Power generation device based on water tunnel experiment device
By installing an impeller assembly and a generator inside the water tunnel experimental device, energy recovery of water kinetic energy and back pressure regulation are achieved, solving the problem of energy waste in water tunnel facilities and improving energy utilization efficiency and experimental accuracy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 崂山国家实验室
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing water tunnel experimental facilities lack energy recovery devices, resulting in the ineffective utilization of the kinetic energy of the end flow, leading to energy waste and high operating costs.
An impeller assembly is installed inside the water tunnel experimental device. The impeller assembly converts the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy, and the mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy through a generator. Combined with a pressure sensor and control system, back pressure is regulated and energy is recovered.
It improves the energy utilization efficiency of the water tunnel experimental device, reduces operating costs, and ensures the accuracy of experimental data through precise control of back pressure, providing a more efficient experimental platform for underwater equipment research and development and fluid dynamics experiments.
Smart Images

Figure CN224244993U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of water tunnel experimental devices, and in particular to a power generation device based on a water tunnel experimental device. Background Technology
[0002] Water tunnel experimental facilities are important experimental platforms in the field of fluid mechanics for studying fluid flow laws and flow control techniques. Existing water tunnel facilities generally lack energy recovery devices in their design, resulting in most of the energy contained in the terminal flow not being effectively utilized. The terminal flow often undergoes only simple energy dissipation treatment or is directly discharged, and its kinetic energy cannot be converted into other usable energy forms. This not only directly wastes the energy still present in the terminal flow but also leads to low overall energy utilization efficiency and high operating costs for water tunnel experimental facilities. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a power generation device based on a water tunnel experimental device, which can convert the kinetic energy of water in the water tunnel experimental device into electrical energy, thereby realizing energy recovery.
[0004] This utility model provides a power generation device based on a water tunnel experimental apparatus, comprising:
[0005] An impeller assembly is installed inside the water tunnel experimental device. The impeller assembly rotates under the impact of the water flow, converting the kinetic energy of the water flow into mechanical energy.
[0006] The generator, located outside the water tunnel experimental device, includes a stator, a rotor, and an excitation system;
[0007] A drive shaft is used to connect the impeller assembly and the rotor of the generator. Part of the drive shaft is located inside the water tunnel experimental device, and the end of the drive shaft located inside the water tunnel experimental device is fixed to the impeller assembly. The remaining part of the drive shaft passes through the tube wall of the water tunnel experimental device and extends to the outside along the axial direction of the drive shaft. The end of the drive shaft located outside the water tunnel experimental device is fixed to the generator.
[0008] The impeller assembly is connected to the rotor via a drive shaft. The rotation of the impeller assembly drives the rotor to rotate via the drive shaft. The rotation of the rotor cuts the magnetic induction lines generated by the stator under the action of the excitation current of the excitation system, thereby generating an induced current in the rotor.
[0009] In this technical solution, an impeller assembly is installed inside the water tunnel experimental device. The impeller assembly is connected to an external generator, which sequentially converts the kinetic energy of the water in the water tunnel experimental device into the mechanical energy of the impeller assembly's rotation. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby realizing the recovery of the kinetic energy of the water tunnel experimental device and improving the overall energy utilization efficiency.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, a pressure sensor is also provided in the water tunnel experimental device. The pressure sensor is used to detect the real-time water flow pressure in the water tunnel experimental device, and the pressure sensor feeds back the pressure value to the control system.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, in order to enable the generator to recover the kinetic energy of the water tunnel experimental device while also regulating the back pressure, the generator is signal-connected to the control system. The control system controls and adjusts the magnitude of the excitation current of the generator's excitation system, thereby changing the magnetic field strength generated by the stator, which in turn changes the electromagnetic resistance that the rotor needs to overcome, thus adjusting the speed of the impeller assembly. This changes the resistance experienced by the water flowing through the impeller assembly, thereby achieving the regulation of the back pressure.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the control system is an industrial computer. The industrial computer collects pressure data from the pressure sensor, rotational speed of the impeller assembly, excitation current data from the excitation system, and output power data from the generator. It calculates the excitation current value required for back pressure adjustment based on the real-time pressure data fed back by the pressure sensor and sends control commands to the excitation system to achieve different power outputs from the generator.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the impeller assembly is disposed at the end of the diffusion section of the water tunnel experimental device for collecting the kinetic energy at the end of the water tunnel experimental device.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the pressure sensor is positioned in front of the impeller assembly along the water flow direction. After the control system adjusts the output power of the generator, the pressure sensor can monitor the real-time back pressure value of the adjusted diffuser section.
