Water flow generation apparatus using bucket wheel and water quality management system using same

Abstract

A water flow generation apparatus using a bucket wheel according to the present invention comprises: a frame having a diffuser arranged thereunder; at least a pair of wheel frames rotatably installed on the frame; a plurality of bucket modules which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the wheel frame and are each rotatably connected to the wheel frame; and turnover bars which are installed respectively corresponding to the bucket modules, and each overturn the bucket module at a point passing through a top dead center on the rotating position on the wheel frames, wherein the bucket module comprises: a bucket body which is formed in a dome shape in which bubbles discharged from the diffuser are collected and generate buoyancy; and a water flow generator which extends from the bucket body and is formed to horizontally push the water flow after passing through the top dead center, and the wheel frames are connected via a vertical movement portion so as to adjust the underwater position thereof.

Description

Water flow generation device using a bucket wheel and water quality management system using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel and a water quality management system using the same.

[0002] Green algae, a representative environmental problem in rivers and lakes, rapidly increases water pollution in a short period of time and has a negative impact on the ecosystem.

[0003] These algal blooms are known to be caused by a combination of factors, including the influx of pollutants (nutrients, eutrophication), water temperature, increased solar radiation, and stagnant water circulation. While algal blooms can be prevented at the source by blocking the influx of pollutants, such measures are crucial. Water temperature and solar radiation are linked to seasonal and natural phenomena, making them difficult to arbitrarily eliminate.

[0004] In the case of stagnant waters, technologies are being proposed to prevent green algae by installing devices that forcefully circulate water in waters where green algae are expected.

[0005] In water treatment facilities, forced aeration is used to purify the water in the tanks at each treatment stage. However, this requires significant energy costs, making it difficult to apply to rivers or lakes. While aeration devices utilizing water turbines on the surface of the water have been proposed, their limited flow area makes them ineffective in lakes and reservoirs with large basins.

[0006] * Prior patents

[0007] Korean Patent No. 10-1787581 (registered on October 12, 2017)

[0008] Korean Patent No. 10-2589470 (registered on October 11, 2023)

[0009] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0078879 (published on July 5, 2019)

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to propose a water flow generation device using a bucket wheel, which can widely spread the water flow generated by the rotation of a bucket wheel installed underwater to a wide area, thereby preventing green algae and purifying water quality to a target water body such as a lake or river.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to conveniently and accurately implement conditions in which a water flow generating part can come out of the water surface at an optimal length by making it possible to adjust the underwater position of a bucket wheel installed underwater.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to propose a water quality management system that can maximize the effect of preventing green algae by combining a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel with a chemical dispenser so that the chemical is spread over a wide area along with the water flow.

[0013] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical tasks can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0014] A water flow generator using a bucket wheel according to the present invention comprises: a frame having an air diffuser arranged at the bottom; at least one pair of wheel frames rotatably installed on the frame; a plurality of bucket modules arranged in a circumferential direction of the wheel frame, each bucket module being rotatably connected to the wheel frame; and a turnover bar installed corresponding to each bucket module, the turnover bar causing the bucket module at a position passing the top dead center at a rotational position on the wheel frame to turn over, wherein the bucket module comprises: a bucket body formed in a dome shape so that bubbles ejected from the air diffuser are gathered to generate buoyancy; and a water flow generator extending from the bucket body and formed so as to horizontally push the water flow after passing the top dead center, wherein the wheel frame is connected by an elevating unit so as to adjust an underwater position.

[0015] As an example related to the present invention, the water flow generating device using the bucket wheel may further include a fixed buoyancy body provided on the opposite side of the open end of the bucket body and formed to provide fixed buoyancy with respect to the bucket body.

[0016] As an example related to the present invention, the water flow generating device using the bucket wheel may further include a flange-shaped edge portion formed at the open end of the bucket body and capable of being supported by the turnover bar.

[0017] As an example related to the present invention, the turnover bar may be formed to be supported in contact with the flange-shaped rim and the bucket body to prevent the bucket module, which has passed the top dead center, from being reversely rotated due to a reverse load generated from the water flow generating unit.

