Simple water-response control system

Abstract

This invention provides a simple water-response control system that, with a simple configuration, can increase the water intake within the permitted intake volume while exceeding the intake volume when the opening is fixed. [Solution] The simplified water-response control system 1 comprises an opening / closing degree adjustment unit 10 for adjusting the opening / closing degree of an intake gate 100 installed at the intake connecting the river and the intake channel in an intake channel for introducing water for hydroelectric power generation from a river to a hydroelectric power plant, a water level gauge 20 for detecting the water level in the intake channel, a control unit 30 for controlling the opening / closing degree adjustment unit 10, and a power supply panel 40 for supplying power to the opening / closing degree adjustment unit 10. The control unit 30 is configured to perform simplified water-response control, controlling the opening / closing degree adjustment unit 10 in stages based only on the water level detected by the water level gauge 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system for adjusting the opening degree of an intake gate provided at an intake for introducing water for hydroelectric power generation from a river to a hydroelectric power plant in an intake channel.

Background Art

[0002] In the intake dam of a hydroelectric power plant, it is common to perform water intake by a response water control method that adjusts the water intake according to the increase and decrease of the flowing water in the river. A general response water control device obtains the dam water level and the water channel water level and is configured to take in as much water as possible within the range that does not exceed the allowable water intake.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-57513 (Patent Document 1) aims to provide a water tank level adjustment device for a hydroelectric power plant that can generate electricity even when the inflow rate into the water tank is small and can effectively utilize water. When the water level of the water tank obtained by the water level acquisition unit of the water tank level adjustment unit reaches the response water start-up water level, the supply amount of water to the waterwheel is adjusted to the supply amount corresponding to the minimum output value of the generator over a certain period of time. When it is determined by the monitoring unit that the water level of the water tank has not risen after a certain period of time, the supply amount of water to the waterwheel is maintained at the supply amount corresponding to the minimum output value. When it is determined by the monitoring unit that the water level of the water tank has risen after a certain period of time, the inflow amount calculation unit calculates the inflow amount of water into the water tank, and the supply amount of water to the waterwheel is adjusted to be equal to the inflow amount. A water tank level adjustment device is described.

[0004] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-173425 (Patent Document 2) describes a water intake device that includes a first water level gauge for detecting the water level upstream of the intake gate, a second water level gauge for detecting the water level in the water conduit located downstream of the intake gate, an intake gate control device for controlling the opening degree of the intake gate based on the outputs of the first and second water level gauges, an excess intake prevention gate installed in the water conduit downstream of the second water level gauge, and an excess intake prevention gate control device for controlling the opening degree of the excess intake prevention gate based on the output of the second water level gauge. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-324720 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-173425 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, conventional water level control systems have complex control methods and high equipment costs, as they require calculating the average water level, taking into account fluctuations in the water surface, in order to maintain a constant water level in dams and waterways.

[0007] In mountainous areas where river flow is low throughout the year, some facilities keep their intake gates at a constant opening because upgrading to a water intake system that responds to water levels, as described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, would be prohibitively expensive. When the gates are kept at a constant opening, the opening is set so that the permitted amount of water taken out is not exceeded even when the river floods. Therefore, when the water level is relatively low, this valuable resource of natural energy for hydroelectric power generation cannot be effectively utilized.

[0008] Furthermore, in mountainous areas, sediment and rocks often flow into intake dams due to prolonged rain or torrential downpours. At power plants where it is not possible to upgrade to a water intake system, manual operations such as completely closing the intake gates and removing sediment from the sediment discharge gates are carried out even during continuous rainfall to prevent these sediments from accumulating on the dam walls or flowing into the power generation equipment. As a result, there are concerns about a shortage of experienced operators due to aging and other factors, as well as disasters specific to the location of intake dams.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a simple water-response control system that has a simple configuration and can take more water than in the case of a fixed opening, while staying within the permitted water intake limit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The simplified water-response control system according to the present invention comprises an opening / closing adjustment unit for adjusting the degree of opening and closing of an intake gate installed at the intake connecting the river and the intake channel in an intake channel for introducing water for hydroelectric power generation from a river to a hydroelectric power plant, a water level gauge for detecting the water level in the intake channel, and a control unit for controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform simplified water-response control by controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit in stages based only on the water level of the water level gauge.

