Hydroelectric power generation unit

Abstract

To provide a hydroelectric power generation unit capable of improving power generation efficiency.SOLUTION: A hydroelectric power generation unit HPU comprises: an open peripheral flow-shaped undershot water turbine 1 that rotates due to a water flow; a power generation unit 2 that generates power by rotating a rotational shaft of the water turbine 1; and a water flow control wall 3 that is arranged on the upstream side of the water flow WF with respect to the water turbine 1, and adjacent to an upper half part of the water turbine 1, so as to intersect with the water flow WF.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hydroelectric power generation devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a hydroelectric power generation system that can be used in a river with a low flow velocity has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The hydroelectric power generation system described in Patent Document 1 comprises an open circumferential water turbine, a power generation device, and a water channel flume for arranging the open circumferential water turbine and the power generation device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] In the hydroelectric power generation system described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, for example, if the water flow passing through the water channel flume increases and the water level rises above the position of the rotation axis of the open circumferential flow water turbine, the water flow hits the blades above the rotation axis, which can impede the rotation of the open circumferential flow water turbine and reduce the power generation efficiency of the power generation device.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a hydroelectric power generation device that can improve power generation efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a hydroelectric power generation device comprising an open circumferential flow undershot water turbine that rotates due to water flow, a power generation section that generates electricity by rotation of the rotating shaft of the water turbine, and a water flow control wall that is positioned upstream of the water turbine in the water flow and adjacent to the upper half of the water turbine, crossing the water flow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a hydroelectric power generation device that can improve power generation efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a side view and a top view of the hydraulic power generating device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power generating device taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power generating device taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a support arm of the hydraulic power generating apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components that constitute the water turbine of the hydroelectric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water turbine of the hydroelectric power generating device taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a water conveying section of the hydroelectric power generating apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation device according to the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a side view and a top view of the hydroelectric power generation device HPU shown in Fig. 1.

[0010] The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment is installed in a waterway such as an irrigation channel or a tailrace channel, and is used for small-scale hydroelectric power generation that generates electricity using the water flow WF that flows through the waterway. An irrigation channel is a waterway constructed to draw water (utility water) for use in agriculture, industry, waterworks, etc., to a location away from a water source such as a river, reservoir, or spring. A tailrace channel is a waterway constructed for drainage, for example.

[0011] Each of the figures, including Figures 1 and 2, shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system having an X-axis parallel to the flow direction of the water flow WF flowing through the water channel, a Y-axis parallel to the width direction of the water channel and the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU, and a Z-axis parallel to the up-down direction of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU. The positive side of the X-axis is the downstream side in the flow direction of the water flow WF, and the negative side of the X-axis is the upstream side in the flow direction of the water flow WF. The flow direction of the water flow WF is, for example, along the maximum radial inclination direction of the bottom surface of the water channel. The Z-axis is inclined with respect to the vertical direction at an angle approximately equal to the inclination angle of the bottom surface of the water channel with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0012] The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU includes, for example, a water turbine 1, a power generation unit 2, and a water flow control wall 3. The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU may further include, for example, a water conveyance unit 4. The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU may further include, for example, a support arm 5.

[0013] The water turbine 1 is, for example, an open circumferential flow undershot water turbine that is not housed in a casing and rotates by a water flow WF flowing below the rotating shaft 1A. The water turbine 1 has, for example, a pair of side plates 11 and a plurality of blades 12 arranged between the pair of side plates 11. The water turbine 1 receives the water flow WF flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water channel with the plurality of blades 12 and rotates around the rotating shaft 1A. There are no particular limitations on the diameter D of the water turbine 1, but it is, for example, 500 mm or more and 1000 mm or less.

[0014] The power generating unit 2 generates electricity by the rotation of the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1. Specifically, the power generating unit 2 includes, for example, a speed increaser, a generator, and a power cable. The speed increaser includes, for example, an input shaft that rotates when power is transmitted from the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1, an output shaft connected to the rotating shaft of the generator, and gears that are connected to the input shaft and the output shaft and rotate the output shaft at a higher rotation speed than the input shaft. The generator generates electricity by, for example, rotating its rotating shaft connected to the output shaft of the speed increaser together with the output shaft of the speed increaser. The power cable is, for example, connected to the generator and transmits the electricity generated by the generator to the outside of the hydroelectric power generating unit HPU.

[0015] The water flow control wall 3 is disposed upstream of the water turbine 1 in the water flow WF and adjacent to the upper half of the water turbine 1, so as to intersect with the water flow WF. Here, the upper half of the water turbine 1 is, for example, the portion above the rotation axis 1A of the water turbine 1. The water flow control wall 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, for example, so that the upper side is located more downstream of the water flow WF than the lower side. In other words, the water flow control wall 3 is inclined with respect to the flow direction and the vertical direction of the water flow WF so that, for example, the front end portion located upstream of the water flow WF is lower than the rear end portion located downstream of the water flow WF.

[0016] The water flow control wall 3 is formed, for example, by a flat plate-like member that is placed at a position lower than the upper end or top of the water turbine 1. Furthermore, the upper or rear end edge 31 of the water flow control wall 3 is provided at a height that faces the tips of the blades 12 that are placed at a position lower than the upper end or top of the water turbine 1 when the water turbine 1 is at a predetermined rotational position, for example. Note that the water flow control wall 3 may be placed along the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU so as to be perpendicular to the flow direction of the water flow WF, or may have a portion that is placed along the flow direction (X-axis direction) of the water flow WF.

[0017] The water flow control wall 3 is, for example, connected to the upper end of the water conveying section 4, supported by the water conveying section 4, and disposed upstream of the upper half of the water turbine 1 in the flow direction of the water flow WF. If the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU does not have a water conveying section 4, the water flow control wall 3 may be supported by a structure such as a pillar fixed to the bottom of the water channel.