[0018] As an example related to the present invention, the water flow generating portion may be formed in an extended form by being joined to the flange-shaped edge portion.

[0019] As an example related to the present invention, the water flow generating unit may be formed in a plate shape.

[0020] As an example related to the present invention, the water flow generating unit may be located on the opposite side of the turnover bar with respect to the bucket body.

[0021] As an example related to the present invention, the lifting unit may include a first guide rail supported by a buoyancy body so as to float on the water surface; a second guide rail formed so as to be guided up and down with respect to the first guide rail and coupled to the frame; and a connecting member formed so as to be capable of adjusting the underwater position of the wheel frame by a hoist, the second guide rail having one end connected to the upper end of the first guide rail and the other end connected to the frame.

[0022] As an example related to the present invention, the connecting member may include a chain.

[0023] As an example related to the present invention, a first lifting connection part for hanging the connecting member may be arranged at the upper end of the first guide rail, and a second lifting connection part for lifting the entire device may be provided on the opposite side of the first lifting connection part.

[0024] A water quality management system using a bucket wheel related to the present invention comprises: a water flow generator using the bucket wheel specified above; a chemical dispenser that supplies a chemical to the water flow generated through the water flow generator using the bucket wheel; and a control unit that controls the chemical dispenser according to water quality.

[0025] As an example related to the present invention, the water quality management system using the bucket wheel is installed in a water flow generating device using the bucket wheel, and further includes a sensor unit configured to measure water quality, and the control unit can be configured to control the operation of the drug dispenser based on the measurement result of the sensor unit.

[0026] As an example related to the present invention, the pharmaceutical dispenser may include a tank for storing the pharmaceutical; a metering pump for quantitatively supplying the pharmaceutical in the tank; a flexible tube for sending the pharmaceutical to a water flow generating device using the bucket wheel in water; and a spreader for spraying the pharmaceutical into water.

[0027] As an example related to the present invention, the agent may include an anti-algae agent or a water purification agent.

[0028] According to the water flow generator using a bucket wheel according to the present invention, the water flow is pushed horizontally starting from the top dead center by the water flow generator extending from the bucket body, so that the flow and waves of the water surface can continuously propagate far away, thereby minimizing the occurrence of stagnant water in lakes or rivers with large water areas, thereby greatly improving the effect of preventing green algae and purifying water quality. Since the water flow generator is connected by the lifting member, the underwater position of the wheel frame can be adjusted, so that the conditions for the water flow generator to come out from the water surface at an optimal length can be conveniently and accurately implemented.

[0029] The water quality management system according to the present invention can maximize the effect of preventing green algae by combining a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel with a chemical dispenser so that the chemical is spread over a wide area along with the water flow.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a side view conceptually illustrating a water flow generating device using an exemplary bucket wheel according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a bucket module related to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the bucket module of Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a wheel frame and turnover bar in an assembled state related to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram explaining the relationship between the force received by a bucket module passing the top dead center.

[0035] Figure 6 is an aerial photograph showing a horizontal water flow spreading across the entire lake using a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel related to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is a conceptual front view of a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel according to an example of the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of a water flow generating device using the bucket wheel of Fig. 7.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a water flow generating device using the bucket wheel of Fig. 7.

[0039] Figure 10 is an exemplary conceptual plan view of a water quality management system according to the present invention.

[0040] Hereinafter, a water flow generator using a bucket wheel and a water quality management system utilizing the same, related to the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The terms used in this specification and claims are not limited to their dictionary meanings, and can be appropriately defined and understood to best describe the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a water flow generator (100) using a bucket wheel according to an example of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the water flow generator (100) using a bucket wheel is a device in which most of the device is submerged under the water surface (WL), and includes a frame (110) and a wheel frame (130) rotatably coupled to the frame (110). An air diffuser (120) is arranged at the lower portion of the frame (110) so that bubbles (B) can be supplied in a set size and quantity. The arrows and bubbles (B) shown in the drawing are used to make it easier to understand the direction or existence of the flow in the water, and the bubbles (B) are also expressed conceptually without regard to their actual appearance. The bubbles (B) ejected through the air diffuser (120) can be created from air supplied through a compressor or compressed air tank installed in a separate water facility or land facility (not shown). The power or mechanical energy for operating compressors, etc., may be obtained from general supply electricity or from separately installed solar power generators, wind power generators, or machinery that directly generates driving force using wind power.

