Water turbine system installed on a waterway

Abstract

To provide a water turbine system configured to efficiently rotate a water turbine without depending on an amount of water flowing in a water channel.SOLUTION: This invention provides water turbine systems 200, 300 installed in a water channel 10. The water turbine systems 200, 300 comprises a water turbine 20 installed in the water channel 10, and a dam member 30 installed on an upstream side of the water turbine 20 in the water channel 10. The dam member 30 is configured to dam at least part of water flowing in the water channel 10, and pass at least part of water flowing in the water channel 10. The dam member 30 is arranged so that water having passed through the dam member 30 rotates the water turbine 20. The dam member 30 is configured to be able to adjust an area damming at least part of water flowing in the water channel 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water turbine system installed on a waterway, and more particularly to a water turbine system for efficiently rotating a water turbine independent of the amount of water flowing through the waterway. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroelectric power generation devices generate electricity by operating a generator using the torque obtained by colliding a water flow with a water wheel. Patent Document 1 discloses a hydroelectric power generation device that generates electricity efficiently even in rivers with low flow rate and flow velocity and existing waterways. Patent Document 1 discloses providing a throttle section for increasing the velocity head in the waterway flume and a minimum necessary circumferential head gap in order to generate electricity efficiently even in rivers with low flow rate and flow velocity. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2014-134199 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a water turbine system for efficiently rotating a water turbine independent of the amount of water flowing through a waterway. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The water turbine system of the present invention is installed in a waterway, and comprises: a water turbine installed in the waterway; and a damming member installed in the waterway upstream of the water turbine, the damming member configured to dam at least a portion of the water flowing in the waterway and to allow at least a portion of the water flowing in the waterway to pass, the damming member is arranged so that water passing through the damming member rotates the water turbine, and the damming member is configured so that an area for damming at least a portion of the water flowing in the waterway can be adjusted.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment means adjusts the area for damming at least a portion of the water flowing through the water channel so that the area for damming at least a portion of the water flowing through the water channel becomes larger as the amount of water flowing through the water channel decreases.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment means adjusts an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the water channel so as to maintain a substantially constant water level of the water passing through the damming member.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment means adjusts in a stepwise manner an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment means adjusts in a stepless manner an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the damming member includes at least one sliding member that is slidable relative to the damming member, and the adjustment means adjusts the area that blocks at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway by adjusting the amount that the sliding member is slid.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection means is a water level gauge configured to detect the water level of water flowing through the waterway.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the damming member includes at least one additional damming member that is detachable from the damming member.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the damming member includes at least one slide member that is slidable relative to the damming member.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the blocking member has a concave shape.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water turbine system further includes a rear damming member installed in the waterway downstream of the water turbine, the rear damming member being configured to block at least a portion of the water attempting to flow back from the downstream side of the rear damming member.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the rear blocking member is configured to be adjustable in height.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water turbine is installed on a drop structure of the waterway.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the water turbine further includes a side member installed between the damming member and the rear damming member, and the water turbine is surrounded by the damming member, the side member, and the rear damming member.

[0019] The present invention also provides a method that includes generating electrical power by operating a generator using the water turbine system of the present invention and selling at least a portion of the generated electrical power. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a water turbine system for efficiently rotating a water turbine independent of the amount of water flowing through a water channel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a water turbine 20 installed on a waterway 10. FIG. [Figure 1B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterway 10 at a position upstream of the damming member 30. FIG. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is an end view taken from the transverse centerline of the flume 10 of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a water turbine system 100 of the present invention installed on a waterway 10. FIG. [Figure 2B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterway 10 at a position upstream of the damming member 30. FIG. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is an end view taken along line AA' of FIG. 2B. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a water turbine system 200 of the present invention installed on a waterway 10. FIG. [Figure 3B] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waterway 10 at a position upstream of the damming member 30. FIG. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is an end view taken along line AA' of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a water turbine system 200 according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for efficiently rotating a water turbine, regardless of the amount of water flowing through a waterway 10, using the water turbine system 200 of the present invention. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing an example of a procedure for efficiently rotating a water turbine using the water turbine system 200 of the present invention, regardless of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10, when the detection means 70 is capable of detecting the water level passing through the damming member 30. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an end view taken from the transverse centerline of a water turbine system 100 in which a rear damming member 90 is installed downstream of the water turbine 20. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an end view of a waterway 10' having a drop structure. [Figure 9]1 is an end view taken from the transverse centerline of a waterway 10' having a drop structure, in which a water turbine 20 is installed at the drop structure and a rear damming member 90 is installed downstream of the water turbine 20. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] 1. Configuration of the water turbine system to rotate the water turbine efficiently FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of a water turbine system 100 for efficiently rotating a water turbine.

[0024] The water turbine system 100 is installed on a waterway 10. The water turbine system 100 includes a water turbine 20 installed on the waterway 10, and a damming member 30 installed upstream of the water turbine 10.

[0025] Water flows through the flume 10 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1. For ease of illustration, only a portion of the flume 10 is shown and the water wheel 20 is shown as a simple cylinder. The flume 10 may be continuous in the direction of water flow and the water wheel 20 may include multiple blades.