[0018] The front part of the water flow control wall 3 located on the upstream side of the water flow WF has, for example, a wedge shape with its tip facing the upstream side of the water flow WF, or a tapered shape whose width decreases toward the upstream side of the water flow WF, corresponding to the shape of the water guide section 4. The rear part of the water flow control wall 3 located on the downstream side of the water flow WF has, for example, a width at the rear edge 31 that is roughly equal to the width of the blades 12, and a tapered shape whose width increases toward the upstream side of the water flow WF, corresponding to the shape of the water guide section 4.

[0019] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 3 does not show the water turbine 1, and Fig. 4 shows only a cross section of the central part in the width direction of the water turbine 1 and the water conveying section 4.

[0020] The water conveying section 4 is disposed upstream of the water turbine 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the direction of the water flow WF and adjacent to the water turbine 1, and forms a water channel HRC that guides the water flow WF to the lower half of the water turbine 1, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Here, the lower half of the water turbine 1 is, for example, the portion below the rotation axis 1A of the water turbine 1.

[0021] The water conveying section 4 has, for example, a pair of side walls 41. The water conveying section 4 may also have, for example, a bottom wall 42 connected to the lower ends of the pair of side walls 41, a power generation chamber 43 at the top of the pair of side walls 41, and a protective fence 44 on the upstream side of the pair of side walls 41 in the flow direction of the water flow WF. The water conveying section 4 may also have, for example, a partition wall 45 that divides the water conduit HRC into upper and lower sections.

[0022] 3, the pair of side walls 41 are inclined with respect to the center line CL of the headrace channel HRC, which is generally parallel to the flow direction of the water flow WF, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water flow WF, for example, so as to approach the center line CL of the headrace channel HRC, which is generally parallel to the flow direction of the water flow WF, thereby gradually reducing the width of the headrace channel HRC. The distance between the pair of side walls 41, i.e., the width of the headrace channel HRC, is generally equal to the width of the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 or the pair of side plates 11 of the water turbine 1 at the rear end edge 41a on the downstream side of the water flow WF.

[0023] As shown in the side view of Fig. 2, each side wall 41 has an arc-shaped rear edge 41a that follows the outer periphery of the water turbine 1 on the downstream side of the water flow WF. As shown in the top view of Fig. 2 and the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3, the width of the headrace channel HRC at the rear edge 41a of the pair of side walls 41 is aligned with the width of the blades 12 of the water turbine 1. In other words, the distance between the pair of side walls 41 is approximately equal to the width of the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 or the width of the pair of side plates 11.

[0024] The bottom wall 42 is a plate-like member arranged at the lower end of the water conduit 4, as shown in the side view of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, for example. As shown in Fig. 3, the bottom wall 42 is connected to the lower end of the protective fence 44 at its front portion located on the upstream side of the water flow WF, and is connected to the lower ends of the pair of side walls 41 at its rear portion located on the downstream side of the water flow WF.

[0025] The front part of the bottom wall 42 has, for example, a wedge shape with its tip facing the upstream side of the water flow WF, or a tapered shape whose width decreases toward the upstream side of the water flow WF, similar to the water flow control wall 3, corresponding to the shape of the water guide section 4. Furthermore, the rear part of the bottom wall 42 has, for example, a tapered shape whose width at the rear end is approximately equal to the width of the blades 12 and whose width increases toward the upstream side of the water flow WF, similar to the water flow control wall 3, corresponding to the shape of the water guide section 4.

[0026] 4, the bottom wall 42 has an inclined surface 42a. The inclined surface 42a is provided below and upstream of the tip of the blade 12 adjacent to the blade 12 on the rear side in the rotation direction RD of the water turbine 1 when the tip of the blade 12 of the water turbine 1 is closest to the bottom wall 42. The inclined surface 42a is inclined so that the downstream side of the water flow WF is higher than the upstream side, and the distance between the bottom wall 42 and the partition wall 45 facing it decreases toward the downstream side.

[0027] The inclined surface 42a of this bottom wall 42 increases the flow velocity of the water flow WF flowing between the blade 12 whose tip is closest to the bottom wall 42 and the adjacent blade 12 on the rear side of that blade 12 in the rotation direction RD of the water turbine 1, thereby increasing the rotational force of the water turbine 1.

[0028] 4, the power generating chamber 43 is provided above the headrace channel HRC formed in the water conveying section 4 and houses the power generating section 2. The power generating chamber 43 has, for example, a peripheral wall connected to the pair of side walls 41 of the water conveying section 4 and the upper part of the protective fence 44 to surround the periphery of the power generating section 2, a bottom wall connected to the lower end of the peripheral wall to separate the power generating chamber 43 from the headrace channel HRC, and an upper wall connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall and facing the bottom wall.

[0029] The upper wall of the generating chamber 43 is formed, for example, by a water flow control wall 3 connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall of the generating chamber 43. Alternatively, the front portion of the peripheral wall of the generating chamber 43, which is disposed upstream of the water flow WF and is generally perpendicular to the water flow WF, may serve as the water flow control wall 3. In this case, the upper wall of the generating chamber 43 may be parallel to the flow direction of the water flow WF. The rear end of the peripheral wall of the generating chamber 43 has a partially cylindrical shape centered on the rotation axis 1A of the water turbine 1, as shown, for example, in the side view of FIG. 2 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4.

[0030] 1 and 2, the protective fence 44 has a width greater than the width of the water turbine 1. When viewed from above, the protective fence 44 has, for example, a wedge shape with its tip facing the upstream side of the water flow WF. In other words, when viewed from above, the protective fence 44 has, for example, a tapered or V-shape whose width decreases toward the upstream side of the water flow WF.

