuring the smooth operation of the overall device and avoiding mechanical losses caused by different rotational speeds between the units.

[0041] In this embodiment, a connecting rod 2 is fixedly installed at the end of the steel plate base frame 3. The device is fixed to the anchored ship or towed to the floating frame at the shore anchor point via the connecting rod 2. Both the ship and the floating frame are in a stationary state. The flowing water continuously impacts the single-axis multi-helix unit, giving it rotational speed and torque. This structural design not only ensures that the device is stably held on the water surface, but also allows for flexible deployment and adjustment according to actual needs to adapt to the operational requirements under different water flow conditions.

[0042] In this embodiment, a speed regulating unit is also included; the speed regulating unit is connected to the gear commutator 1; the speed regulating unit is a speed increaser or a speed reducer. Rotational torque is output from one or more gear commutators 1 and acts on the speed regulating unit. The configuration of the speed regulating unit enables the device to precisely adjust at different water flow speeds, ensuring the stability and efficiency of energy output.

[0043] In this embodiment, an external unit for absorbing rotational power is also included; this external unit is connected to the gear commutator 1; the external unit for absorbing rotational power is either a generator or a water pump. The torque converted from the flowing water acts on the generator to generate electricity, or acts on the water pump to enable a continuous flow of water to be sprayed upwards for agricultural irrigation, reservoir storage, pumped storage, etc., and can also be used for other machinery and equipment that require power. The addition of external units such as generators and water pumps not only enhances the versatility of the device, but also makes the water flow power conversion device a highly efficient device capable of providing clean energy to different fields.

[0044] In this embodiment, an output splined shaft 9 is connected to the gear commutator 1. Specifically, the end gear commutator 1 is provided with a horizontally arranged output splined shaft 9, and the central gear commutator 1 is provided with a vertically arranged output splined shaft 9. Power is output through the output splined shafts 9.

[0045] How to use

[0046] The hydrodynamic conversion device of the present invention can be widely used in various aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. The following are the specific methods of using the device:

[0047] Device installation

[0048] The device is fixed on the water surface to ensure its stability. Both ends of the device are connected to the rotating shaft 5 of the single-axis multi-spiral unit via bearing seats 4 on the steel plate base 3.

[0049] Use connecting rod 2 to secure the device to an anchored vessel or tow it to a floating frame at a shore anchorage, ensuring the device does not shift significantly with the water flow. Ensure the axis of the device's single-axis multi-helix unit is parallel to the water flow direction to most effectively capture the kinetic energy of the flowing water.

[0050] Starting device

[0051] Confirm that all components of the device are securely connected, and check whether the gear commutator 1, speed control unit, and external unit absorbing rotational power (such as generator or water pump) are working properly.

[0052] When water flows through the device, the single-axis multi-helix unit is propelled by the water flow and begins to rotate. The propeller 6 rotates under the action of the water flow, thereby generating rotational torque.

[0053] Rotational power is transmitted through gear commutator 1, which gathers the rotational power from each helical unit and adjusts the speed through the speed regulating unit.

[0054] Adjust speed

[0055] If it is necessary to adjust the output power or speed, this can be achieved through a speed control unit (speed increaser or speed reducer). Depending on the actual needs, the number of single-axis multi-helix units can be adjusted, or the commutation mode of gear commutator 1 can be adjusted to improve the system's working efficiency.

[0056] Energy Conversion

[0057] The rotational power is transmitted to an external unit, such as a connected generator or water pump. If a generator is connected, the rotational power will be converted into electrical energy to provide power to surrounding equipment or the power grid.

[0058] If connected to a water pump, the rotational power will drive the pump for operations such as agricultural irrigation, reservoir storage, or pumped storage.

[0059] Equipment maintenance

[0060] Regularly inspect key components such as the single-axis multi-helix unit, gear commutator 1, and speed control unit to ensure there is no damage or wear caused by long-term operation.

[0061] Check the connection between the device and the fixed structure to ensure that the device remains stable under the action of water flow and to avoid damage to the equipment due to displacement or collision.

[0062] Clean the debris from the propeller 6 and the rotating shaft 5 to ensure that the water flow can act smoothly on the propeller 6 and guarantee the working efficiency of the device.

[0063] Special Circumstances Handling

[0064] When encountering excessively fast or fluctuating water flow, appropriate adjustments to the device's operation may be necessary. Adjusting the device's angle or position can prevent equipment failure due to excessive water flow impact.

[0065] If the equipment is unstable in operation, the transmission of gear commutator 1 should be checked to ensure that the gears are meshing normally and to avoid power loss due to transmission problems.

[0066] Through the above steps, users can efficiently and stably utilize the kinetic energy of flowing water to achieve the expected power generation or water pump operation results.

[0067] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0068] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A flow power conversion device, characterized in that, It includes a single-axis multi-helix unit, a gear commutator (1) and two steel plate base frames (3); the two steel plate base frames (3) are arranged in parallel and spaced apart; bearing seats (4) are installed on the steel plate base frames (3); the single-axis multi-helix unit is arranged between the two steel plate base frames (3), and its two ends are respectively connected to the bearing seats (4) on the two steel plate base frames (3); the gear commutator (1) is fixed on the steel plate base frame (3) and is connected to one end of the single-axis multi-helix unit for transmission.

2. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The single-axis multi-helix unit includes a rotating shaft (5), on which multiple propellers (6) are fixed; Multiple propellers (6) are arranged in an array at equal intervals along the axis of rotation (5).

3. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The propeller (6) is equipped with at least two blades (7).

4. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The single-axis multi-helix unit includes a rotating shaft (5), on which helical blades (8) are fixedly mounted.

5. The flow power conversion device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The single-axis multi-helix unit is configured in multiple ways; the multiple single-axis multi-helix units are equally spaced and parallel between the two steel plate base frames (3).

6. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The gear commutator (1) is configured in multiple ways, each corresponding to a single-axis multi-helix unit; two adjacent gear commutators (1) are connected by a transmission.

7. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting rod (2) is fixedly installed at the end of the steel plate base frame (3).

8. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a speed control unit; the speed control unit is connected to the gear commutator (1) in a transmission manner; the speed control unit is a speed increaser or a speed reducer.

9. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an external unit for absorbing rotational power; the external unit for absorbing rotational power is connected to the gear commutator (1) for transmission; the external unit for absorbing rotational power is a generator or a water pump.

10. The flow power conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gear commutator (1) is connected to an output spline shaft (9).