[0026] The waterway 10 is, for example, an agricultural waterway, but the use of the waterway 10 is not limited to this. The waterway 10 can be used for any purpose, such as an industrial waterway, as long as it is a waterway through which water can flow.

[0027] The water turbine 20 is, for example, a water turbine for a hydroelectric power generation device, but the use of the water turbine 20 is not limited to this. The water turbine 20 can be used for any purpose, such as milling, as long as it is a water turbine that can convert the energy of the flow of water into rotational energy.

[0028] The efficiency of the water turbine 20 in converting the energy of the water flow into rotational energy can change depending on which position the water hits. There is a preferred position for the water turbine 20 to hit in order to convert the energy of the water flow into rotational energy with higher efficiency. For example, when water falling from a position higher than a horizontal plane passing through the center of the water turbine hits the water turbine, the preferred position is a position 30 degrees to 60 degrees above the horizontal plane with the center of the water turbine as the origin, and preferably a position 45 degrees. For example, when water flowing horizontally hits the water turbine, the preferred position is a position 30 degrees to 60 degrees below the horizontal plane with the center of the water turbine as the origin, and preferably a position 45 degrees. Note that the above angles are examples of preferred positions, and any other angle may be the preferred position depending on the conditions.

[0029] A damming member 30 is installed upstream of the water turbine 20 installed in the waterway 10. The damming member 30 is configured to block at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 and to allow at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 to pass through. The damming member 30 may be, for example, a plate-shaped member as shown in Fig. 1A.

[0030] Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the waterway 10 at a location upstream of the blocking member 30, and Figure 1C is an end view taken from the transverse centreline of the waterway 10 of Figure 1A. In Figure 1B, the water wheel 20 has been omitted.

[0031] 1B, the damming member 30 has a concave shape and is formed with an opening 34 for passing at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10. When the damming member 30 has a concave shape, for example, the flow rate of the water passing through the damming member 30 can be increased, and as a result, the rotation of the waterwheel 20 becomes faster. This enables efficient power generation when the waterwheel 20 is a waterwheel for a hydroelectric power generation device. Note that the damming member 30 may have any shape other than a concave shape (e.g., a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a U-shape, a Π-shape, etc.) as long as it is configured to block at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 and to pass at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0032] The width in the left-right direction of the opening 34 of the damming member 30 can be any width, but is preferably the same as the width of the water turbine 20. By making the width of the opening 34 of the damming member 30 the same as the width of the water turbine 20, water passing through the opening 34 can be directed at the water turbine 20 without waste, and the water turbine 20 can be rotated efficiently. When the water turbine 20 is a water turbine for a hydroelectric power generation device, efficient power generation is possible.

[0033] The joint between the damming member 30 and the water channel 10 is sealed with a sealing material such as rubber. This prevents water from leaking between the damming member 30 and the water channel 10.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1C, for example, a steel column 36 is fixed to the downstream side of the damming member, and a slope 38 is installed in the waterway 10. At this time, the steel column 36 and the slope 38 are connected by welding the side of the steel column 36 to an L-shaped iron plate 37, and then welding the L-shaped iron plate 37 to the slope 38. Alternatively, the steel column 36 and the slope 38 may be connected by welding the upper surface of the steel column 36 to a flat iron plate, and then welding the L-shaped iron plate 37 to the slope 38. The slope 38 may have a cross section of any shape (for example, a straight line, a curved line, a stepped line, etc.), but is preferably curved. The slope 38 may have a cross-sectional shape that changes three-dimensionally (for example, a curved surface). The curved cross-sectional shape may be, for example, a circular arc shape, an elliptical arc shape, a parabolic shape, etc. The slope 38 preferably has a cross-sectional shape that is an arc, and more preferably has an arc shape that follows the shape of the water turbine.

[0035] Water attempting to pass through the damming member 30 is pushed toward the opening 34 by the amount of water blocked by the damming member 30. Therefore, the water level passing through the damming member 30 becomes higher than the water level in a place where there is no damming member.

[0036] The opening 34 formed in the damming member 30 is formed so that when water flows through the waterway 10 during a flood season, the water passing through the damming member 30 is at a water level before the waterway 10 overflows (reference water level H s For example, the size of the damming member 30 is determined so that the water passing through the damming member 30 is equal to or larger than the water level before the waterway 10 overflows (reference water level H s The horizontal width of the left and right end portions 31, 32 of the damming member 30 may be set to an appropriate width so that the water passing through the damming member 30 is at a water level (reference water level H s The height of the central portion 33 of the damming member 30 may be set to an appropriate height so that the water passes through the damming member 30 while maintaining the reference water level H s For example, the water level when waterway 10 overflows is H f When this is done, 80%H f ≦H s <100%H f , preferably 95%H f It could be.

[0037] The damming member 30 is installed upstream of the water turbine 20 so that the water passing through the damming member 30 rotates the water turbine 20. Preferably, the damming member 30 is disposed upstream of the water turbine 20 so that the water passing through the damming member 30 rotates the water turbine 20. s The damming member 30 is installed upstream of the water turbine 20 so that the water that has passed through the damming member 30 hits a suitable position on the water turbine 20, thereby rotating the water turbine 20. This allows the water turbine 20 to rotate efficiently, and the energy of the water flow to be efficiently converted into rotational energy.

