Open crossflow water turbine power generation device

Abstract

To provide an open crossflow water turbine power generation device, which is easy to emit a foreign matter flowing from upstream to downstream, has excellent power generation efficiency when it is used for an open water channel with a water amount drastically increased and decreased because a runner can be moved to a desired position, and can inspect or repair a power generator without stopping the water flow.SOLUTION: A power generation device comprises a pair of rails, a water turbine trestle, a runner, a lifting device, and a power generator. The runner is an open crossflow water turbine and located on the water turbine trestle. The pair of rails are provided at both upper ends of an open water channel, and the water turbine trestle can move to upstream and downstream sides of the open water channels while being suspended by the rails. The runner can vertically lift the water turbine trestle by the lifting device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an open-type cross-flow water turbine power generating apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "open cross-flow water turbine power generating apparatus") that is installed in an open waterway and generates electricity without a casing. More specifically, the power generating apparatus is suitable for use in an open waterway where the amount of water increases and decreases drastically, since the rotation of the runner is unlikely to slow down or stop due to foreign objects and the runner can be moved to a desired position, and the open cross-flow water turbine power generating apparatus is easy to install and allows inspection and repair of the generator without stopping the water flow. [Background technology]

[0002] In open channels for agricultural irrigation, etc., power generation equipment is sometimes installed that uses the water flow in the open channel or a drop structure to generate electricity.

[0003] However, because the amount of water flowing in an open channel fluctuates greatly depending on the time and location, there is a problem that it is difficult to generate electricity efficiently with conventional power generation devices in which the runner is in a fixed position.

[0004] In addition, foreign objects such as leaves and garbage flow into the open channel from upstream, causing the runner to stop rotating and no power generation if the foreign objects get caught in it. There is also the problem that the foreign objects accumulate and cause water to overflow from the open channel.

[0005] It is necessary to stop the water flow in the open channel during periodic inspection and repair of components such as generators.

[0006] However, since it is not possible to stop the water flow during periods of high water volume, the times when the water can be stopped are limited, making it difficult to carry out inspections or repairs at the desired times.

[0007] In addition, because open channels carry agricultural water and industrial wastewater, the task of stopping the flow of water for inspection and repairs places a heavy burden on canal managers, as it requires coordinating schedules and reaching consensus among all the parties involved.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for the development of a power generation device that can generate electricity efficiently in an open waterway where the amount of water changes drastically, that is easy to install, that is less likely to have its power generation efficiency reduced or the generator stopped due to foreign objects, that is easy to inspect and repair and has no time restrictions, and that can reduce the burden on waterway managers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6778974 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Patent document 1 describes a small hydroelectric power generation device that is equipped with a vertical movement device that enables the water turbine to move vertically and a horizontal movement device that enables a second water conduit that guides water to the water turbine to move upstream or downstream.

[0011] However, in the small-hydroelectric power generation device described in Patent Document 1, the water guided by the second water conduit flows below the water turbine, which means that foreign objects from upstream can easily get caught between the second water conduit and the water turbine, causing the rotation of the water turbine to slow down or stop, resulting in a decrease in power generation efficiency or a risk of no power generation at all.

[0012] The inventors set out to solve the above-mentioned problems as a technical task, and as a result of repeated trial and error prototyping and experimentation, they found that if a power generating device is provided which comprises a pair of rails, a turbine stand, a runner, a lifting device, and a generator, the runner is an open cross-flow turbine which is loaded onto the turbine stand, the pair of rails are installed above both ends of an open channel, the turbine stand can move upstream and downstream of the open channel while suspended from the rails, and the runner can be vertically raised and lowered by the lifting device, then a water current will cross-flow into the runner and the runner will be driven by the lifting device. This invention was completed based on the findings that, as the runner rotates, part of the water flow over the runner, so foreign matter flowing from upstream is easily swept downstream and the rotation of the runner is unlikely to slow down or stop due to foreign matter, and the runner can be moved to the desired position using a pair of rails and a lifting device, so electricity can be generated efficiently even in an open channel where the water volume fluctuates greatly, it is easy to install, and since there is no need to stop the water flow in the open channel to inspect or repair the generator, inspection and repair can be carried out at the desired time, thereby reducing the burden on the waterway manager. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The above technical problems can be solved by the present invention as follows.

[0014] The present invention is a power generation device to be installed on an open channel, the power generation device comprising a pair of rails, a turbine stand, a runner, a lifting device, and a generator, the runner being an open cross-flow turbine that is loaded onto the turbine stand, the pair of rails being installed above both ends of the open channel, the turbine stand being capable of moving upstream and downstream of the open channel while suspended from the rails, and the runner being capable of vertically raising and lowering the turbine stand by the lifting device.

[0015] The present invention also provides the power generating device, wherein the runner can be moved to a position where it will not rotate due to a water current without being lifted out of the water.