[0011] In the simplified water level control system of the present invention, only the water level in the water intake channel is controlled, while the dam water level is not controlled. Furthermore, by adjusting the degree of opening and closing of the intake gate in stages rather than continuously, water level detection and control can be performed with a simple configuration.

[0012] In this way, a simple water-response control system can be provided that, with a simple configuration, allows for a higher water intake than in the case of a fixed opening, while remaining within the permitted water intake limit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall structure of a simplified water-response control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a simplified water-response control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the control-related processes of a simplified water-response control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically illustrates the opening degree of the intake gate in each process of a simplified water-response control system according to one embodiment, showing the cases when the intake channel is at (A) a low water level, (B) a medium water level, and (C) a high water level. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows examples of the opening degree of the water intake gate and the water level in the water intake channel, with (A) the case of a simple water-response control system, (B) the case of a conventional water-response system, and (C) the case of a fixed opening degree. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the emergency operation steps of a simplified water-response control system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the display screen of the monitoring display unit of a simplified water-response control system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following describes in detail the simplified water-response control system of the present invention, including specific examples. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the invention.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the simplified water-response control system 1 according to the present invention includes, in an intake channel 300 for introducing water for hydroelectric power generation from a river to a hydroelectric power plant in the direction of arrow W, an opening degree adjustment unit 10 for adjusting the opening degree of an intake gate 110 provided at an intake port 301 connecting the river and the intake channel 300, a water level gauge 20 for detecting the water level in the intake channel 300, a control unit 30 for controlling the opening degree adjustment unit 10, a power supply unit 40 for supplying power to the opening degree adjustment unit 10, an opening degree gauge 50 for detecting the opening degree of the intake gate 100, and a monitoring display unit 60.

[0016] The intake channel 300 may be provided with a sand discharge gate 120 separately from the intake gate 110. The intake gate 110 may be operated by the existing operation panel 100 separately from the simple water response control system 1. The sand discharge gate 120 is operated by the existing operation panel 100. The existing operation panel 100 includes, as an example, a power circuit 111 of the intake gate 110, a control circuit 112 for controlling the power circuit 111, a power circuit 121 of the sand discharge gate 120, and a control circuit 122 for controlling the power circuit 121.

[0017] The opening degree adjustment unit 10 of the intake gate 110 includes a power circuit 11 connected to the control unit 30, a hoisting auxiliary device (electric assist) 12 connected to the power circuit 11, a hoisting machine 13, and a connection joint 14 connecting the hoisting machine 13 and the intake gate 110. The intake gate 110 can be opened and closed, as an example, between a fully open state where it is opened from the bottom surface of the intake channel 300 to a height L1 equal to the dam crest, and a fixed opening state where it is opened to a height D from the bottom surface of the intake channel 300, or between a fully closed state where it is closed to the bottom surface of the intake channel 300.

[0018] The water level gauge 20 detects the water level in the intake channel 300 and transmits the detected water level information to the control unit 30. A known water level gauge can be used as the water level gauge 20. Also, the water level gauge 20 does not necessarily have to be a water level gauge dedicated to the simple water response control system 1, and it may be an existing water level gauge of the intake channel 300.

[0019] The control unit 30 includes, as an example, a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0020] The power supply unit 40 includes a main battery 41, a sub - battery 42, a charger 43 for charging the main battery 41 and the sub - battery 42, and a solar panel 44 connected to the charger 43. The main battery 41 and the sub - battery 42 supply power to the power circuit 11 of the opening degree adjustment unit 10 of the simple water response control system 1.

[0021] The opening meter 50, as an example, detects the opening degree of the intake gate 110 by a proximity switch and transmits information to the control unit 30.