[0038] During the dry season, the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases. As a result, the water level of the water flowing through the waterway 10 drops, and the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 also drops. As described above, the damming member 30 is installed upstream of the waterwheel 20 so that the water passing through the damming member 30 rotates the waterwheel 20. Therefore, when the water level passing through the damming member 30 drops, the rotation of the waterwheel 20 caused by the water passing through the damming member 30 also changes. In particular, the reference water level H sIf the damming member 30 is installed upstream of the water turbine 20 so that the water that passes through the damming member 30 hits the water turbine 20 at a suitable position, causing the water turbine 20 to rotate, when the water level passing through the damming member 30 drops, the water that passes through the damming member 30 will no longer hit the water turbine 20 at a suitable position, and the efficiency of water energy conversion will decrease.

[0039] The inventors of the present invention have invented a water turbine system 200, as an alternative configuration to the water turbine system 100, which does not affect the rotation of the water turbine 20 caused by water passing through the damming member 30, even when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during dry periods, and does not reduce the efficiency of water energy conversion.

[0040] 2. Alternative configurations of the water turbine system to efficiently rotate the turbine Fig. 2A shows a schematic configuration of a water turbine system 200 which is an alternative configuration of the water turbine system 100, Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the waterway 10 at a position upstream of the damming member 30, and Fig. 2C is an A-A' end view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 2B. In Figs. 2A to 2C, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described here.

[0041] The water turbine system 200 is installed on a waterway 10. The water turbine system 200 includes a water turbine 20 installed on the waterway 10, a damming member 30 installed upstream of the water turbine 10, and damming members 40, 50 for dry seasons.

[0042] The dry season damming members 40, 50 are installed by an installer above the central portion 33 of the damming member 30. The dry season damming members 40, 50 are configured to dam at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10. The dry season damming members 40, 50 may be, for example, plate-shaped members as shown in Fig. 2A.

[0043] The damming member for dry season 40 is fixed, for example, by bolts or the like to a steel column (not shown in FIG. 2C ) fixed to the damming member 30 via an L-shaped metal fitting (not shown) attached to the damming member for dry season 40. The damming member for dry season 50 is fixed, by bolts or the like to an L-shaped metal fitting (not shown) attached to the damming member for dry season 40 via an L-shaped metal fitting (not shown) attached to the damming member for dry season 50. The L-shaped metal fittings attached to the damming members for dry season 40, 50 also serve as reinforcing materials for the damming members for dry season 40, 50.

[0044] The joint between the damming member 30 and the damming member for dry season 40 and the joint between the damming member for dry season 40 and the damming member for dry season 50 are sealed by overlapping as shown in Figures 2B and 2C. Alternatively or in addition, the joint between the damming member 30 and the damming member for dry season 40 and the damming member for dry season 40 and the damming member for dry season 50 are sealed with a sealing material such as rubber. This prevents water from leaking between the damming member 30 and the damming member for dry season 40 and between the damming member for dry season 40 and the damming member for dry season 50.

[0045] The damming members for dry season 40, 50 increase the area of ​​the portion where water flowing through the waterway 10 is dammed up compared to the case where the damming member 30 is used alone, making it possible to dam up a greater amount of water. Water attempting to pass through the damming member 30 is pushed toward the opening 34 by the amount of water blocked by the damming member 30 and the damming members for dry season 40, 50. Therefore, the water level passing through the damming member 30 is higher than the water level in a place where there is no damming member.

[0046] The dry season damming members 40 and 50 are arranged so that the water passing through the damming member 30 does not exceed the reference water level H sThe damming member 30 is installed so that the water passes through the damming member 30 at a constant speed. The installer determines the size or number of the damming members 40, 50 for dry season to be installed based on the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 is slightly reduced compared to the amount of water in the flood season, the installer installs one damming member 40 for dry season so that a slightly larger amount of water can be blocked than when the damming member 30 is used alone. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 is significantly reduced compared to the amount of water in the flood season, the installer installs a larger damming member 40 for dry season or installs multiple damming members 40, 50 for dry season so that a significantly larger amount of water can be blocked than when the damming member 30 is used alone.

[0047] By installing damming members for dry seasons of a size or number corresponding to the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10, even if the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during the dry season, the water level passing through the damming members 30 is maintained at the reference water level H s This keeps the water flow rate almost constant, even if the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during a dry season, without affecting the rotation of the water turbine 20, and makes it possible to avoid a decrease in the efficiency of water energy conversion. In this specification, "almost constant" includes a range of ±10%.

[0048] In the water turbine system 200 shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, if an installer installs appropriate dry season damming members 40 and 50, the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 can be kept at the reference water level H even if the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during the dry season. s However, by appropriately moving the dry season damming member on behalf of the installer, the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 can be kept almost constant even if the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during the dry season. s Alternative configurations that allow the temperature to remain approximately constant are within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 3A shows a schematic diagram of a water turbine system 300 which is an alternative configuration of the water turbine systems 100 and 200, Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the waterway 10 at a position upstream of the damming member 30, and Fig. 3C shows an A-A' end view taken along line A-A' in Fig. 3B. In Figs. 3A to 3C, the same elements as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted here.