[0031] The upper end of the protective fence 44 is connected, for example, to the lower ends of the bottom wall and peripheral wall of the generating chamber 43, and the lower end of the protective fence 44 is connected to the front end of the bottom wall 42 of the water conduit section 4 located on the upstream side of the water flow WF. In addition, the rear ends of the protective fence 44 located on both ends in the width direction of the protective fence 44 on the downstream side of the water flow WF are connected to the front ends of the pair of side walls 41 of the water conduit section 4 located on the upstream side of the water flow WF.

[0032] The protective fence 44 is provided in a lattice shape with a plurality of slits or openings, for example, as shown in the side views of Figures 1 and 2. The protective fence 44, for example, has a plurality of slits or openings that prevent foreign matter from entering the intake WI of the headrace channel HRC while allowing the water flow WF to pass through, as shown in Figure 3. The intake WI of the headrace channel HRC opens, for example, between a pair of side walls 41 at the upstream end of the headrace channel HRC in the flow direction of the water flow WF. The protective fence 44 is attached, for example, to the intake WI between the pair of side walls 41.

[0033] The bulkheads 45 divide the headrace channel HRC into upper and lower sections, as shown in Fig. 4, for example. The outer edge of the front part of the bulkhead 45 located upstream of the intake WI is connected to, for example, the back surface of the protective fence 44. The side edges of the rear part of the bulkhead 45 located downstream of the intake WI are connected to the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls 41. The water conveying section 4 has, for example, a plurality of bulkheads 45. Each bulkhead 45 is provided, for example, according to the tip position of the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 at a predetermined rotational position.

[0034] Specifically, for example, as shown in Figure 4, the rotational position of the water turbine 1 at which one blade 12 is closest to the bottom wall 42 of the water conduit 4 is defined as the predetermined rotational position of the water turbine 1. For example, when the water turbine 1 is at this predetermined rotational position, each bulkhead 45 is installed so as to be located at the same height as the tip of each blade 12 located upstream of the blade 12 closest to the bottom wall 42 of the water conduit 4 in the water flow WF and downstream of the water conduit HRC. As a result, when the tip of one blade 12 of the multiple blades 12 provided on the water turbine 1 is located at the same height as one bulkhead 45, the tips of the other blades 12 are located at the same height as the other bulkheads 45.

[0035] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU, the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are inclined with respect to the radial direction of the water turbine 1 so that, for example, when the tip of one blade 12 is located at the same height as one bulkhead 45, the blade 12 is parallel to the bulkhead 45. Specifically, for example, when the water turbine 1 is in a predetermined rotation position shown in Fig. 4, each blade 12 of the water turbine 1 is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the water turbine 1 so that one blade 12 having its tip on the downstream side of the water channel HRC is parallel to the bulkhead 45 located at the same height as the tip of that blade 12.

[0036] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the support arm 5 of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU shown in Figure 1. Note that Figure 5 does not show the water conveying section 4 except for the power generating chamber 43. In the example shown in Figure 5, the upper wall of the power generating chamber 43 is generally parallel to the flow direction of the water flow WF, and the front surface of the peripheral wall of the power generating chamber 43 located upstream of the water flow WF forms a water flow control wall 3 that is arranged to intersect with the flow direction of the water flow WF.

[0037] 1 and 2, the support arm 5 extends from the generating chamber 43 provided at the top of the water conveying section 4 to the downstream side of the water flow WF, and rotatably supports the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1 via bearings etc. The support arm 5 has, for example, a metal frame 51, a base cover 52, and an arm cover 53, as shown in FIG.

[0038] The metal frame 51 is, for example, a metal plate-like member having a rectangular U-shape. The power generation unit 2 is fixed to the bottom of the U-shape of the metal frame 51. The metal frame 51 has a pair of arms on both sides of the bottom of the U-shape that extend downstream in the flow direction of the water flow WF along a pair of side plates 11 of the water turbine 1.

[0039] The base cover 52 is fixed to the base of the metal frame 51, which includes, for example, the bottom of the U-shape and the base ends of a pair of arms provided on both sides of the bottom, and covers the base of the metal frame 51 except for the outer surfaces of the pair of arms. The base cover 52 is also connected to the power generating chamber 43, for example, and forms part of the power generating chamber 43 that houses the power generating unit 2.

[0040] The arm cover 53 includes, for example, an inner cover and an outer cover. The inner cover of the arm cover 53 is fixed to the base cover 52 and the arm tip of the metal frame 51, and covers the inner surface of the arm tip of the metal frame 51 that faces the side plate 11 of the water turbine 1. The outer cover is fixed to the base cover 52 and the inner cover, and covers the outer surface of the arm of the metal frame 51.

[0041] The support arm 5 has a built-in power transmission mechanism TM that transmits the power of the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1 to the power generation unit 2. The power transmission mechanism TM includes, for example, a first pulley 54 fixed to the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1, a second pulley 55 fixed to the input shaft of the speed increaser of the power generation unit 2, and a belt 56 or chain stretched across the first pulley 54 and the second pulley 55.

[0042] Hereinafter, components constituting the water turbine 1 and the water conveying section 4 of the hydroelectric power generating unit HPU will be described with reference to Figs.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of components constituting the water turbine 1 of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water turbine 1 of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 2. Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the water conveying section 4 of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU shown in Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 8 omits the illustration of the power generation chamber 43 and water flow control wall 3 provided above the water conveying section 4.

