Unit for creating an artificial waterfall for powering a hydro turbine

Abstract

A unit for creating an artificial waterfall for powering a hydro turbine designed to create closed circulation of water from the pool to the reservoir and back thus allowing a hydro turbine to generate electricity without a river or a dam to power hydroelectric equipment. The reservoir with water outlet valve closed is filled with a necessary amount of water. The internal floating roof is located between the stationary roof of the reservoir and the water, thereby preventing water evaporation. When opening the outlet valve, water is supplied under pressure to the hydro turbine, entering directly into the pool, thus creating an artificial waterfall. Then, water is pumped back from the pool into the reservoir. From the reservoir, water is fed through the valve along the passage way to the turbine impeller and returns to the pool with minimal energy loss. The same amount of water will circulate in a closed cycle: after passing through the hydro turbine, water enters the pool, and from the pool, it is pumped back into the reservoir.

Description

[0001] Unit for creating an artificial waterfall for powering a hydro turbine

[0002] The present invention relates to a unit for using in the field of environmentally friendly and cheap energy, in particular to hydro turbines for hydroelectric power plants. The unit allows avoiding using a river and a dam for operation of hydroelectric equipment.

[0003] The unit for creating an artificial waterfall for powering a hydro turbine (AWPHT) can be used in hydropower engineering since it creates the conditions necessary for stable operation of hydro turbines. At present, hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) are built on rivers to power hydro turbines.

[0004] Hydroelectric power plant is a hydraulic structure that provides necessary water flow and creates pressure, and also power equipment that converts energy of water moving under pressure into electrical energy.

[0005] There are two core prerequisites for efficient operation of a hydroelectric power station: a) guaranteed supply of water all year round; b) largest possible river slopes for a stronger current.

[0006] Under ideal conditions, the river runs at a steep angle and the current is continuous and strong. The most efficient use of the water flow energy is possible with a natural waterfall, which is very rare.

[0007] Hydroelectric power plant operation mode depends on the water flow measured in cubic meters per second (m3 / s), the pressure difference in meters, and the volume of the reservoir. It should be taken into account that the capacity of operating hydroelectric power plants is not constant. For natural causes, the water level in the dam may increase or decrease. This affects the electricity generation.

[0008] The significant deficiencies of existing hydroelectric power plants include: a) water vapor discharge, which is a factor causing global warming; b) land swamping, migration of people and animals from flooded areas; c) unnatural changes in river beds;

[0009] Hydropower development is gaining momentum but almost all the potential of hydropower resources has been exhausted (especially in developed countries).

[0010] The proposed AWPHT unit allows avoiding using a river and a dam for the operation of hydroelectric equipment and can be mounted in a building. The unit will allow eliminating shortcomings of existing hydroelectric power plants and ensure necessary conditions for stable and efficient operation of hydraulic equipment.

[0011] Operation of AWPHT The vertical tank 1 will contain the necessary water amount to create the pressure and water flow necessary for a specific hydro turbine.

[0012] The required water amount is collected in tank 1 with valve 7 closed for water discharge from the tank. Internal floating roof 6 is located between the stationary roof of the tank and water. It prevents water evaporation and exerts additional pressure on water in the AWPHT. This gives additional kinetic energy to water falling on the turbine impeller. The internal floating roof moves along the guide pipe. The unit is ready for operation.

[0013] Water outlet valve 7 opens. Water under pressure is supplied to hydraulic turbine 3 via pipeline 5 from the lower end of reservoir 1. At the same time, pump 4 is turned on to supply water from pool 2 to reservoir 1, compensating for the loss of water in the reservoir.

[0014] The technical characteristics of the pump correspond to the compensation of water consumption for the turbine and thus the set water level in the reservoir will be maintained and controlled.

[0015] Water passing under pressure through hydro turbine 3 enters pool 2. The generator rotor rotates together with the turbine impeller, producing electricity.

[0016] In this way, an artificial waterfall is created, where the necessary pressure and flow rate is created by the height and the volume of reservoir 1. The constant amount of water will circulate in a closed system: after passing through the hydro turbine, water enters the pool, and from the pool it is pumped back to the reservoir. From the reservoir, water is fed through a valve along the passage way to the turbine impeller and returns to the pool with minimal energy loss. A spare pump will be installed, which, like the main pump, will automatically maintain a given water level in the reservoir, replacing the main pump during its repair or preventive maintenance.

[0017] The essential features, characterizing this invention are:

[0018] 1. Unlike hydroelectric power plants, a river is not needed to create conditions for the operation of hydroelectric equipment.

[0019] 2. At operating hydroelectric power plants, a river and a dam create the reservoir volume, pressure, and water flow necessary for the operation of the hydro turbine. At power plants with AWPHT, water reservoir 1, pool 2, and pump 4 are used instead of a river and a dam. The same amount of water will circulate from the reservoir through the turbine into the pool and be pumped from the pool back to the reservoir.