[0050] The water turbine system 300 is installed in a waterway 10. The water turbine system 300 includes a water turbine 20 installed in the waterway 10, a damming member 30 installed upstream of the water turbine 10, a sliding member 60, a detection means 70 capable of detecting the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10, and an adjustment means 80 for adjusting the amount by which the sliding member 60 slides.

[0051] The slide member 60 is attached to an upper portion of the central portion 33 of the damming member 30 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The sliding by the slide member 60 may be stepwise or stepless. The slide member 60 is configured to dam at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10. The slide member 60 may be, for example, a plate-shaped member as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0052] The slide member 60 includes a first slide member 61 and a second slide member 62. The first slide member 61 is attached to the damming member 30 so as to be vertically slidable, and the second slide member 62 is attached to the first slide member 61 so as to be vertically slidable. Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 3, the slide member 60 is depicted as including two slide members 61, 62, but the number of slide members 60 is not limited to this. The number of slide members 60 may be any number equal to or greater than 1.

[0053] The slide member 60 slides upward relative to the damming member 30, thereby increasing the area of ​​the portion where the water flowing through the waterway 10 is dammed up compared to the case where the damming member 30 is used alone, making it possible to dam up a larger amount of water. Water attempting to pass through the damming member 30 is pushed toward the opening 34 by the amount of water dammed up by the damming member 30 and the slide member 60. Therefore, the water level passing through the damming member 30 becomes higher than the water level in a place where there is no damming member.

[0054] In the water turbine system 300, the water passing through the damming member 30 is at a reference water level H s The water turbine system 300 adjusts the area for blocking the water flowing through the waterway 10, based on the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 detected by the detection means 70, using the adjustment means 80. For example, when it is detected that the amount of water detected by the detection means 70 has decreased compared to the amount of water in a flood season, the adjustment means 80 slides the slide member 60 upward to increase the area for blocking the water flowing through the waterway 10, thereby enabling a larger amount of water to be blocked. For example, when it is detected that the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 has increased compared to the amount of water in a dry season, the adjustment means 80 slides the slide member 60 downward to decrease the area for blocking the water flowing through the waterway 10, thereby enabling a smaller amount of water to be blocked, or the water to no longer be blocked. This allows the water level to be adjusted to the water level H when the waterway 10 overflows. f can be prevented from exceeding.

[0055] In the system 300 of the present invention, the timing at which the detection means 70 detects the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 and the adjustment means 80 adjusts the amount by which the sliding member 60 slides is not important. Detection by the detection means 70 and adjustment by the adjustment means 80 can be performed at any timing. For example, the detection means 70 may always detect the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10, and the adjustment means 80 may always adjust the amount by which the sliding member 60 slides. For example, detection by the detection means 70 and adjustment by the adjustment means 80 may be performed periodically (e.g., every minute, every 10 minutes, every hour, every 12 hours, every 24 hours, every week, etc.).

[0056] By adjusting the area for blocking the water flowing through the waterway 10 by sliding the slide member 60 up and down according to the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10, the water level passing through the blocking member 30 remains almost constant at the reference water level H even when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during a dry season or increases during a wet season. s As a result, even if the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during a dry season, or if the amount of water flowing through the waterway increases during a wet season, the rotation of the waterwheel 20 is not affected, and a decrease in the water energy conversion efficiency can be automatically avoided.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows an example of a detailed configuration of the water turbine system 300 of the present invention.

[0058] As described above, the water turbine system 300 of the present invention comprises a water turbine 20 installed in a waterway, a damming member 30 installed upstream of the water turbine 20, at least one slide member 60, a detection means 70, and an adjustment means 80.

[0059] The detection means 70 is any means capable of detecting the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10. The detection means 70 is capable of outputting a signal representative of the detected amount of water. The output by the detection means 70 is provided to the adjustment means 80. The detection means 70 is, for example, a water level gauge. The water level gauge detects the level of the water flowing through the waterway 10 as an indication of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0060] The detection means 70 can be disposed at any position in the waterway 10, so long as the adjustment means 80 can adjust the area for blocking the water flowing through the waterway 10 based on the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 detected by the detection means 70. The detection means 70 is preferably disposed near the damming member 30. The detection means 70 may be disposed on the damming member 30, for example.

[0061] The adjustment means 80 is any means capable of adjusting the area for damming up water flowing through the waterway 10. For example, the adjustment means 80 is means capable of adjusting the amount by which the sliding member 60 is slid. The adjustment means 80 includes, for example, a receiving unit 81, a memory unit 82, a processor unit 83, and a drive unit 84.

[0062] The receiving unit 81 receives a signal indicating the detected amount of water from the detection means 70. The receiving unit 81 may receive the signal from the detection means 70 via a wired connection or wirelessly.