[0015] In some embodiments of this application, a coupling is provided at the end of the drive shaft located on the outer side. The coupling is used to connect the drive shaft and the generator. The coupling is used to transmit the torque of the impeller assembly to the main shaft of the generator. The coupling is also used to compensate for the shaft misalignment between the drive shaft and the generator main shaft caused by installation. It plays a buffering and vibration reduction role during operation to reduce vibration and impact. In addition, the coupling also plays an overload protection function to prevent damage to the equipment after overload.
[0016] In some embodiments of this application, a bearing base is provided on the wall of the diffusion section, and a bearing is provided at the corresponding position of the transmission shaft. The bearing is fixed on the bearing base, so that the transmission shaft can stably transmit power when passing through the wall of the diffusion section.
[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the rotating surface of the impeller assembly is perpendicular to the water flow direction, so that the water flow can vertically impact the blade surface of the impeller assembly, causing the blade to rotate around the drive shaft.
[0018] Based on the above technical solution, an impeller assembly is installed inside the water tunnel experimental device. The impeller assembly is connected to an external generator, which sequentially converts the kinetic energy of the water in the water tunnel experimental device into the mechanical energy of the impeller assembly's rotation. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby realizing the recovery of the kinetic energy of the water tunnel experimental device, improving the overall energy utilization efficiency, and reducing operating costs.
[0019] By linking the pressure signal from the pressure sensor with the excitation current of the generator, stepless and precise control of the back pressure is achieved. This not only enables precise control of the cavitation number of the fluid in the test section, ensuring the accuracy of experimental data, but also realizes the dual functions of automatic back pressure adjustment and energy recovery through a closed-loop control system. It has the dual advantages of energy saving, environmental protection and high-efficiency experimentation, providing an innovative solution for the sustainable development of water tunnel devices.
[0020] This invention not only fills the technological gap in energy recovery and back pressure regulation of existing water tunnel experimental facilities, but also provides a more efficient and reliable experimental platform for underwater equipment development, fluid dynamics experiments and other fields. Attached Figure Description
[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation thereof. In the drawings:
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the water tunnel experimental device and the generator in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] In the picture:
[0024] 10. Water tunnel experimental setup; 11. Diffusion section; 20. Pressure sensor; 30. Impeller assembly; 40. Drive shaft; 50. Industrial computer; 60. Coupling; 70. Generator. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0027] The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0029] The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus of this embodiment has a diffuser section 11 at the end of the water tunnel experimental apparatus 10. A pressure sensor 20 is installed inside the diffuser section 11, and an impeller assembly 30 is installed at the end of the diffuser section 11. The impeller assembly 30 is used to collect the kinetic energy at the end of the diffuser section 11. The impeller assembly 30 rotates under the impact of the water flow, converting the kinetic energy of the water at the end of the diffuser section 11 into mechanical energy. The pressure sensor 20 is installed on the inner wall of the diffuser section 11, close to the impeller assembly 30, and the pressure sensor 20 is located in front of the impeller assembly 30 in the direction of water flow. Figure 1 In the diagram, the arrow points in the direction of the water flow. The rotating surface of the impeller assembly 30 is perpendicular to the direction of the water flow, allowing the water flow to impact the blade surface of the impeller assembly 30 perpendicularly, causing the blade to rotate around the drive shaft 40. The water flow passes through the pressure sensor 20 first and then through the impeller assembly 30. The pressure sensor 20 can accurately monitor the back pressure of the water flow in the diffuser section 11 and feed back the monitored pressure data to the industrial control computer 50.
[0030] The generator 70 is located on the outside of the diffuser section 11. The mechanical energy generated by the rotation of the impeller assembly 30 is converted into electrical energy by the generator 70. The generator 70 converts the kinetic energy of the water flow at the end of the diffuser section 11 of the water tunnel experimental device into electrical energy, thus realizing energy recovery.
[0031] The generator 70 includes a stator, a rotor, and an excitation system. The stator is a fixed coil, and the rotor is a rotating coil. The impeller assembly 30 is connected to the rotor via a drive shaft 40. The rotation of the impeller assembly 30 drives the rotor to rotate. The rotor rotation cuts magnetic induction lines, generating an induced current in the rotor. The stator generates fixed magnetic induction lines through the excitation current. The excitation system is used to adjust the magnitude of the excitation current, adjust the magnetic field strength generated by the stator, and thus adjust the output power of the generator.