[0042] A wheel frame (130) rotatable by a support shaft (131) is installed on the frame (110). The wheel frame (130) may be in the shape of a circular plate. A plurality of bucket modules (140) rotatably connected by a pivot shaft (146) are arranged along the circumference of the wheel frame (130). Each bucket module (140) includes a bucket body (141) formed in a dome shape so that bubbles (B) ejected from the air vent (120) gather to generate buoyancy. Each bucket module (140) arranged along the wheel frame (130) has various angles (postures) due to a dynamic relationship depending on the rotation angle of the wheel frame (130).

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which illustrate individual bucket modules (140), the bucket body (141) may have a rectangular cross-section or a trapezoidal cross-section that is elongated in one direction, and is provided with side walls (142) on both sides so that bubbles (B) can gather. Partially open bulkheads similar to the side walls (142) may also be provided in the middle of the bucket body (141). As shown in FIG. 3, a bubble receiving space (144) for trapping air is formed inside the bucket body (141). A fixed buoyancy body (143) is provided on the opposite side of the open end of the bucket body (141) so as to provide fixed buoyancy to the bucket body (141). Due to the fixed buoyancy body (143), the open end of the bucket body (141) naturally faces downward in water. The fixed buoyancy body (143) can be formed by an empty space or synthetic resin foam (145).

[0044] A turnover bar (160) corresponding to each bucket module (140) is installed in the wheel frame (130). The turnover bar (160) causes the bucket module (140) located at a position passing the top dead center in the rotational position of the wheel frame (130) to turn over. The distance of the turnover bar (160) from the center of the wheel frame (130) may be a distance smaller than the distance from the center to the pivot axis (146). As shown in Fig. 4, the turnover bars (160) are arranged parallel to each other at equal angular intervals between a pair of spaced-apart wheel frames (130).

[0045] A flange-shaped rim portion (147) that can be supported by a turnover bar (160) may be formed at the open end of the bucket body (141). As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the bucket module (140) has a water flow generating portion (150) that extends from the bucket body (141) and is formed to horizontally push water flow from the time it passes the top dead center. The water flow generating portion (150) may be in a form that extends flat from the open end of the bucket body (141). In terms of shape, the water flow generating portion (150) may be formed in the form of a thin plate.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the bucket module (140) before reaching the air distribution tube (120) has its open end facing downward due to the buoyancy of the fixed buoyancy body (143). As it passes over the air distribution tube (120), bubbles (B) that are ejected from the air distribution tube (120) and rise are collected and trapped in the bubble receiving space (144) of the bucket body (141) through the open end. The bucket module (140) receives an upward force due to the buoyancy of the air filled in the bucket body (141), and accordingly, the wheel frame (130) receives a force that rotates clockwise. At this time, the water flow generating unit (150) of the bucket module (140) creates an eccentric center of gravity with respect to the pivot axis (146), and thus applies a rotational force to the bucket module (140) so that the bucket module (140) rotates counterclockwise about the pivot axis (146). However, the counterclockwise rotation of the bucket module (140) is restricted by the turnover bar (160), and in that state, it rotates and rises along the clockwise rotation of the wheel frame (130). Until it reaches top dead center, the bucket body (141) continues to be supported by the turnover bar (160) due to the weight of the water flow generator (150). At the same time, the turnover bar (160) is arranged to be supported by the flange-shaped edge portion (147), thereby forming a stable support structure of the bucket module (140) for the turnover bar (160). When it reaches top dead center, the bucket module (140) naturally tilts sideways, and the air trapped inside the bucket body (141) is discharged. The discharged air briefly comes into contact with water underwater and then rises above the water surface (WL).