[0063] The memory unit 82 stores a program required for the adjustment means 80 to execute processing, data required for the execution of the program, and the like. The memory unit 82 may store, for example, a lookup table that stores an optimum water blocking area corresponding to a specific water volume in the waterway 10. The optimum water blocking area may be, for example, an optimum sliding amount of the sliding member 60. The memory unit 82 may be implemented by any storage means.

[0064] The processor unit 83 controls the overall operation of the adjustment means 80. The processor unit 83 can also read out a program stored in the memory unit 82, execute the program, and cause the adjustment means 80 to function as a device that executes desired steps.

[0065] The driving unit 84 drives the sliding member 60 so that the sliding member 60 slides stepwise or steplessly. The driving unit 84 can drive the sliding member 60 by any means. The driving unit 84 may drive the sliding member 60 mechanically, for example, by the rotational force of a motor. The driving unit 84 may drive the sliding member 60 by, for example, electricity, magnetic force, air pressure, hydraulic pressure, or the like.

[0066] 3. Processing in the water turbine system 300 FIG. 5 shows an example of a processing procedure for efficiently rotating the water turbine, regardless of the amount of water flowing through the water channel 10, in the water turbine system 300 of the present invention.

[0067] In step S501, the detection means 70 detects the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10. The detection means 70 outputs a signal representing the detected amount of water to the adjustment means 80. The receiving unit 81 of the adjustment means 80 receives the signal from the detection means 70.

[0068] In step S502, the processor unit 83 of the adjustment means 80 determines, based on the detected amount of water, an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10. For example, the processor unit 83 may refer to a lookup table stored in the memory unit 82 to determine an optimal sliding amount of the sliding member 60 corresponding to the detected amount of water, thereby determining the area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0069] In step S503, the adjustment means 80 adjusts the area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 so that the area determined in step S502 is the area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10. This is achieved, for example, by the drive unit 84 of the adjustment means 80 adjusting the amount of sliding of the sliding member 60 so that the area determined in step S502 is the area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0070] By steps S501 to S503, the water level passing through the damming member 30 is kept almost constant at the reference water level H s This keeps the water turbine running efficiently regardless of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0071] 6 shows an example of a processing procedure for efficiently rotating the water turbine in the water turbine system 300 of the present invention, independent of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10, when the detection means 70 is capable of detecting the water level of water passing through the damming member 30. When the detection means 70 is capable of detecting the water level of water passing through the damming member 30, the water turbine system 300 is capable of feedback-controlling the area that blocks at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0072] In step S601, the detection means 70 detects the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 as the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10. The detection means 70 outputs a signal representing the detected water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 to the adjustment means 80. The receiving unit 81 of the adjustment means 80 receives the signal from the detection means 70.

[0073] In step S602, the processor unit 83 of the adjustment means 80 determines whether the detected water level passing through the damming member 30 is equal to or lower than the reference water level H s It is determined whether the water level passing through the damming member 30 is greater than the reference water level H s If it is determined that the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 is greater than the reference water level H sIf it is determined that the number is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0074] In step S603, the reference water level H s In order to lower the water level passing through the damming member 30 determined to be greater than , the adjustment means 80 adjusts the area blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 so that the area blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 becomes smaller. This is achieved, for example, by the drive unit 84 of the adjustment means 80 sliding the slide member 60 downward by a predetermined amount. After step S603, the procedure returns to step S601, and the water level passing through the damming member 30 is detected again.

[0075] In step S604, the processor unit 83 of the adjustment means 80 determines whether the detected water level passing through the damming member 30 is equal to or lower than the reference water level H s It is determined whether the water level passing through the damming member 30 is smaller than the reference water level H s If it is determined that the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 is smaller than the reference water level H s If it is determined that this is the case, there is no need to adjust the area that blocks at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10, and the procedure ends.

[0076] In step S605, the reference water level H s In order to raise the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 that is determined to be smaller than the area of ​​the water flowing through the waterway 10, the adjustment means 80 adjusts the area that blocks at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 so that the area that blocks at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 becomes larger. This is achieved, for example, by the drive unit 84 of the adjustment means 80 sliding the slide member 60 upward by a predetermined amount. After step S605, the procedure returns to step S601, and the water level of the water passing through the damming member 30 is detected again.

[0077] By the feedback control of steps S601 to S605, the water level passing through the damming member 30 is kept almost constant at the reference water level Hs This keeps the water turbine running efficiently regardless of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10.

[0078] 4. Further alternative configurations of the water turbine system to efficiently rotate the turbine In the above example, the area of ​​the portion where the water flowing through the waterway 10 is blocked is adjusted by sliding the slide member 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, any means can be used in place of the slide member 60 as long as the area of ​​the portion where the water flowing through the waterway 10 is blocked can be adjusted.