[0032] According to the principle of electromagnetic induction, when the rotor cuts magnetic field lines, an induced current is generated in the rotor coil, thereby converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. By controlling the magnitude of the excitation current in the stator, the rotor speed can be adjusted. The rotor speed affects the speed of the impeller assembly 30, thereby regulating the water flow pressure in the terminal diffuser section and controlling the back pressure.
[0033] Part of the drive shaft 40 is located inside the diffuser section 11, and the end of the drive shaft located inside the diffuser section 11 is fixed to the impeller assembly 30; the remaining part of the drive shaft 40 passes through the pipe wall at the diffuser section 11 and extends to the outside along the axial direction of the drive shaft 40, and the end of the drive shaft 40 located outside the diffuser section 11 is connected to the rotor of the generator 70.
[0034] In order to stably transmit the torque of the impeller assembly 30, a coupling 60 is provided at the end of the drive shaft 40 located on the outside. The coupling 60 is used to connect the drive shaft 40 and the rotor of the generator 70. The coupling 60 transmits the torque of the impeller assembly 30 to the rotor of the generator. The coupling 60 can also compensate for the shaft misalignment between the drive shaft 40 and the main shaft of the generator rotor caused by installation. It plays a buffering and vibration reduction role during operation to reduce vibration and impact. In addition, the coupling 60 also has an overload protection function to prevent damage to the equipment after overload.
[0035] A bearing base (not shown in the figure) is provided on the pipe wall of the diffuser section 11. A bearing is provided at the corresponding position where the drive shaft 40 passes through the pipe wall. The bearing is fixed on the bearing base, so that the drive shaft can stably transmit power when passing through the pipe wall of the diffuser section 11.
[0036] When the power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental device in this embodiment is used, when the pressure value in the diffusion section 11 monitored by the pressure sensor 20 is equal to the back pressure value required for the experiment, there is no need to adjust the speed of the impeller assembly 30. The impeller assembly 30 rotates under the impact of the water flow, converting the kinetic energy of the water flow into mechanical energy. The impeller assembly 30 drives the rotor to rotate through the transmission shaft 40. The rotor cuts the magnetic induction lines generated by the stator, converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby realizing the recovery of the kinetic energy at the end of the water tunnel experimental device.
[0037] When the required back pressure value for the experiment is less than the real-time pressure value monitored by pressure sensor 20, the industrial control computer 50 calculates and adjusts the excitation current required for the back pressure based on the pressure difference. The industrial control computer 50 sends a command, and the excitation system reduces the excitation current to the required magnitude. The magnetic field strength decreases accordingly, the resistance to rotor rotation decreases, and the resistance to impeller assembly 30 rotation decreases. The speed of impeller assembly 30 increases, and the resistance generated by the impeller assembly to the water flow decreases. The real-time back pressure value P... i Reduce, when the real-time back pressure value decreases to the target back pressure value P T The excitation current values of the excitation system are maintained at the same level.
[0038] When the required back pressure value for the experiment exceeds the real-time pressure value monitored by pressure sensor 20, the industrial control computer calculates and adjusts the excitation current required to adjust the back pressure based on the absolute value of the pressure difference. The industrial control computer 50 sends a command, and the excitation system increases the excitation current to the required magnitude. The magnetic field strength increases accordingly, the resistance to rotor rotation increases, the resistance to impeller assembly 30 rotation increases, the speed of impeller assembly 30 decreases, and the resistance generated by impeller assembly 30 to water flow increases. The real-time back pressure value P... i Increase, when the real-time back pressure value increases to the target back pressure value P T The values are equal, maintaining the current value of the excitation system at this time.
[0039] Pressure sensor 20 monitors the back pressure value of the adjusted diffusion section in real time and feeds it back to industrial control computer 50. The back pressure value is adjusted in real time by adjusting the magnitude of the excitation current so that the real-time back pressure value is always stable near the target back pressure value.
[0040] In this embodiment, the industrial control computer 50 collects pressure data from the pressure sensor 20, rotational speed of the impeller assembly 30, excitation current data from the excitation system, and output power data from the generator. It calculates the excitation current value required for back pressure adjustment based on the real-time pressure data fed back by the pressure sensor 20, and sends control commands to the excitation system to achieve different power outputs from the generator.