[0016] The present invention also relates to the power generating device, in which a generator is mounted on the water turbine base.

[0017] The present invention also relates to the power generating apparatus, further comprising a water guide plate on the upstream side of the runner. Effect of the Invention

[0018] The present invention is a power generation device in which the runner is an open cross-flow water turbine, and the water flow cross-flows and flows into the runner, causing it to rotate, while at the same time a portion of the water flow overflows the runner, so that foreign matter from upstream is quickly released downstream, making it difficult for the runner's rotation to slow down or stop due to foreign matter.

[0019] In addition, because the runner is an open cross-flow turbine without a casing, this power generation device is less susceptible to foreign matter accumulating inside the casing or to water overflowing from the open channel due to accumulation of foreign matter.

[0020] In addition, the present invention has a structure in which a turbine stand carrying a runner is suspended from a pair of rails installed above both ends of an open channel, and since no installation work is required to fix the turbine stand to the open channel, the ground, etc., it can be easily installed.

[0021] Furthermore, by mounting the power generating equipment on the turbine base, the equipment becomes an integrated unit, making installation even easier.

[0022] In addition, the turbine stand can be moved upstream or downstream by sliding on rails, and the runner loaded on the turbine stand can be raised and lowered vertically using a lifting device, allowing the runner to move horizontally and vertically and to be moved to a position that provides good power generation efficiency, making this a power generation device with excellent power generation efficiency even in an open channel where the water volume fluctuates greatly.

[0023] Furthermore, if the runner can be moved to a position where it will not rotate due to the water current without being lifted out of the water, the generator will stop, making it possible to inspect and repair the generator without stopping the water flow in the open channel.

[0024] If it were possible to inspect and repair the generator without stopping the water flow in the open channel, inspection and repair could be carried out at any time desired, reducing the burden on the waterway manager.

[0025] Furthermore, if a water guide plate is provided on the upstream side of the runner, the power generating device will have even greater power generation efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the power generating device according to the present invention, viewed from the downstream side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power generating device (with the turbine base on the upstream side) according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the water turbine base of the present invention (runner is on the bottom side). [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the runner of the present invention moving upward on the turbine base. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the water turbine base of the present invention moved downstream. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view (upstream side is on the right) of the power generating device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] The present invention relates to a power generation device 10 comprising a pair of rails 1 installed above both ends of an open channel 20, a turbine stand 2 suspended from the rails, a runner 3 mounted on the turbine stand, a lifting device 6 for the runner 3, and a generator 4 that generates electricity by rotating the runner (Figure 1).

[0028] The width of the open channel 20 is not particularly limited, but a narrow open channel of 1 m to 2 m is preferable.

[0029] The pair of rails 1 may be installed above both ends of the open channel 20, and may be installed on the upper surfaces of both ends, or on foundation structures for fixing the rails to the upper surfaces of both ends.

[0030] The pair of rails 1 may be any type capable of suspending the turbine base 2 and moving it upstream or downstream along the open waterway, but slide rails are preferred.

[0031] A runner 3 is mounted on the turbine base 2 in the present invention. The number of runners loaded may be one, or multiple runners may be loaded and aligned in the width direction of the open channel.

[0032] The runner 3 in the present invention is an open cross-flow turbine. In an open cross-flow turbine, the water cross-flows and flows into the runner, causing it to rotate, while at the same time some of the water overflows the runner, meaning that any foreign matter flowing in from the upstream side is easily swiftly flushed out to the downstream side, making it a power generation device that is less likely to slow down or stop rotation due to foreign matter getting caught in the runner.

[0033] In addition, with an open cross-flow turbine, the turbine is not cased, so foreign matter does not accumulate inside the casing, making it a power generation device that is less likely to have foreign matter accumulate and cause water to overflow from the open channel.

[0034] The open cross-flow turbine is not particularly limited, and may be any known open cross-flow turbine.

[0035] A water turbine stand 2 carrying a runner 3 can slide on rails 1 installed above both ends of an open waterway 20 and move (move laterally) upstream or downstream of the open waterway.

[0036] As a sliding method, rollers may be installed on the water wheel base and fitted with rails to slide, or bearings may be used to slide.

[0037] The distance of the lateral movement is preferably 30 cm to 200 cm. If the distance is less than 30 cm, there is a risk that the runner will not stop rotating due to the influence of the water current even if it is moved downstream, and the effect will not change even if it is moved more than 200 cm.

[0038] The power generating apparatus of the present invention includes a lifting device 6 for vertically lifting the runner 3 . The runner can be moved vertically (longitudinal movement) by a lifting device 6.

[0039] The distance of the vertical movement is preferably 5 cm to 100 cm. If it is less than 5 cm, there is a risk that the runner cannot be moved to a position with good power generation efficiency, and even if it is moved beyond 100 cm, the effect will not change.