[0079] In the above example, an example has been described in which the area of ​​the portion of the water flowing through the waterway 10 that is dammed at the position of the damming member 30 is adjusted so that the water that has passed through the damming member 30 hits the suitable position of the waterwheel 20 regardless of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10. Alternatively, it is within the scope of the present invention to adjust the position of the waterwheel 20 so that the water that has passed through the damming member 30 hits the suitable position of the waterwheel 20 regardless of the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10. For example, when the depth of the waterway 10 is not uniform in the flow direction due to the presence of a step or slope in the waterway 10 and the depth of the waterway 10 at the position where the waterwheel 20 is installed is greater than the depth of the waterway 10 at the position where the damming member 30 is installed, the vertical position of the waterwheel 20 can be adjusted. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 increases, the water level passing through the damming member 30 rises, and by raising the position of the waterwheel 20 in accordance with the rise in water level, the water that has passed through the damming member 30 can hit the suitable position of the waterwheel 20. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases, the water level passing through the damming member 30 falls, and by lowering the position of the waterwheel 20 in accordance with the fall in water level, the water that has passed through the damming member 30 can hit the suitable position of the waterwheel 20.

[0080] In the above-mentioned water turbine system, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a rear blocking member downstream of the water turbine. The rear blocking member is a member configured to block at least a portion of the water that attempts to flow back from the downstream side of the rear blocking member. By providing the rear blocking member downstream of the water turbine, the water turbine can be rotated more efficiently.

[0081] Fig. 7 is an end view taken from the transverse centerline when a rear damming member 90 is installed downstream of the water turbine 20 in the above-mentioned water turbine system 100. In Fig. 7, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numbers and will not be described here. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates the installation of the rear damming member 90 downstream of the water turbine 20 in the water turbine system 100, but a similar rear damming member 90 can also be installed downstream of the water turbine 20 in the above-mentioned water turbine systems 200 and 300.

[0082] The rear damming member 90 is configured to block at least a portion of the water attempting to flow back from the downstream side of the rear damming member 90. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the rear damming member 90 blocks at least a portion of the water downstream of the rear damming member 90 so as to prevent at least a portion of the water downstream of the rear damming member 90 (the right side in Fig. 7) from flowing back to the water turbine 20 and to prevent the water level downstream of the water turbine 20 from reaching the water turbine 20.

[0083] Even when the water in the waterway 10 is constantly flowing, it has some water level. The same is true downstream of the waterwheel 20. When the water level downstream of the waterwheel 20 is such that the waterwheel 20 is submerged in water, even if the water in the waterway 10 is flowing, the water in the waterway 10 may provide resistance and impede the rotation of the waterwheel 20. However, by installing the rear damming member 90 downstream of the waterwheel 20, at least a part of the water downstream of the rear damming member 90 flows back to the waterwheel 20, preventing the water level downstream of the waterwheel 20 from reaching the waterwheel 20, and preventing the waterwheel from being submerged in water. This allows the waterwheel to rotate more efficiently.

[0084] The rear damming member 90 has a sloping surface on its upstream side, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. The cross section of the sloping surface may have any shape (for example, linear, curved, stepped, etc.), but is preferably curved. The sloping surface may have a shape whose cross section changes three-dimensionally (for example, curved). The curved cross section may be, for example, an arc shape, an elliptical arc shape, a parabolic shape, etc. It is preferable that the cross section of the sloping surface be an arc shape, and more preferably an arc shape that follows the shape of a water turbine as shown in FIG. 7.

[0085] The height of the rear damming member 90 is preferably equal to or higher than the water level downstream of the rear damming member 90. This is because the water downstream of the rear damming member 90 will not flow back to the water turbine 20 at all. However, a rear damming member 90 that is too high is not preferable because it will prevent the water turbine 20 from pushing the water flowing in the waterway 10 downstream. The preferred height of the rear damming member 90 is, for example, when the water level downstream of the rear damming member 90 is H D So, 100%H D ~120%H D For example, the range may be 110%H D In addition, when the height of the rear damming member 90 is lower than the water level downstream of the rear damming member 90 (for example, 90%H D , 80%H D , 70%H D , 60%H D etc.), some water is blocked, so the extent to which the water turbine 20 is submerged in water can be reduced compared to when there is no rear damming member 90.

[0086] The rear damming member 90 may be composed of, for example, a single member, or may be composed of a plurality of members as shown in Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the rear damming member 90 is composed of four members 91, 92, 93, and 94, but the number of members constituting the rear damming member 90 is not limited to this. The rear damming member 90 may be composed of any number of members.

[0087] When the rear damming member 90 is composed of a plurality of members, it is possible to adjust the height of the rear damming member 90 by adjusting the number of members installed. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 decreases during a dry season, the number of members installed is reduced in accordance with the drop in the water level, thereby lowering the height of the rear damming member 90. This achieves a preferred height of the rear damming member 90. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10 increases during a wet season, the number of members installed is increased in accordance with the rise in the water level, thereby increasing the height of the rear damming member 90. This achieves a preferred height of the rear damming member 90. The lower each of the plurality of members constituting the rear damming member 90 is configured, the more finely the height of the rear damming member 90 can be adjusted. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of members constituting the rear damming member 90 may be a box-shaped member having a height of, for example, 200 mm. In another embodiment, each of the multiple members constituting the rear damming member 90 may be a box-shaped member having a height of, for example, 100 mm. In another embodiment, each of the multiple members constituting the rear damming member 90 may be a member having a different height, for example.