[0020] 3. Unlike hydroelectric power plants, power plants with AWPHT are completely mounted indoors with the necessary temperature maintained year-round. This makes the operation of power plants independent of climatic conditions. Stable and reliable operation of equipment, its maintenance and repair are ensured.

[0021] 4. Power plants with AWPHT can be built in almost any required location, with no river, near an industrial facility, a populated area, etc. This allows for a significant reduction in costs of construction and operation of power transmission lines (PTL).

[0022] 5. The capacity of existing hydroelectric is not constant. Due to natural causes, water level in a dam may increase or decrease, which affects the volume of electricity produced. AWPHT will ensure a stable and constant amount of water, pressure, and water flow. In addition, reservoir 1 can be made larger than the calculated one. This will allow, if necessary, to increase or decrease the calculated pressure and water flow.

[0023] 6. At a hydroelectric power plant, when the water flow moves from the upper pool to the lower pool, part of its energy is lost in water-conducting devices to overcome flow resistance. In AWPHT, water energy loss will be minimal.

[0024] 7. The turbine uses water energy to rotate, and the general operating principle is simple. The combination of water flow and water pressure can be very different and the same power from several hundred kW to several hundred MW can be obtained with low flow and high water pressure and vice versa. In existing hydroelectric power plants, the operation of turbines is determined by characteristics of the selected river. AWPHT makes it possible to independently create various options for operation of hydro turbines and design power plants of different capacities based on the operating conditions specified by the customer.

[0025] The description of the method is accompanied by a sketch drawing of AWPHT indicating the elements, figures and their numbering.

[0026] No. 1 - water reservoir,

[0027] No. 2 - pool,

[0028] No. 3 - hydro turbine,

[0029] No. 4 - pump,

[0030] No. 5 - turbine water supply line from the reservoir to the hydraulic turbine,

[0031] No. 6 - inner floating roof,

[0032] No. 7 - water output valve from the reservoir,

[0033] No. 8 - diesel or gas piston power plant,

[0034] No. 9 - electricity from another source to power the pump and other equipment.

[0035] In order to demonstrate and justify the possibility of implementing the method for the specified purpose, the main comparative technical characteristics and parameters of equipment and structures involved are provided below.

[0036] Vertical steel reservoirs with a capacity of 100 to 300,000 m3 (VSR) are manufactured according to custom design, taking into account the requirements of rules and standards. Reservoirs can be fitted with steel or aluminum floating roofs, as well as necessary fittings and pipes. The wall thickness for vertical reservoirs is from 4 to 12 mm depending on the density and the estimated service life. It is recommended to use carbon and low-alloy structural steel grades of normal, increased and high strength for reservoirs. Standard vertical, cylindrical, steel reservoirs are given as an example.

[0037] Vertical steel cylindrical reservoir VSR 5000 m3: diameter - 22.8 m / 20.9 m; height - 12 m / 15 m.

[0038] Vertical steel cylindrical reservoir VSR 3000 m3: diameter - 18.98 meters; height - 12 m.

[0039] The pool, which receives water after passing through the hydro turbine, can be made of reinforced concrete or other materials. In order to prevent water evaporation, the pool can be built with a roof and also fitted with a floating roof. The pool can be larger than the reservoir. A larger amount of water in the pool may be needed not only to fill the reservoir but also to have the required amount of water to operate a specific pump, which will pump water from the pool to the reservoir. A spare pool of the same capacity can be built next to pool 2. If necessary, it will be possible to pump water from reservoir 1 or pool 2 to the spare pool. Pools can be made in the form of a parallelepiped or have another shape.

[0040] At the beginning of each pipeline, a quick-acting gate or automatic valve must be installed. Pressure turbine passage ways can be open or filled. Pipelines can be made of steel, steel- reinforced concrete and synthetic materials. Turbine water pipelines are made as short as possible to reduce the hydraulic shock.

[0041] Diesel or gas piston power plants.

[0042] For example, from Cummins (USA). This is one of the few full-service companies manufacturing power plants and ensuring high quality of end product. Customers have the opportunity to build autonomous power supply systems of any required capacity.

[0043] The company offers diesel power plants from 8 kW to 3 MW for industrial and domestic purposes. In terms of design, these are single structures consisting of a generator and an engine connected by a vibration-insulating coupling and mounted on a common main frame. Each model is fitted with an automatic control system, various additional units, assemblies and equipment, which makes it easy to adjust configuration depending on the specific requirements of the customer.

[0044] Gas piston generator units have a single electric capacity from 150 kW to 2700 kW. They operate on a lean mixture and provide high performance, fuel economy and low emissions. They are designed for primary power supply, as well as combined generation of energy and heat (cogeneration). Compared to gasoline or diesel power plants, their service life is on average 30% longer, since gas does not cause metal corrosion. It should be noted that all gas generators have a lower noise level.