[0044] As described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU includes an open circumferential flow undershot water turbine 1 that rotates due to a water flow WF, and a power generation section 2 that generates electricity by rotation of a rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1. The water turbine 1 has, for example, a pair of side plates 11 and a plurality of blades 12 arranged between the pair of side plates 11. Each side plate 11 has, for example, a central member 111 and a plurality of connecting members 112, as shown in Figure 6.

[0045] The central member 111 is, for example, a regular polygonal or circular plate-shaped member having the same number of vertices as the number of blades 12. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, if the water turbine 1 has 12 blades 12, the central member 111 is a regular dodecagonal plate-shaped member having 12 vertices. Note that the number of blades 12 of the water turbine 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the central member 111 has a polygonal fixing hole 111a at its center, and the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1 is inserted and fixed into this fixing hole 111a.

[0046] Furthermore, the central member 111 has, for example, recesses 111b on its outer peripheral surface for connecting the connecting member 112. The central member 111 has, for example, a plurality of recesses 111b provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of its outer peripheral surface. Each recess 111b is formed, for example, as a groove that straddles a vertex of the regular polygonal central member 111 and extends along two sides adjacent to that vertex. Note that when the central member 111 is circular, the plurality of recesses 111b are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the central member 111.

[0047] The connecting members 112 are, for example, arranged radially around the central member 111 and connected to each other, and are also connected to the outer edge of the central member 111. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, the side plates 11 of the water turbine 1 shown in the side view of Fig. 2 can be assembled by arranging the connecting members 112 radially around the central member 111 and connecting them to each other.

[0048] 2, the side plate 11 has a regular polygonal shape with the same number of vertices as the blades 12. The side plate 11 also has, for example, a regular polygonal central member 111 that is similar in shape to the side plate 11 and has vertex positions that coincide with those of the side plate 11 in the radial direction. The connecting member 112 has, for example, a shape obtained by dividing the annular portion between the outer edges of the side plate 11 and the central member 111 by perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the side plate 11 and the central member 111.

[0049] 6, connecting member 112 has a concave inner edge that corresponds to the vertex of central member 111 and the two sides on either side of it, and the vertex of central member 111 can be fitted into this concave inner edge. Furthermore, connecting member 112 has, for example, on this concave inner edge, a protrusion 112a that corresponds to the shape of recess 111b provided on the outer peripheral surface of central member 111, and connecting member 112 is fixed to the outer edge of central member 111 by fitting protrusion 112a into recess 111b on the outer peripheral surface of central member 111.

[0050] Furthermore, the connecting member 112 has, for example, a convex portion 112b on one side surface along the radial direction of the regular polygonal side plate 11, and a concave portion 112c on the other side surface along the radial direction of the side plate 11. The connecting member 112 has, for example, a plurality of convex portions 112b at equal intervals along one side surface, and a groove-like concave portion 112c along the other side surface that extends from an outer edge having a vertex to near the concave inner edge.

[0051] As a result, for example, the side plate 11 of the water turbine 1 can be assembled in the following procedure. First, as shown in Figure 6, the convex portion 112a of the first connecting member 112 is fitted into the first concave portion 111b of the central member 111. Then, the apex of the central member 111 located in the center of the first concave portion 111b is fitted into the inner edge of the first connecting member 112. Next, the convex portion 112b of the second connecting member 112 is fitted into the concave portion 112c of the first connecting member 112 connected to the outer edge of the central member 111.

[0052] In this state, the second connecting member 112 is slid toward the central member 111, and the convex portion 112a of the second connecting member 112 is fitted into the second concave portion 111b of the central member 111. Thereafter, the third and subsequent connecting members 112 are fitted into adjacent connecting members 112 and the central member 111 in the same manner as the second connecting member 112. In this way, the multiple connecting members 112 are arranged radially around the central member 111 and connected to each other, and also connected to the outer edge of the central member 111, thereby assembling the side panel 11 shown in the side view of FIG. 2.

[0053] The assembly procedure for the side plates 11 described here is an example and is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the connecting member 112 has fixing holes 112d for fixing components that make up the multiple blades 12 of the water turbine 1, as shown in Fig. 6, for example. The components that make up the multiple blades 12 of the water turbine 1 include multiple water receivers 13, as shown in Figs. 5 and 7, for example. Specifically, the water turbine 1 has the same number of water receivers 13 as the blades 12, for example.

[0054] 5 and 7, the multiple water receivers 13 are lined up in the circumferential direction of the water turbine 1 and connected to each other and to a pair of side plates 11. Each water receiver 13 has, for example, a hollow wedge shape, and has a tip 131 located on the inner periphery of the water turbine 1 and a rectangular opening 132 located on the outer periphery of the water turbine 1. The water receiver 13 also has, for example, a pair of side walls 133 facing the pair of side plates 11, a front wall 134 located on the front side of the rotation direction RD of the water turbine 1, and a rear wall 135 located on the rear side of the rotation direction RD of the water turbine 1.

[0055] Tip 131 of water receiver 13 has an acute-angled cross-sectional shape, as shown in Fig. 7, for example, and is disposed around central member 111. Opening 132 of water receiver 13 opens between two adjacent vertices of regular polygonal side plate 11, as shown in Fig. 5, for example. Side wall 133 of water receiver 13 is fixed to the opposing side plate 11 by, for example, screws inserted into fixing holes 112d of connecting members 112 that constitute side plate 11.

[0056] The front wall 134 of the water receiver 13 has a protrusion 134a, for example, as shown in Figure 7. The rear wall 135 of the water receiver 13 has a recess 135a, for example. The protrusion 134a is provided, for example, in the shape of a rail extending in the width direction of the water receiver 13 parallel to the rotation axis 1A of the water turbine 1, and has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape with an expanded tip, as shown in Figure 7. The recess 135a is provided, for example, in the shape of a groove extending in the width direction of the water receiver 13, and has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 134a.