[0047] When it reaches top dead center, the water flow generator (150) stands in a form that is approximately vertical, and from this point on, it pushes the surface water between the water surface (WL) and the bucket body (141). As shown in Fig. 5, the bucket module (140) that has passed top dead center can rotate the bucket module (140) clockwise by the force in the direction of gravity passing through the center of gravity, that is, the eccentric arrangement of the water flow generator (150). However, the water flow generator (150) formed in a form that extends by being joined to the flange-shaped rim (147) experiences a reverse load due to the water in front of the water flow generator (150), and thus also receives a force that rotates it in a reverse direction (counterclockwise). The faster the rotation speed of the wheel frame (130), the more such a reverse load increases. At this time, the turnover bar (160) is supported by the flange-shaped rim (147) and the bucket body (141), thereby preventing reverse rotation. Accordingly, the bucket module (140) can maintain a stable posture without overturning.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 5, while the wheel frame (130) rotates, not only does a complex water flow occur around the bucket module (140), but the water flow generator (150) of the bucket module (140) that passes the top dead center continuously pushes the surface water horizontally to the right, thereby propagating the wave to the right. Fig. 6 shows how waves are transmitted by horizontal water flow throughout the lake over time. In Fig. 6, a water flow generator using a bucket wheel according to the present invention is located at the upper left. This water flow prevents the water in the lake from stagnating and increases its contact with air. As a result, it helps prevent the occurrence of green algae or remove the green algae that has occurred in a short period of time.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a conceptual front view of a water flow generator using a bucket wheel according to an example of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of the water flow generator using the bucket wheel of Fig. 7, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the water flow generator using the bucket wheel of Fig. 7.

[0050] In the water flow generator (100) using a bucket wheel shown in these drawings, the wheel frame (130) is configured to be able to adjust its underwater position by means of an elevating member (170). To this end, the elevating member (170) may include a first guide rail (171) supported by a buoyancy body (172) so as to float on the water surface, a second guide rail (173) formed to be guided up and down with respect to the first guide rail (171) and coupled to the frame (110), and a connecting member (180) formed to be able to adjust the underwater position of the wheel frame (130) by means of a hoist (not shown) with one end connected to the upper end of the first guide rail (171) and the other end connected to the frame (110). The water flow generator (150) of the bucket module (140) that has reached the top dead center can generate the most horizontal water flow when it is slightly raised from the water surface. However, since the protruding length of the water flow generating part (150) from the surface may change due to changes in time or other factors, an optimal state can be obtained by changing the underwater position of the wheel frame (130). The connecting member (180) may be in the form of a chain controlled by a hoist pulley, for example. A first lifting connection part (174) for hanging the connecting member (180) is arranged at the top of the first guide rail (171). A second lifting connection part (176) for lifting the entire device may be provided on the opposite side of the first lifting connection part (174).

[0051] Figure 10 is an exemplary conceptual plan view of a water quality management system according to the present invention. The water quality management system (300) of this embodiment includes a water flow generator (100) using a bucket wheel as described above, a chemical dispenser (310) that supplies chemicals to the water flow generated by the water flow generator (100) using a bucket wheel, and a control unit (320) that controls the chemical dispenser (310) according to water quality.

[0052] A chemical dispenser (310) may include a tank (311) for storing chemicals such as an algae inhibitor or a water purifier, a metering pump (312) for quantitatively supplying chemicals from the tank (311), a flexible tube (313) for sending chemicals to a water current generator (100) using a bucket wheel in the water of the lake (L), and a spreader (314) for spraying chemicals into the water. These chemicals are in liquid or powder form and are sprayed on the water surface separately from the generation of water current, making it easy to spread and dilute the liquid or powder over a long distance. Since the water current generator (100) using a bucket wheel can obtain a diffusion effect by horizontal water current throughout the lake (L) even when located in one place, the chemicals can also be spread throughout the lake (L) together with the horizontal water current.