[0041] Based on the above technical solution, an impeller assembly is installed inside the water tunnel experimental device. The impeller assembly is connected to an external generator, which sequentially converts the kinetic energy of the water in the water tunnel experimental device into the mechanical energy of the impeller assembly's rotation. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, thereby realizing the recovery of the kinetic energy of the water tunnel experimental device, improving the overall energy utilization efficiency, and reducing operating costs.
[0042] By linking the pressure signal from the pressure sensor with the excitation current of the generator, stepless and precise control of the back pressure is achieved. This not only enables precise control of the cavitation number of the fluid in the test section, ensuring the accuracy of experimental data, but also realizes the dual functions of automatic back pressure adjustment and energy recovery through a closed-loop control system. It has the dual advantages of energy saving, environmental protection and high-efficiency experimentation, providing an innovative solution for the sustainable development of water tunnel devices.
[0043] This invention not only fills the technological gap in energy recovery and back pressure regulation of existing water tunnel experimental facilities, but also provides a more efficient and reliable experimental platform for underwater equipment development, fluid dynamics experiments and other fields.
[0044] Finally, it should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.
[0045] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the specific implementation of this utility model or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the spirit of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the technical solution claimed by this utility model.
Claims
1. A power generation device based on a water tunnel experimental setup, characterized in that: include: An impeller assembly is installed inside the water tunnel experimental device. The impeller assembly rotates under the impact of the water flow, converting the kinetic energy of the water flow into mechanical energy. The generator, located outside the water tunnel experimental device, includes a stator, a rotor, and an excitation system; A drive shaft is used to connect the impeller assembly and the rotor of the generator. Part of the drive shaft is located inside the water tunnel experimental device, and the end of the drive shaft located inside the water tunnel experimental device is fixed to the impeller assembly. The remaining part of the drive shaft passes through the tube wall of the water tunnel experimental device and extends to the outside along the axial direction of the drive shaft. The end of the drive shaft located outside the water tunnel experimental device is fixed to the generator. The impeller assembly is connected to the rotor via a drive shaft. The rotation of the impeller assembly drives the rotor to rotate via the drive shaft. The rotation of the rotor cuts the magnetic induction lines generated by the stator under the action of the excitation current of the excitation system, thereby generating an induced current in the rotor.
2. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tunnel experimental device is also equipped with a pressure sensor, which is used to detect the real-time water flow pressure inside the water tunnel experimental device, and the pressure sensor feeds back the pressure value to the control system.
3. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The generator is connected to the control system via a signal. The control system controls and adjusts the magnitude of the excitation current of the generator's excitation system, thereby changing the magnetic field strength generated by the stator. This, in turn, changes the electromagnetic resistance that the rotor needs to overcome to rotate, thus adjusting the speed of the impeller assembly and changing the resistance experienced by the water flowing through the impeller assembly.
4. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control system is an industrial computer. The industrial computer collects pressure data from the pressure sensor, rotational speed of the impeller assembly, excitation current data from the excitation system, and output power data from the generator. It calculates the excitation current value required for back pressure adjustment based on the real-time pressure data fed back by the pressure sensor and sends control commands to the excitation system.
5. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The impeller assembly is located at the end of the diffusion section of the water tunnel experimental device and is used to collect the kinetic energy at the end of the water tunnel experimental device.
6. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is positioned in front of the impeller assembly along the water flow direction. After the control system adjusts the output power of the generator, the pressure sensor can monitor the real-time back pressure value of the diffuser section after adjustment.
7. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A coupling is provided at the end of the drive shaft located on the outer side. The coupling is used to connect the drive shaft and the generator. The coupling is used to transmit the torque of the impeller assembly to the main shaft of the generator. The coupling is also used to compensate for the shaft misalignment between the drive shaft and the generator main shaft caused by installation. It plays a role in buffering and vibration reduction and overload protection during operation.
8. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, A bearing base is provided on the tube wall of the diffusion section, and a bearing is provided at the corresponding position of the transmission shaft. The bearing is fixed on the bearing base, so that the transmission shaft can stably transmit power when passing through the tube wall of the diffusion section.
9. The power generation device based on the water tunnel experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating surface of the impeller assembly is perpendicular to the direction of water flow, so that the water flow can impact the blade surface of the impeller assembly perpendicularly, causing the blade to rotate around the drive shaft.