[0022] The monitoring display unit 60 includes a monitoring device 61 located within the facility where the water intake gate 110 is located, and a remote control monitoring device 62 located outside the facility where the water intake gate 110 is located. The monitoring device 61 and the remote control monitoring device 62 include an input unit such as a touch panel for the user to input information, a display unit to display information, a communication unit for communication, and a storage unit, and communicate with the control unit 30 by wire or wireless to send and receive information. The monitoring device 61 and the remote control monitoring device 62 may be, for example, portable tablets. The storage units of the monitoring device 61 and the remote control monitoring device 62 are configured to store the water level detected by the water level gauge 20 and / or the operating status of the opening / closing adjustment unit 10. The display units of the monitoring device 61 and the remote control monitoring device 62 are configured, for example, to display the names and / or descriptions of the equipment provided by the simple water-response control system 1 and the water level and / or operating status stored in the storage unit on the display screen of a tablet.

[0023] Next, the simplified water-response control of the simplified water-response control system 1 will be explained using Figures 3 to 5.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, in step S101, the control unit 30 determines whether the water level in the intake channel 300 detected by the water level gauge 20 is above the set water level. When the river flow rate increases, the water level in the intake channel 300 rises and the amount of water taken in increases, as shown by time T1 in Figure 5(A), until the water level in the intake channel 300 reaches the same height L1 as the dam crest. When the water level in the intake channel 300 reaches the same height L1 as the dam crest, the amount of water taken in becomes the permitted amount of water taken in (the upper limit of the amount of water that can be taken in). The set water level L1' is set higher than the fixed opening degree D and lower than the same height L1 as the dam crest. The intake gate 110 remains fully open as shown in Figure 4(A) until the water level in the intake channel 300 reaches the set water level L1'.

[0025] If the river water level rises further, for example to height L2 (Figure 4), the water level in the intake channel 300 will also rise further. When the water level in the intake channel reaches the set water level L1', in step S102 the control unit 30 controls the opening / closing adjustment unit 10 to perform a closing operation. The intake gate 110 is closed to a predetermined opening as shown in Figure 4(B), and the water level in the intake channel 300 drops once as shown in time T1 to T2 in Figure 5(A).

[0026] In step S103, the control unit 30 determines whether the opening of the intake gate 110 detected by the opening meter 50 is fixed (Figure 4(C)) or fully closed. If the intake gate 110 is fixed or fully closed, the control unit 30 terminates the simplified water response control. If the opening of the intake gate 110 is not fixed or fully closed, the process returns to step S101.

[0027] If the intake gate 110 is not fixed open or fully closed, as the river water level rises, the water level in the intake channel 300, which had initially dropped, will also start to rise again, as shown in Figure 5(A) at times T1 to T2. When the water level in the intake channel 300 reaches the set water level L' again, in step S102 the control unit 30 controls the opening / closing adjustment unit 10 to perform a closing operation. The intake gate 110 is closed to a predetermined opening, and the water level in the intake channel 300 drops once, as shown in Figure 5(A) at times T2 to T3.

[0028] If the intake gate 110 is not yet at a fixed opening or fully closed, as the river water level rises, the water level in the intake channel 300, which had previously dropped, will also begin to rise again, as shown in Figure 5(A) during times T2-T3. When the water level in the intake channel 300 reaches the set water level L' again, in step S102 the control unit 30 controls the opening / closing adjustment unit 10 to perform a closing operation.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4(C), when the intake gate 110 is fixed open, even if the river water level rises further and reaches, for example, the flood water level L3, the water level in the intake channel 300 will not rise, as shown from time T3 onwards in Figure 5(A). Also, when the intake gate 110 is fully closed, water intake stops, and the water level in the intake channel 300 gradually decreases.

[0030] Thus, in the simplified water-response control of the simplified water-response control system 1, the water level gauge 20 is used to compare the water level in the intake channel 300 with only one set water level L' and open or close the intake gate 110.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5(B), in conventional water level control, when the river water level rises and the water level in the intake channel 300 also rises, the opening of the intake gate 110 is continuously adjusted. By doing so, the water level in the intake channel 300 can be kept closer to the permitted intake amount. However, controlling the opening of the intake gate 110 in this way requires a complex control method, such as calculating the average water level that takes into account the rise and fall of the water surface, and the equipment costs are high.

[0032] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(C), with a fixed-opening intake gate, as the river water level rises, the water level in the intake channel 300 increases monotonically to a predetermined level. This allows the amount of water taken in to be kept within the permitted intake limit with a simple configuration. However, when the water level is relatively low, the valuable natural energy resource for hydroelectric power generation cannot be effectively utilized.