[0057] With water receptacle 13 having the above-described configuration, multiple blades 12 can be assembled, for example, by the following procedure: First, one end of protrusion 134a provided on front wall 134 of second water receptacle 13 is inserted into one end of recess 135a provided on rear wall 135 of first water receptacle 13, and the second water receptacle 13 is slid widthwise relative to the first water receptacle 13.

[0058] As a result, the recess 135a provided on the rear wall 135 of the first water receptacle 13 and the protrusion 134a provided on the front wall 134 of the second water receptacle 13 are fitted together in a state that prevents separation in the rotational direction RD of the water turbine 1. As a result, the rear wall 135 of the first water receptacle 13 and the front wall 134 of the second water receptacle 13, which face each other in the rotational direction RD, are connected together via the recess 135a and the protrusion 134a, which prevent separation in the rotational direction RD of the water turbine 1, and the first blade 12 is assembled.

[0059] Thereafter, the third and subsequent water receivers 13 can be connected to the previous water receiver 13 in the same manner as the second water receiver 13, thereby assembling the plurality of blades 12 shown in Figures 5 and 7. The assembled plurality of blades 12 are, for example, arranged between a pair of side plates 11 and fixed to the pair of side plates 11 by screws inserted into fixing holes 112d of connecting members 112 that form the side plates 11.

[0060] The rotating shaft 1A is then attached to the fixing hole 111a of the central member 111 that constitutes the side plate 11. This completes the assembly of the water turbine 1. Each component that constitutes the water turbine 1 can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing device such as a 3D printer using, for example, a thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin. Each component that constitutes the water turbine 1 can also be manufactured by cutting a metal material or by casting, for example.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 8, the water conducting section 4 is composed of multiple parts, including, for example, an upper section 4U and a lower section 4D. The upper section 4U includes, for example, a first upper section 4U1 and a second upper section 4U2. The lower section 4D includes, for example, a first lower section 4D1, a second lower section 4D2, and a third lower section 4D3. Each part of the water conducting section 4 can be manufactured by an additive manufacturing device such as a 3D printer using, for example, a thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin. Alternatively, each part of the water conducting section 4 may be manufactured by, for example, casting, molding, or cutting.

[0062] The water guide section 4 can be assembled, for example, by the following procedure. First, the second upper section 4U2 is fixed to the first upper section 4U1 with screws to assemble the upper section 4U. Next, the second lower section 4D2 is fixed to the first lower section 4D1 with screws, and the third lower section 4D3 is fixed to the second lower section 4D2 with screws to assemble the lower section 4D.

[0063] Next, upper section 4U is fixed to lower section 4D with screws, with the protrusion on the top surface of lower section 4D hooked into the recess on the bottom surface of upper section 4U. After that, generating chamber 43 is fixed to the top of upper section 4U with screws, with the protrusion on the top surface of upper section 4U hooked into the recess on the bottom surface of generating chamber 43 shown in Figure 1. In this way, the water conveying section 4 shown in Figure 1 can be assembled.

[0064] The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU is installed in the waterway, for example, by fastening a metal plate disposed below the bottom wall 42 of the water conveying section 4 to the bottom wall 42 with fastening members such as bolts. The metal plate may be fixed to the bottom of the waterway with, for example, piles. The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU may also be installed in the waterway without using a metal plate, for example, by driving piles around the periphery of the water conveying section 4. A plurality of hydroelectric power generation units HPU may also be installed side by side in the width direction of the waterway. In this case, each hydroelectric power generation unit HPU may be installed with a predetermined interval between adjacent hydroelectric power generation units HPU.

[0065] The operation of the hydroelectric power generating unit HPU of this embodiment will be described below in comparison with a conventional hydroelectric power generating system.

[0066] The hydroelectric power generation system described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 includes an open circumferential flow water turbine, a power generation device, and a water channel flume for mounting the open circumferential flow water turbine and the power generation device. It is used in a river with a low flow rate. In this conventional hydroelectric power generation system, for example, if the water flow passing through the water channel flume increases and the water level rises above the position of the rotation axis of the open circumferential flow water turbine, the water flow hits the blades above the rotation axis. As a result, the rotation of the open circumferential flow water turbine may be hindered, potentially reducing the power generation efficiency of the power generation device.

[0067] In contrast, the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment includes an open circumferential flow undershot water turbine 1 that rotates due to the water flow WF, and a power generation unit 2 that generates electricity by the rotation of the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1. The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU also includes a water flow control wall 3 that is disposed upstream of the water turbine 1 in the water flow WF and adjacent to the upper half of the water turbine 1, so as to intersect with the water flow WF.

[0068] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 4, when the water level of the water flow WF flowing through the water channel rises and becomes higher than the rotation axis 1A of the water turbine 1, the water flow WF is blocked by the water flow control wall 3 arranged upstream of the upper half of the water turbine 1 so as to intersect with the water flow WF. As a result, the water flow control wall 3 reduces the water flow WF hitting the blades 12 in the upper half of the water turbine 1, and suppresses the rotational force acting on the water turbine 1 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction RD for power generation. Therefore, the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment can rotate the water turbine 1 more efficiently than conventional hydroelectric power generation systems, improving power generation efficiency.

[0069] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the water flow control wall 3 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the upper side is located further downstream of the water flow WF than the lower side.

[0070] With this configuration, the water flow WF blocked by the water flow control wall 3 can be made to rise along the slope of the water flow control wall 3 by utilizing the momentum of the water flow WF flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side of the waterway, and can be made to fall or flow down from the rear end edge 31 of the water flow control wall 3 located downstream of the water flow WF. This allows the water flow WF to be introduced onto the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 adjacent to the downstream side of the rear end edge 31 of the water flow control wall 3, causing a downward force to act on the blades 12, thereby increasing the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation.