[0088] The rear damming member 90 may be installed so as to extend across both walls of the waterway 10, or may be installed so as to extend partially between both walls of the waterway 10. When installed so as to extend partially between both walls of the waterway 10, it is preferable to install a side member. The side member is installed on the side of the water turbine 20, between the damming member 30 and the rear damming member 90. The side member may be, for example, a plate-shaped member.

[0089] At this time, the water turbine 20 is surrounded by the damming member 30, the side member, and the rear damming member 90. When the side members are installed on both sides of the water turbine 20, the water turbine 20 can be surrounded by a box defined by the damming member 30 on the upstream side of the water turbine 20, the side members on both sides of the water turbine 20, and the rear damming member 90 on the downstream side of the water turbine 20. When the side member is installed on one side of the water turbine 20, the water turbine 20 can be surrounded by a box defined by the damming member 30 on the upstream side of the water turbine 20, the side member on one side of the water turbine 20, the waterway wall opposite to the side member, and the rear damming member 90 on the downstream side of the water turbine 20. By surrounding the water turbine 20, it is possible to prevent water from entering the position of the water turbine from the sides and downstream of the water turbine 20, and it is possible to reliably prevent the water turbine from being submerged in water. This allows the water turbine to rotate more efficiently. Also, the width of the rear damming member 90 can be shortened so that the rear damming member 90 extends only partially between both walls of the waterway 10 (for example, between both side members, or between the waterway wall and one side member), making the entire water turbine system of the present invention more compact.

[0090] In a waterway 10' with a drop structure as shown in Figure 8, water accumulates under the drop structure, and the water downstream of the water turbine is likely to hinder the rotation of the water turbine. A drop structure is a step in a waterway that allows water to flow down. The water depth D below the drop structure is set to 10 m so that the force of the water flowing down does not destroy the waterway. A is the water depth D at the downstream location B 4. Here, the dashed line W indicates a hypothetical water level. When a water turbine is installed on a drop structure, the water level upstream of the water turbine can be made higher, making it easier to apply water to the water turbine from a higher position, but water accumulates below the deeper drop structure. In this case, as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 7, by installing a rear damming member downstream of the water turbine, it is possible to prevent the water downstream of the rear damming member 90 from flowing back to the water turbine and prevent the water turbine from being submerged in water. This allows the water turbine to rotate more efficiently.

[0091] 9 is an end view taken from the transverse centerline of a waterway 10' having a drop structure, with a water turbine 20 installed at the drop structure and a rear damming member 90 installed downstream of the water turbine 20. A damming member 30 and a slope 38 similar to those of the water turbine systems 100, 200, and 300 described above are installed upstream of the water turbine 20.

[0092] The rear damming member 90 is configured to block at least a portion of the water attempting to flow back from the downstream side of the rear damming member 90. In the example shown in Figure 9, the rear damming member 90 blocks at least a portion of the water downstream of the rear damming member 90 so as to prevent at least a portion of the water on the downstream side of the rear damming member 90 (the right side in Figure 9) from flowing back to the water turbine 20.

[0093] The rear damming member 90 has a sloping surface on its upstream side, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. The cross section of the sloping surface may have any shape (for example, linear, curved, stepped, etc.), but is preferably curved. The sloping surface may have a shape whose cross section changes three-dimensionally (for example, curved). The curved cross section may be, for example, an arc shape, an elliptical arc shape, a parabolic shape, etc. It is preferable that the cross section of the sloping surface be an arc shape, and more preferably an arc shape that follows the shape of a water turbine as shown in FIG. 7.

[0094] The height of the rear damming member 90 is preferably equal to or higher than the water level downstream of the rear damming member 90. This is because any water downstream of the rear damming member 90 will not flow back to the water turbine, and water will not accumulate at the position of the water turbine 20. However, a rear damming member 90 that is too high is not preferred because it will prevent the water turbine 20 from pushing the water flowing in the waterway 10' downstream of the water turbine 20. A preferred height for the rear damming member 90 is, for example, when the water level downstream of the water turbine 20 is H D So, 100%H D ~120%H D For example, the range may be 110%H DIn addition, when the height of the rear damming member 90 is lower than the water level downstream of the water turbine 20 (for example, 90%H D , 80%H D , 70%H D , 60%H D etc.), some water can be blocked, so that it is possible to reduce the amount of water that accumulates at the position of the water turbine 20 and reduce the amount of water that the water turbine 20 is submerged in water compared to when there is no rear damming member 90.

[0095] The rear damming member 90 may be composed of, for example, a single member, or may be composed of multiple members as shown in Fig. 9. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the rear damming member 90 is composed of four members 91, 92, 93, and 94, but the number of members constituting the rear damming member 90 is not limited to this. The rear damming member 90 may be composed of any number of members.

[0096] When the rear damming member 90 is composed of a plurality of members, it is possible to adjust the height of the rear damming member 90 by adjusting the number of members installed. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10' decreases during a dry season, the number of members installed is reduced in accordance with the drop in the water level, thereby lowering the height of the rear damming member 90. This achieves a preferred height of the rear damming member 90. For example, when the amount of water flowing through the waterway 10' increases during a wet season, the number of members installed is increased in accordance with the rise in the water level, thereby increasing the height of the rear damming member 90. This achieves a preferred height of the rear damming member 90. The lower each of the plurality of members constituting the rear damming member 90 is configured, the more finely the height of the rear damming member 90 can be adjusted. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of members constituting the rear damming member 90 may be a box-shaped member having a height of, for example, 200 mm. In another embodiment, each of the multiple members constituting the rear damming member 90 may be a box-shaped member having a height of, for example, 100 mm. In another embodiment, each of the multiple members constituting the rear damming member 90 may be a member having a different height, for example.