[0053] In order to accurately measure water quality, a sensor unit (321) may be installed in a water flow generator (100) using a bucket wheel. The control unit (320) monitors the water quality measured by the sensor unit (321), and when it reaches a standard range, operates the chemical dispenser (310) to prevent the occurrence of green algae, etc. in advance.

[0054] The water flow generator using the bucket wheel described above and the water quality management system using the same are not limited to the configurations and methods of the described embodiments. The above embodiments may be selectively combined in whole or in part to allow for various modifications to be made into equivalent substitutes.

Claims

1. A frame in which the ventilation system is placed at the bottom; At least one pair of wheel frames rotatably installed on the above frame; A plurality of bucket modules arranged in the circumferential direction of the wheel frame, each of which is rotatably connected to the wheel frame; and It includes a turnover bar that is installed corresponding to each of the above bucket modules and allows the bucket module at a position passing the top dead center in the rotational position on the wheel frame to be turned over. The above bucket module is, A bucket body formed in a dome shape so that bubbles ejected from the above-mentioned airway gather to create buoyancy; and It includes a water flow generating unit that extends from the bucket body and is formed to be able to push water horizontally from the point where it passes the top dead center. The above wheel frame is a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, connected by a lifting member so that the underwater position can be adjusted.

2. In paragraph 1, A water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, further comprising a fixed buoyancy body provided on the opposite side of the open end of the bucket body and formed so as to provide fixed buoyancy with respect to the bucket body.

3. In paragraph 1, A water flow generator using a bucket wheel, further comprising a flange-shaped rim formed at an open end of the bucket body and capable of being supported by the turnover bar.

4. In paragraph 3, A water flow generator using a bucket wheel, wherein the turnover bar is formed to be supported by contact with the flange-shaped rim and the bucket body to prevent the bucket module, which has passed the top dead center, from being reversely rotated due to a reverse load generated from the water flow generator.

5. In paragraph 3, A water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, wherein the water flow generating part is formed in an extended form by being joined to the flange-shaped edge part.

6. In paragraph 5, The above water flow generating unit is a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel formed in a plate shape.

7. In paragraph 1, The above water flow generating unit is a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, located on the opposite side of the turnover bar with the bucket body as the center.

8. In paragraph 1, The above elevator, A first guide rail supported by a buoyancy body so as to float on the water surface; A second guide rail formed so as to be guided in the upper and lower directions with respect to the first guide rail and coupled with the frame; and A water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, comprising a connecting member which is connected at one end to the upper end of the first guide rail and at the other end to the frame, and which is formed so as to be able to adjust the underwater position of the wheel frame by a hoist.

9. In paragraph 8, The above connecting member is a water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, including a chain.

10. In paragraph 8, A water flow generating device using a bucket wheel, wherein a first lifting connection part for hanging the connecting member is arranged on the upper side of the first guide rail, and a second lifting connection part for lifting the entire device is provided on the opposite side of the first lifting connection part.

11. A water flow generating device using a bucket wheel according to any one of clauses 1 to 10; A chemical dispenser that supplies chemicals to the water flow generated through the water flow generating device using the bucket wheel; and Including a control unit for controlling the above-mentioned drug dispenser according to water quality, Water quality management system using a bucket wheel.

12. In paragraph 11, It is installed in a water flow generating device using the above bucket wheel and further includes a sensor section formed to measure water quality. A water quality management system using a bucket wheel, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operation of the drug dispenser based on the measurement results of the sensor unit.

13. In paragraph 11, The above medicine dispenser, A tank for storing medicine; A metering pump for quantitatively supplying the drug to the above tank; A flexible tube for sending a chemical to a water flow generating device using the bucket wheel in the water; and A water quality management system using a bucket wheel, including a spreader that sprays chemicals into water.

14. In paragraph 11, The above agent is a water quality management system using a bucket wheel, which contains an algae inhibitor or a water quality purification agent.

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