[0071] In addition, the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment further includes a water conveying section 4 that is positioned upstream of the water turbine 1 in the water flow WF and adjacent to the water turbine 1, and forms a water conduit HRC that guides the water flow WF to the lower half of the water turbine 1.

[0072] With this configuration, the water flow WF that strikes the blades 12 in the upper half of the water turbine 1 is blocked by the water flow control wall 3, while the water conduit HRC of the water guide section 4 guides the water flow WF to the lower half of the water turbine 1, where it strikes the blades 12 in the lower half of the water turbine 1. This increases the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for generating electricity, allowing the water turbine 1 to rotate more efficiently and improving power generation efficiency.

[0073] In the hydroelectric power generating unit HPU of this embodiment, the water conveying section 4 has a partition wall 45 that divides the water channel HRC into upper and lower sections.

[0074] With this configuration, even when the water level of the water flow WF flowing through the water channel is low, the water flow WF flowing through the headrace channel HRC can be guided below the partition wall 45 to increase the flow velocity, and the water flow WF can be directed to the blades 12 in the lower half of the water turbine 1 at a lower position in the headrace channel HRC. This increases the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation, making it possible to rotate the water turbine 1 more efficiently and improving power generation efficiency.

[0075] In addition, in the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are inclined with respect to the radial direction of the water turbine 1 so that they are parallel to the partition wall 45 when the tips of the blades 12 are positioned at the same height as the partition wall 45.

[0076] With this configuration, as shown in Figure 4, the water flow WF flowing along the partition wall 45 can be efficiently introduced between the blade 12 parallel to the partition wall 45 and the blades 12 located above and below that blade 12. This increases the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation, allowing the water turbine 1 to rotate more efficiently and improving power generation efficiency. In addition, by tilting the blades 12, more of the water flow WF dropping or flowing down from the rear end edge 31 of the water flow control wall 3 can be stored between the blades 12 in the upper half of the water turbine 1, increasing the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation.

[0077] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the water conveying section 4 has a plurality of partition walls 45. When the tip of one of the plurality of blades 12 provided on the water turbine 1 is located at the same height as one of the partition walls 45, the tips of the other blades 12 are located at the same height as the other partition walls 45.

[0078] With this configuration, when the water level of the water flow WF rises, the flow velocity of the water flow WF flowing through the water conduit HRC can be increased by the multiple partition walls 45. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the water flow WF flowing along each partition wall 45 can be efficiently introduced between the blade 12 whose tip is located at the same height as each partition wall 45 and the blades 12 above and below it. This further increases the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation, making it possible to rotate the water turbine 1 more efficiently and further improve power generation efficiency. Furthermore, the water conveying section 4 has multiple partition walls 45, which can improve the mechanical strength of the water conveying section 4.

[0079] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the water conveying section 4 has a pair of side walls 41 that gradually reduce the width of the water channel HRC from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water flow WF.

[0080] This configuration increases the flow velocity of the water flow WF downstream of the headrace channel HRC and makes it hit the blades 12 in the lower half of the water turbine 1. This further increases the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for generating electricity, making it possible to rotate the water turbine 1 more efficiently and further improving power generation efficiency. Furthermore, when the water conveying section 4 has a partition wall 45, the pair of side walls 41 that gradually reduce the width of the headrace channel HRC have a synergistic effect with the partition wall 45, thereby further increasing the flow velocity of the water flow WF and further improving the power generation efficiency of the water turbine 1.

[0081] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the pair of side walls 41 of the water conveying section 4 have arc-shaped rear end edges 41a that follow the outer periphery of the water turbine 1 on the downstream side of the water flow WF. At the rear end edges 41a of the pair of side walls 41 of the water conveying section 4, the width of the water channel HRC is aligned with the width of the water turbine 1.

[0082] With this configuration, the entire water flow WF, whose flow velocity has increased between the pair of side walls 41 that gradually reduce the width of the water channel HRC, can be guided from the rear end edges 41a of the pair of side walls 41 to the blades 12 in the lower half of the water turbine 1, further increasing the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation. In addition, the gap between the outer peripheral edge of the side plate 11 of the water turbine 1 and the rear end edges 41a of the side walls 41 of the water conveying section 4 is reduced, preventing the water flow WF from leaking from that gap. This allows the water turbine 1 to rotate more efficiently, further improving power generation efficiency.

[0083] 2 and the cross-sectional view of Fig. 3, the step in the width direction of the water turbine 1 formed between the rear end edges 41a of the pair of side walls 41 of the water conduit section 4 and the pair of side plates 11 of the water turbine 1 is reduced, and the outer surfaces of the pair of side walls 41 and the pair of side plates 11 can be arranged on approximately the same plane. Furthermore, the width of the pair of side walls 41 of the water conduit section 4 is wider than the width of the water turbine 1 on the upstream side of the rear end edges 41a. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as grass and twigs carried by the water current WF from becoming entangled in the water turbine 1.

[0084] The hydroelectric power generating unit HPU of this embodiment further includes a support arm 5 that extends from the water conveying section 4 to the downstream side of the water flow WF and supports the rotary shaft 1A of the water turbine 1 so that it can rotate freely.

[0085] With this configuration, the support arm 5 can be positioned along the water flow WF, as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, even if the water level of the water flow WF rises and the support arm 5 is submerged, the resistance to the water flow WF is reduced, and foreign objects such as grass and twigs carried along by the water flow WF can be prevented from becoming entangled in the support arm 5.