[0097] The rear damming member 90 may be installed so as to extend across both walls of the waterway 10', or may be installed so as to extend partially between both walls of the waterway 10'. When installed so as to extend partially between both walls of the waterway 10', it is preferable to install the above-mentioned side member on the side of the water turbine 20 between the damming member 30 and the rear damming member 90.

[0098] In the above example, it has been explained that the water turbine systems 100, 200, 300 equipped with the damming member 30 may be equipped with the rear damming member 90, but it is also within the scope of the present invention to equip a rear damming member 90 in a water turbine system that does not have the damming member 30.

[0099] When installing a conventional water turbine, it is necessary to construct a new waterway with a head to rotate the water turbine efficiently, or to carry out construction to add a head to an existing waterway. In contrast, the water turbine system of the present invention can be installed without placing a burden on the waterway, even in an existing waterway that is not intended for installation of a water turbine. In the water turbine system of the present invention, the water turbine can be rotated efficiently by simply installing a dam member upstream of the water turbine, and there is no need to construct the waterway itself to add a head to rotate the water turbine efficiently. In addition, construction of the waterway itself is also unnecessary if a foundation is installed outside the waterway and the water turbine supported by the foundation is submerged in the waterway to install the water turbine. The water turbine system of the present invention does not require construction of the waterway itself and can be installed without stopping the water in the waterway, thereby reducing the burden and cost of installation.

[0100] Such a water turbine system of the present invention can be used, for example, in the business of generating and selling electricity.

[0101] Electricity can be generated by connecting a generator to the water turbine of the water turbine system and operating the generator with the rotational energy of the water turbine. The generated electricity is sold to consumers. The manner of sale is not limited. For example, the generated electricity may be transmitted to a substation through a power transmission grid connected to the water turbine system, transformed to an appropriate voltage, and then distributed to consumers. For example, the generated electricity may be directly distributed to consumers through a power distribution grid connected to the water turbine system. For example, the generated electricity may be stored in a power storage system connected to the water turbine system, and the stored electricity may be delivered to consumers.

[0102] Alternatively, the generated electricity may be consumed on-site at the site where the water turbine system is installed, for example, rather than being sold to consumers.

[0103] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted only by the claims. It is understood that a person skilled in the art can implement an equivalent scope based on the description of the present invention and technical common sense from the description of the specific preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful for providing a water turbine system for efficiently rotating a water turbine independent of the amount of water flowing through a waterway. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10, 10' Waterway 20 Waterwheel 30 Damming material 40, 50 Dry season damming material 60 Slide member 70 Detection Methods 80 Adjustment means 90 Rear damming member 100, 200, 300 Water Turbine System

Claims

1. A water turbine system installed on a waterway, comprising: A water wheel installed in the waterway and fixed in position; a damming member installed in the waterway upstream of the water turbine, the damming member configured to dam at least a portion of the water flowing in the waterway and to push at least a portion of the water flowing in the waterway through an opening, the damming member disposed so that water passing through the opening rotates the water turbine, and the damming member configured so that an area for damming at least a portion of the water flowing in the waterway can be adjusted; A detection means for detecting the amount of water flowing through the waterway; an adjustment means for adjusting an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway in accordance with the amount of water detected by the detection means; the adjustment means adjusts the area for damming at least a portion of the water flowing through the water channel so that as the amount of water flowing through the water channel decreases, the area for damming at least a portion of the water flowing through the water channel increases and the area of ​​the opening decreases, in order to keep the water level of the water passing through the damming member approximately constant.

2. The water turbine system according to claim 1 , wherein the adjusting means adjusts in a stepwise manner an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway.

3. The water turbine system according to claim 1 , wherein the adjusting means adjusts in a stepless manner an area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway.

4. The damming member includes at least one slide member that is slidable relative to the damming member, The water turbine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adjustment means adjusts the area for blocking at least a portion of the water flowing through the waterway by adjusting the amount by which the sliding member is slid.

5. The water turbine system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection means is a water level gauge configured to detect the water level of water flowing through the waterway.

6. A water turbine system as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a rear damming member installed in the waterway downstream of the water turbine, the rear damming member being configured to block at least a portion of the water attempting to flow back from the downstream side of the rear damming member.

7. The water turbine system according to claim 6 , wherein the rear damming member is configured so that its height can be adjusted.

8. The water turbine system according to claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising a side member installed between the damming member and the rear damming member, and the water turbine is surrounded by the damming member, the side member, and the rear damming member.

9. The water turbine system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the water turbine is installed on a drop structure of the waterway.

10. Generating electric power by operating a generator using the water turbine system according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Selling at least a portion of the generated electricity; A method comprising:

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