[0040] Since the runner 3 in the present invention is capable of moving horizontally and vertically, the runner can be moved manually or automatically to the position with the highest power output while observing the power output, thereby improving power generation efficiency.

[0041] If the influence of the water flow can be reduced by moving the runner 3 downstream and the rotation of the runner 3 can be stopped, the generator 4 can be stopped without having to pull the runner out of the water, making it possible to inspect and repair the generator without stopping the water flow.

[0042] The turbine base 2 and the lifting device 6 may be motorized, manually operated, or both.

[0043] In addition to the runner 3, a generator 4 may be mounted on the turbine base 2. If the generator 4 is mounted on the turbine stand 2, the power generating device becomes an integrated unit, making installation even easier.

[0044] The generator 4 is not particularly limited, and any known generator can be used.

[0045] The power generating device of the present invention may have a width of the runner 3 that is approximately the same as the width of the open channel 20 so that all of the water flow can be utilized, or the width of the runner may be a portion of the width of the open channel so that a portion of the water flow can be utilized by the runner.

[0046] By using a portion of the water flow, a fishway can be created, and foreign objects can be more easily carried downstream and less likely to accumulate, making it more difficult for water to overflow from the open channel.

[0047] Since the power generating device according to the present invention can move the runner to a position where the power generation output is improved, the location of installation is not limited as long as a drop structure is available.

[0048] The drop work is not particularly limited, but a drop of 0.8m to 2m is suitable.

[0049] This is because the power generation efficiency can be further improved.

[0050] When using a drop structure, it is preferable to provide a water guide plate 7 on the upstream side of the runner.

[0051] This is because the power generation efficiency can be further improved.

[0052] The electric power obtained by the power generating device of the present invention can be used for various purposes, such as transmitting the electric power to a power transmission and distribution company network or supplying the electric power to a specific load. EXAMPLES

[0053] (Embodiment) The power generating device 10 according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to one embodiment thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a front view of a power generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the downstream side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power generating device 10, without the wall of the open water channel on the near side.

[0055] The power generating device 10 according to the embodiment has a runner 3 with a width substantially equal to the width of the waterway, so that it is possible to generate power by utilizing the entire amount of water in the open waterway.

[0056] Runner 3 is an open cross-flow turbine (manufactured by Hokuryo Denko Co., Ltd.) in which the turbine blades are not cased.

[0057] A water guide plate 7 is installed on the upstream side of the open cross-flow turbine (Figure 6).

[0058] The runner 3 is mounted on a turbine stand 2, and a generator 4 (manufactured by Sky Electronics Co., Ltd.) is mounted above the turbine stand.

[0059] The turbine stand is equipped with a runner lifting device 6, which allows the runner 3 to be moved to the bottom side (Fig. 3) or upward (Fig. 4).

[0060] The lifting device 6 is a lifting device that can manually move the runner 3 up and down.

[0061] The turbine stand 2 is equipped with rollers 5 which rotate by engaging with a pair of slide rails 1, allowing the turbine stand to be manually moved upstream (Figure 2) or downstream (Figure 5).

[0062] The power output by the generator can be observed visually, and an operator manually moves the turbine stand 2 and the lifting device 6 to fix the runner 3 at the position where the power output is greatest.

[0063] When inspecting or repairing the generator 4, the runner 3 is moved downstream and inspection or repair is performed after confirming that the power generation output has become zero and the generator has stopped. [Industrial Applicability]

[0064] The power generating device of the present invention has an open cross-flow water turbine as its runner, and as the water flows in cross-flowing and rotates the runner, part of the water flow over the runner, making it easy to discharge foreign matter flowing from upstream downstream.Furthermore, since the runner can be moved to a desired position, it has excellent power generating efficiency even when used in an open channel where the water volume changes drastically, and is easy to install.Moreover, since it can be moved to a position where the runner does not rotate without being pulled out of the water, the generator can be inspected and repaired without stopping the water flow, thereby reducing the burden on the waterway manager. Therefore, the present invention has high industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 pair of rails 2. Waterwheel stand 3 Runner (Open Crossflow Turbine) 4. Generator 5 Roller 6 Lifting device 7 Water guide plate 10 Open cross-flow water turbine generator 20 Open Channel

Claims

1. A power generation device to be installed in an open water channel, the power generation device comprising: A power generation device comprising a pair of rails, a turbine frame, a runner, a lifting device, and a generator, the runner being an open cross-flow turbine loaded on the turbine frame, the pair of rails being installed above both ends of an open channel, the turbine frame being capable of moving upstream and downstream of the open channel while suspended from the rails, and the runner being capable of vertically raising and lowering the turbine frame by the lifting device.

2. 2. The power generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the runner can be moved to a position where it is not rotated by the water current without being lifted out of the water.

3. 3. The power generating system according to claim 1, wherein a generator is mounted on the water turbine stand.

4. 3. The power generating system according to claim 1, further comprising a water guide plate on the upstream side of the runner.

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