[0086] Furthermore, the pair of support arms 5 have their front ends located upstream of the water flow WF connected to the water guide section 4 at positions adjacent to the rear edges 41a of the pair of side walls 41. The width of the pair of support arms 5 is smaller than the width of the pair of side walls 41 of the water guide section 4 located upstream of the front ends of the pair of support arms 5. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent foreign matter from becoming entangled in the support arms 5.

[0087] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the water conveying section 4 has a power generating chamber 43 above the water channel HRC that houses the power generating section 2. The support arm 5 incorporates a power transmission mechanism TM that transmits the power of the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1 to the power generating section 2.

[0088] With this configuration, the power generating unit 2 can be positioned upstream of the water turbine 1, allowing the overall shape of the hydroelectric power generating unit HPU to be closer to a streamlined shape, thereby reducing the resistance of the hydroelectric power generating unit to the water flow WF. In addition, because the power transmission mechanism TM is built into the support arm 5, foreign objects such as grass and twigs will not become entangled in the power transmission mechanism TM even if the water level of the water flow WF rises and becomes higher than the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1.

[0089] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the water conveying section 4 further includes a protective fence 44 that is wider than the turbine 1 and that allows the water flow WF to pass through while preventing foreign matter from entering the water intake WI, which opens between a pair of side walls 41 at the upstream end of the water conduit HRC. When viewed from above, this protective fence 44 has a wedge shape with its tip facing upstream of the water flow WF.

[0090] With this configuration, not only can the protective fence 44 prevent foreign objects from entering the intake WI of the water conduit HRC, but foreign objects such as grass and twigs flowing from the upstream side of the water flow WF can also be deflected to the side by the wedge-shaped protective fence 44, with its tip facing the upstream side of the water flow WF. This prevents foreign objects from getting caught on the protective fence 44, ensures the amount of water in the water flow WF passing through the protective fence 44, and prevents a decrease in the rotational force of the water turbine 1.

[0091] Moreover, in the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the water turbine 1 has a pair of side plates 11 and a plurality of blades 12 arranged between the pair of side plates 11. The side plates 11 also have a central member 111 fixed to the rotating shaft 1A, and a plurality of connecting members 112 arranged radially around the central member 111, connected to each other, and connected to the outer edge of the central member 111. Furthermore, the plurality of blades 12 are composed of a plurality of water receivers 13 that are arranged circumferentially of the water turbine 1, connected to each other, and connected to the pair of side plates 11.

[0092] This configuration allows the water turbine 1 to be disassembled and assembled, reducing costs for manufacturing, transportation, etc. Furthermore, the central member 111, connecting members 112, water receiver 13, and other components that make up the water turbine 1 can be produced using a small 3D printer, making it possible to produce the water turbine 1 locally. Furthermore, if the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU has a water conveying section 4, the same effect can be achieved by configuring the water conveying section 4 from multiple components, as shown in Figure 8, for example.

[0093] In addition, since the water turbine 1 has flat side panels 11 on both sides of the multiple blades 12, the resistance of the water turbine 1 to the water flow WF is reduced, preventing grass, twigs, etc. from getting caught, and preventing damage to the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU.

[0094] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a hydroelectric power generating unit HPU that can improve power generation efficiency.

[0095] The hydroelectric power generation system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the hydroelectric power generation system HPU described in the above-described embodiment 1. For example, the hydroelectric power generation system HPU does not have to have the water flow control wall 3 and the water conveying section 4. In this case, the power generation chamber 43 that houses the power generation section 2 can be supported on the waterway by, for example, supports.

[0096] In this case, the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU includes an open circumferential flow undershot water turbine 1 that rotates due to the water flow, and a power generation unit 2 that generates electricity by the rotation of a rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1. As shown in Figure 4, the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are inclined with respect to the radial direction of the water turbine 1 so as to extend in the tangential direction of the rotation circle of the base ends 12a toward the upstream side of the water flow WF when the base ends 12a of the blades 12 are in the lowest position.

[0097] With this configuration, for example, compared to when the water turbine 1 has blades 12 parallel to the radial direction, it is possible to efficiently introduce water flow WF between the blades 12 located in the lower half of the water turbine 1, thereby increasing the rotational force of the water turbine 1 in the rotation direction RD for power generation. Therefore, compared to when the water turbine 1 has blades 12 parallel to the radial direction, it is possible to rotate the water turbine 1 more efficiently and improve power generation efficiency.

[0098] Furthermore, if the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU does not have the water flow control wall 3 and the water conveying section 4, it can have the following configuration. The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU includes an open circumferential flow undershot water turbine 1 that rotates due to the water flow, and a power generation section 2 that generates electricity by rotation of the rotating shaft 1A of the water turbine 1. The water turbine has a pair of side plates 11 and a plurality of blades 12 arranged between the pair of side plates 11. The side plates 11 have a central member 111 fixed to the rotating shaft 1A, and a plurality of connecting members 112 that are arranged radially around the central member 111 and connected to each other and to the outer edge of the central member 111. The plurality of blades 12 are composed of a plurality of water receivers 13 that are arranged circumferentially of the water turbine 1, connected to each other, and connected to the pair of side plates 11.

[0099] With this configuration, the pair of side plates 11 of the water turbine 1 can make the side of the water turbine 1 flat and smooth, reducing the resistance of the water turbine 1 to the water flow WF and improving rotational efficiency, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU. Furthermore, grass, twigs, and the like are prevented from getting caught on the water turbine 1, preventing a decrease in the rotational efficiency of the water turbine 1 and improving the rotational efficiency of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU. In addition, the water flow WF is received without escape by the multiple water receivers 13 arranged between the pair of side plates 11 of the water turbine 1 and comprising the multiple blades 12, improving the rotational efficiency of the water turbine 1 and improving the power generation efficiency of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU.