[0033] In contrast, the simplified water-response control of the present invention allows for a simple control method in which the water intake gate 110 is opened and closed by comparing the water level in the intake channel 300 with only one set water level L'. Compared to the case with a fixed opening, the amount of water taken in can be increased by the difference between the amount of water taken in Figure 5(A) and the amount of water taken in Figure 5(C).

[0034] In this way, a simple water-response control system 1 can be provided that has a simple configuration, allows for a larger water intake than in the case of a fixed opening, and is within the permitted water intake limit.

[0035] Next, we will explain the emergency control in the event of low battery levels. If the battery level drops while the intake gate 110 is open greater than the fixed opening D, and the intake gate 110 becomes unable to be opened or closed, depending on the river water level, the amount of water taken in may exceed the permitted intake amount.

[0036] Therefore, it is preferable that the simplified water-responsive control system 1 has a redundant structure consisting of a primary battery 41 and a secondary battery 42, and that each is configured to be charged independently. Normally, the primary battery 41 is used to control the opening and closing of the water intake gate 110, and only when the primary battery 41 is unable to control the water intake gate 110 is the secondary battery 42 used for control. It is preferable that the secondary battery 42 is used only when closing the water intake gate 110 in an emergency when the primary battery 41 cannot control it.

[0037] When the primary battery 41 and auxiliary battery 42 are lithium batteries, use within a temperature range of 0 to 35°C is recommended. Therefore, if the operating temperature falls outside the recommended range, it is preferable to close the water intake gate 110 to a fixed opening.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, in step S201, the control unit 30 determines whether the operating temperature of the primary battery 41 and the auxiliary battery 42 is within the recommended operating temperature range for the batteries. If it is within the recommended operating temperature range, the process proceeds to step S202. If it is not within the recommended operating temperature range, the process proceeds to step S203, where the primary battery 41 is controlled to close the water intake gate 110 to a fixed opening.

[0039] In step 202, the positive battery 41 is used, and the remaining charge of the positive battery 41 decreases. In step S204, the control unit 30 determines whether it is possible to close the intake gate 110 remotely. If it is possible, the process proceeds to step S205, where the intake gate 110 is closed to a fixed opening via remote control, ending the emergency control. If remote control is not possible, the process proceeds to step S206.

[0040] In step S206, the primary battery 41 continues to be used, and its charge level decreases. In step S207, the control unit 30 determines whether the primary battery 41 is sufficient to close the intake gate 110 to a fixed opening. If the primary battery 41 is sufficient to close the intake gate 110 to a fixed opening, the process returns to step S207. If the primary battery 41 is insufficient to close the intake gate 110 to a fixed opening, the process proceeds to step S208, where the auxiliary battery 42 is controlled to close the intake gate 110 to a fixed opening.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, in one embodiment, the user can check the remaining capacity of the positive battery 41 in the "Battery Remaining Capacity" column on the display units of the monitoring device 61 and the remote control monitoring device 62 of the simplified water response control system 1. The user can operate the water intake gate 110 to close before the remaining capacity of the positive battery 41 falls below a predetermined amount and the gate is automatically closed.

[0042] The display unit indicates an emergency by illuminating the "Power Abnormality" indicator if the remaining capacity of the primary battery 41 falls below a predetermined level. The system is also configured to display other abnormalities such as water level gauge malfunctions, hoisting machine malfunctions, communication malfunctions, and gate opening detection malfunctions to inform the user. The display unit shows the dam's water level and water intake volume, and the opening degree of the intake gate 110 is displayed as "Gate Opening Status." Additionally, water intake records, operation history, running history, and operational settings (operational constants and maintenance) are displayed.