[0045] Pumps by Sulzer AG, Switzerland, can be used to ensure stable and reliable water supply to the reservoir, as well as water circulation in a closed system. PumpsEquipment, Sulzer AG division, develops and supplies centrifugal pumps and related equipment for various industries around the world. Its vertical and horizontal pumps meet the highest requirements for pumping liquids and energy consumption. As an example, characteristics of some pumps of different types are provided below.

[0046] 1. SJT series centrifugal pumps: a) capacity, Q, up to 62,000 m3 / hour or approximately 17 m3 / second; b) flow rate, F, up to 110 meters; c) pressure, up to 64 bar; d) dimensions, 115 - 3000 mm.

[0047] 2. SJT / SJM series vertical semi-submersible pumps: a) capacity, Q, up to 80,000 m3 / hour or up to 22 m3 / second; b) flow rate, F, up to 38 meters; c) pressure, up to 6 bar; d) discharge pipe diameter from 50 to 200 mm.

[0048] They are characterized by high operating efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and can operate for a long time without maintenance. SJT series pumps are usually used to pump liquid upward from artificial underground storage facilities or open liquid reservoirs.

[0049] Application: Water supply stations, water circulation in power plants and renewable energy plants where liquid needs to be pumped, controlled and used.

[0050] 3. ZPP series single stage, double entry, axially split casing pump are used in severe operating conditions. a) capacity, Q, up to 25,000 m3 / hour or approximately 7 m3 / sec; b) flow rate, F, up to 160 meters; c) pressure, up to 20 bar; d) pressure pipe, from 250 mm to 900 mm.

[0051] High efficiency, low operating costs, high reliability. Innovative and reliable flow path, allowing to minimize pressure fluctuations. Special design of the impeller and pump provides low pulsation pumping, which is a mandatory condition when feeding water into a pressure tank, reservoir. Pump characteristics exceed ISO 5199 requirements. Pumps are used for clean liquids or those with a small amount of suspended matter in water supply and sanitation, energy.

[0052] ZPP and SMN series pumps are used as circulation pumps in various industries. They are ideal for supply and condensate systems used on industrial and power plants.

[0053] Capacity, Q, 1 m3 / second = 3600 m3 / hour.

[0054] Bar is a special pressure unit approximately equal to one atmosphere. 1 bar is equal to 10.197 meters of water column.

[0055] Pump motors are selected taking into account capacity fluctuations and special operating conditions specified by the customer. Diesel engines and energy-efficient IE3 motors are used. According to IEC standards, electric motors are classified according to their capacity and efficiency.

[0056] IE (efficiency) classes of electric motors since 2014:

[0057] IE1 - standard efficiency;

[0058] IE2 - high efficiency;

[0059] IE3 - premium efficiency;

[0060] IE4 - super premium efficiency.

[0061] Since 2015, motors with an efficiency lower than 1E3 are not allowed in the European Union. According to new Regulation (EC) No 640 / 2009, only IE3 motors are allowed in the European Union. The new standard covers a wider range of motors (output 0.12 kW - 1000 kW).

[0062] HPP hydroelectric units operate at different capacities in accordance with the power system load schedule. To ensure the required capacities, certain water flows must be passed through the turbines.

[0063] The following hydro turbines are known:

[0064] 1. PL-15 rotary-blade hydro turbine : a) pressure range - 5-15 meters; b) water flow 2.3- 1.9 meters; c) capacity on the shaft of a hydro turbine 1.3 - 88 megawatts

[0065] 2. PLC - 1 capsule hydro turbine: a) pressure range - 3-16 meters; b) water flow - 2-1.6 cubic meters per second.

[0066] 3. PL 15-GK capsule hydro turbine: a) optimal liquid flow rate 1600-1800 liters per second.

[0067] The above are low-power and low efficiency hydro turbines.

[0068] The purpose of this invention is to increase the efficiency and stability of a hydro turbine with AWPHT for HPPs.

[0069] The goal is achieved with power plants with AWPHT that can ensure stable and independent operation of hydroelectric equipment in the required mode. If necessary, AWPHT will provide for the options to change water pressure and flow rate independently, regardless of external conditions. In the equipment and structures given as an example, AWPHT, according to HPP classification, refers to low-pressure (from 3 to 25 meters) and medium-pressure (from 25 to 60 meters) units in terms of water use. Accordingly, hydroelectric units can be selected according to capacity and technical parameters of AWPHTs.

Claims

Claims:

1. A unit for creating an artificial waterfall for powering a hydro turbine comprising a water reservoir, a pool, an internal floating roof and a pump, characterized in that the same amount of water is circulated through the hydro turbine in a closed cycle by means of a pump from the reservoir to the pool and back.

2. A unit for creating an artificial waterfall for powering a hydro turbine as in claim 1, characterized in that power plants with the unit for creating an artificial waterfall are mounted indoors, making the operation of these power plants independent of climatic conditions and ensuring stable and reliable operation of equipment, its maintenance and repair.

Images