[0100] Furthermore, by configuring the water turbine 1 from multiple parts, it is possible to disassemble and assemble the water turbine 1, thereby reducing costs for manufacturing, transportation, etc. Furthermore, the parts that configure the water turbine 1, such as the central member 111, connecting members 112, and water receiver 13, can be produced using a small 3D printer. This makes it possible to produce the water turbine 1 locally. Furthermore, if the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU has a water conveying section 4, the same effect can be achieved by configuring the water conveying section 4 from multiple parts, for example, as shown in Figure 8.

[0101] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment of the hydroelectric power generating device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the second embodiment of the hydroelectric power generating device according to the present disclosure.

[0102] The hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment differs from the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of the previously described first embodiment in that the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are parallel to the radial direction of the water turbine 1. The other configurations of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment are similar to those of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of the previously described first embodiment, and therefore similar parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] In the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of this embodiment, the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are parallel to the radial direction of the water turbine 1. Therefore, when the tips of the blades 12 are located at the same height as the partition wall 45, the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are inclined with respect to the partition wall 45. Therefore, the efficiency of introducing the water flow WF between the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 is slightly lower than when the blades 12 of the water turbine 1 are inclined so as to be parallel to the partition wall 45, as in the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU of embodiment 1.

[0104] However, other configurations of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU according to this embodiment are the same as those of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU according to the above-described first embodiment. Therefore, the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU according to this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the hydroelectric power generation unit HPU according to the above-described first embodiment. In other words, like the above-described first embodiment, the present embodiment can also provide a hydroelectric power generation unit HPU that can improve power generation efficiency.

[0105] The above is a detailed description of an embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present disclosure. However, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Various modifications, substitutions, and the like can be applied to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Waterwheel 11 Side panel 111 Central member 112 Connecting member 12 Feathers 12a Proximal end 13 Water receiver 1A Rotating shaft 2 Power Generation Department 3. Water flow control wall 4 Water conveyance section 41 Side wall 41a Rear edge 43 Power Generation Room 44 Protective fence 45 Bulkhead 5 Support Arm HPU Hydroelectric Power Unit HRC Waterway TM power transmission mechanism WF water flow WI water intake [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0107] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5865572

Claims

1. An open-flow undershot waterwheel that rotates with the water flow, a power generation unit that generates electricity by rotation of the rotary shaft of the water turbine; a water flow control wall disposed upstream of the water turbine in the water flow and adjacent to an upper half of the water turbine so as to intersect with the water flow, Hydroelectric power generation equipment.

2. The water flow control wall is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the upper side is located downstream of the water flow relative to the lower side. The hydroelectric power generating device according to claim 1 .

3. The water turbine further includes a water guide section that is disposed upstream of the water flow from the water turbine and adjacent to the water turbine, and that forms a water guide channel that guides the water flow to a lower half of the water turbine. The hydroelectric power generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The water guide portion has a partition wall that divides the water guide channel into upper and lower sections. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 3.

5. The blades of the water turbine are inclined with respect to the radial direction of the water turbine so as to be parallel to the partition wall when the tip of the blade is positioned at the same height as the partition wall. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 4.

6. The water guide portion has a plurality of the partition walls, When a tip of one of the plurality of blades provided on the water turbine is positioned at the same height as one of the partition walls, the tip of another of the blades is positioned at the same height as another of the partition walls. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 4.

7. The water guide portion has a pair of side walls that gradually reduce the width of the water guide channel from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water flow. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 3.

8. The pair of side walls have an arc-shaped rear end edge on the downstream side that follows the outer circumferential edge of the water turbine, The width of the water channel at the rear end edge is aligned with the width of the water turbine.

8. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 7.

9. The water turbine further includes a support arm extending from the water conveying section to the downstream side of the water flow and rotatably supporting a rotation shaft of the water turbine. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 3.

10. the water conveying section has a power generating chamber above the water conveying channel that houses the power generating section, The support arm has a built-in power transmission mechanism that transmits power from the rotating shaft of the water turbine to the power generation unit.

10. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 9.

11. The water conveying section further includes a protective fence that is wider than the water turbine and that allows the water flow to pass while preventing foreign matter from entering an intake opening that opens between the pair of side walls at the upstream end of the water channel, The protective fence has a wedge shape with its tip facing the upstream side of the water flow when viewed from above.

8. The hydroelectric generating device according to claim 7.

12. The water turbine has a pair of side plates and a plurality of blades arranged between the pair of side plates, the side plates each include a central member fixed to the rotation shaft, and a plurality of connecting members radially arranged around the central member, connected to each other, and connected to an outer edge of the central member; The plurality of blades are arranged in the circumferential direction of the water turbine, and are connected to each other and to a pair of the side plates. The hydroelectric power generating device according to claim 1 .

13. An open-flow undershot waterwheel that rotates with the water flow, a power generation unit that generates electricity by rotation of the rotary shaft of the water turbine, The blades of the water turbine are inclined with respect to the radial direction of the water turbine so as to extend in a tangential direction of a rotation circle of the base end portion toward the upstream side of the water flow when the base end portion of the blade is at its lowest position. Hydroelectric power generation equipment.

14. An open-flow undershot waterwheel that rotates with the water flow, a power generation unit that generates electricity by rotation of the rotary shaft of the water turbine, The water turbine has a pair of side plates and a plurality of blades arranged between the pair of side plates, the side plates each include a central member fixed to the rotation shaft, and a plurality of connecting members radially arranged around the central member, connected to each other, and connected to an outer edge of the central member; The plurality of blades are arranged in the circumferential direction of the water turbine, and are connected to each other and to a pair of the side plates. Hydroelectric power generation equipment.

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