[0043] As described above, according to the present invention, a simple water-response control system can be provided that conforms to the following five "S" concept designs. (1) Effective use of renewable energy to increase kWh The design effectively utilizes river water, a renewable energy source, to increase the amount of electricity generated (kWh). (2) Slim design with only the essential functions. The design aims to achieve the minimum necessary equipment and functions to realize "effective use of renewable energy" and "improved safety during rainfall operations." (3) Monitoring the State of the Embankment Site The system is designed for easy management by quantifying or calculating and displaying the water intake volume and gate opening status, and by communicating this information to a centralized monitoring base. (4) A function to safely determine when to dispatch to mountainous areas (embankments) during rainfall. Designing displays and functions that make it easier to determine whether or not to deploy emergency operations before or during rainfall and flooding by understanding the situation at the dam site. (5) Simple pricing achieved by removing unnecessary features Based on the functions of (1) to (4) S above, the cost design allows for selection according to needs by clearly defining "functions and costs (prices)" and distinguishing between "standard functions and costs" and "functions and costs tailored to individual needs."

[0044] The present invention can be summarized as follows:

[0045] (1) A simple water-response control system for a water intake channel used to introduce water for hydroelectric power generation from a river to a hydroelectric power plant, comprising: an opening / closing adjustment unit for adjusting the degree of opening and closing of an intake gate installed at the intake connecting the river and the water intake channel; a water level gauge for detecting the water level in the water intake channel; and a control unit for controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform simple water-response control by controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit in stages based only on the water level detected by the water level gauge.

[0046] (2) The simplified water-response control system described in (1) above, wherein the control unit is configured to perform simplified water-response control by comparing the water level detected by the water level gauge with only one set water level and controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit.

[0047] (3) The simplified water-response control system described in (1) above, comprising a monitoring display unit, wherein the monitoring display unit is configured to communicate with a control unit and is configured to display the names and / or descriptions of the equipment provided by the simplified water-response control system.

[0048] (4) The simplified water-response control system as described in (3) above, wherein the monitoring display unit includes a storage unit, the storage unit is configured to store the water level detected by the water level gauge and / or the operating status of the opening / closing adjustment unit, and the monitoring display unit is configured to display the water level and / or operating status stored in the storage unit.

[0049] (5) The simplified water-response control system described in (3) above, comprising a power supply unit including a primary battery and a secondary battery, and a monitoring display unit configured to display the remaining capacity of the primary battery and the secondary battery.

[0050] (6) The simplified water-response control system described in (5) above, wherein the control unit is configured to control the opening / closing adjustment unit using the auxiliary battery as a power source so as to close the water intake gate when the remaining capacity of the primary battery is lower than a predetermined value.

[0051] The embodiments and examples disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and includes all variations in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1: Simple water-response control system 10: Opening / closing degree adjustment part 20: Water level gauge 30: Control Unit 40: Power supply section 41: Standard Battery 42: Sub-battery 50: Opening Meter 60: Monitoring display section 110: Water intake gate

Claims

1. In an intake channel for introducing water for hydroelectric power generation from a river to a hydroelectric power plant, an opening / closing adjustment unit is provided for adjusting the degree of opening and closing of an intake gate installed at the intake that connects the river and the intake channel, A water level gauge for detecting the water level in the aforementioned water intake channel, The system includes a control unit that controls the opening / closing degree adjustment unit, The control unit is configured to perform a simple water-response control, which involves controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit in stages based only on the water level detected by the water level gauge, in a simple water-response control system.

2. The simplified water-response control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to perform simplified water-response control by comparing the water level detected by the water level gauge with only one set water level and controlling the opening / closing adjustment unit.

3. Equipped with a monitoring display unit, The monitoring display unit is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit, The simplified water-response control system according to claim 1, further configured to display the names and / or descriptions of the equipment provided by the simplified water-response control system.

4. The monitoring display unit includes a storage unit, The storage unit is configured to store the water level detected by the water level gauge and / or the operating status of the opening / closing adjustment unit. The simplified water-response control system according to claim 3, wherein the monitoring display unit is configured to display the water level and / or operating status stored in the storage unit.

5. It is equipped with a power supply unit that includes a primary battery and a secondary battery, The simplified water-response control system according to claim 3, wherein the monitoring display unit is configured to display the remaining capacity of the primary battery and the auxiliary battery.

6. The simple water-response control system according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to control the opening / closing degree adjustment unit using the auxiliary battery as a power source so as to close the water intake gate when the remaining capacity of the primary battery is lower than a predetermined value.

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