Pressure chamber fish sluice

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure-chamber fish sluice for overcoming greater height differences in transverse structures (3), such as, for example, flood protection structures or hydroelectric power stations, wherein two sluice chambers (6) with closure elements (7) for the upper (1) and lower bodies of water (2) are operated in opposite directions, so that fish can move upwards and downwards at the same time, wherein a device for energy conversion (8) is arranged in a hydraulic connection of the two sluice chambers (6), which allows an attraction current (5) to be generated, wherein each sluice chamber (6) has at least one compressible region (10) or each sluice chamber (6) is connected to a compressible region (10), and wherein the hydraulic connection of the sluice chambers (6) to the device for energy conversion (8) can be at least substantially closed.

Description

[0001] pressure chamber fish lock

[0002] The invention relates to a pressure chamber fish lock with which fish and other aquatic organisms can overcome larger height differences at transverse structures, such as flood protection structures, weirs and dams of hydroelectric power plants or weirs.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Pressure chamber fish locks are already in use in several applications. For example, DE102012020781B3 describes a fish passage with a single lock chamber. Single-chamber fish locks have the disadvantage that fish can only enter the lock chambers temporarily. To allow for longer entry and exit times, there are also fish locks with two counter-operated lock chambers, such as the fish lock described in AT517218B1. This pressure chamber fish lock enables gentle and low-maintenance operation of two lock chambers with only one attraction flow, which passes through both chambers. This is achieved by a hydraulic connection between the two chambers. In this connection, a device for energy conversion, such as a turbine or a throttle element, is provided behind protective elements that prevent fish from entering as much as possible.The fish lock described in AT517218B1 has the disadvantage that gently overcoming larger height differences, for example over 10 m, is hardly possible because organisms have very little time to adapt to the pressure changes. Theoretically, the time for pressure changes could be extended by closing the gates very slowly, but such precise control would only be possible with great effort and would be very susceptible to external conditions, such as a blockage of the gate openings or uneven leaks. Furthermore, the nearly closed gates, which are necessary for relatively long periods, pose a danger to migrating fish and aquatic organisms due to the very high flow velocities for significantly longer periods.

[0005] Technical task

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the technical problem of overcoming the disadvantage of the prior art and realizing a pressure chamber fish lock which, due to two lock chambers, enables the longest possible entry and exit times and also allows for overcoming large drop heights by ensuring that the pressure adjustment in the lock chambers is carried out in a targeted, gentle manner and without significant technical control effort within a time period in which the migrating fish and other aquatic organisms can adapt.

[0007] The problem solved according to the invention is achieved in particular by the features of the independent claim. Further advantageous embodiments are proposed according to the dependent claims.

[0008] Inventive solution

[0009] The invention relates to a pressure chamber fish lock with two lock chambers, each of which has at least one closing device, such as a slide or a flap, facing upstream and downstream. The closing devices are operated such that one lock chamber is open to the upstream water and the other lock chamber is open to the downstream water. After, for example, a predetermined time or as soon as a defined number of fish have entered, the two open closing devices close, and then the two previously closed closing devices open again during the so-called switching phase. Fish that have entered the lock chambers can continue their migration after this switching phase.The two lock chambers of this invention are hydraulically connected to each other in order to direct an attraction flow from the upstream water into the first lock chamber, from there into the second lock chamber, and subsequently into the downstream water. The connection incorporates a device for energy conversion, such as a turbine, a throttle plate, a throttle valve, or a throttle flap. Entry into this connection is largely prevented by protective elements attached to both sides, such as screens, grates, nets, perforated plates, or sieves. The hydraulic connection is designed so that it can be almost completely closed for extended periods during the switching phase, thus preventing any or all flow from one lock chamber to the other.This can be done either directly, for example by adjusting the intended throttle slides or throttle valves, by means of additionally controlled shut-off devices, or by adjusting the impeller blades when using a turbine as a device for energy conversion.

[0010] During the switching phase, the pressures in the lock chambers are slowly adjusted to the pressures that will be present after the switching phase, i.e., the pressures of the upstream and downstream water. To significantly reduce the control effort, better compensate for small and variable leaks due to leaks in the sealing elements, and / or to avoid the need for less precise valves while still enabling the gentlest, most uniform, and controlled pressure adjustment possible, areas are created in each of the two lock chambers, or the lock chambers are hydraulically connected to areas, that are compressible.

[0011] In the simplest case, the compressible areas can be designed as hydrophores or air chambers, i.e., areas containing a gas, such as air, where the volume changes depending on the pressure. Furthermore, diaphragm expansion vessels or areas with pressure-dependent movable walls are possible, similar to a hydraulic cylinder. If the compressible areas are not directly within the chamber, such as an air-filled chamber section, a connection via piping behind the protective elements of the lock chamber connection can be advantageous for fish protection.

[0012] The size of the compressible area depends on several factors, including the size of the lock chambers, the tightness of the closure devices, the height difference and / or the pressure change rate.

[0013] There are several options for adjusting the pressures in the lock chambers during the switching phase. In principle, the pressure should change slowly, for example with a pressure change rate of 20 to 80 kPa / min (kilopascals per minute), to give the organisms sufficient time to adapt.

[0014] The least effort is required to move the closing mechanisms of the pressure chamber fish lock very slowly and in a precisely defined manner shortly before it is completely closed and at the beginning of the opening process, so that only small

[0015] Opening cross-sections are present. Since the attraction flow during the switching phase can be prevented by closing the hydraulic connection between the two lock chambers, a current that is dangerous for fish and other aquatic organisms hardly occurs anymore, and due to the compressible areas, a gentle pressure adjustment is generally possible. However, such a design is still sluggish, susceptible to external influences, and a small risk still emanates from the closing devices. To improve this, the closing devices can be designed in such a way that, despite the same travel distance, only small opening cross-sections result when the closing devices are almost closed or barely open. For example, the clear opening width of a vertically movable gate can be reduced behind the gate plate in the lower area by the frame or a baffle.Furthermore, protective measures such as rakes, grids, nets, perforated sheets or sieves can be provided for fish protection in the case of almost closed or barely open closure devices.

[0016] However, it is more practical to achieve pressure adjustment using additional smaller valves or pumps. Some possibilities are given below as examples.

[0017] For example, in addition to the standard four locking devices, four further finely adjustable valves can be installed, connecting the two lock chambers to the upstream and downstream water, respectively. By selectively opening the valves, the pressure in the chambers can be adjusted slowly and evenly. For improved fish protection, the valve connections in the lock chambers can be aligned with the protective elements of the hydraulic chamber connection, and / or protective measures such as screens, grates, nets, perforated plates, or sieves can be incorporated at the connections.

[0018] Furthermore, it is possible to connect the two lock chambers by means of at least one valve and at least one pump. Connecting the components behind the existing or additionally installed protective elements is advantageous for fish protection. In the first step, during the pressure adjustment in the switching phase, the valve is opened so that the pressures of the two lock chambers adjust as closely as possible to the defined pressure change rate.

[0019] The pump then builds up the pressures that will also be present in the lock chambers after the switching phase. Various hydraulic configurations are possible for this. The pressure equalization valve could also function as the shut-off device of the hydraulic chamber connection, provided it can be finely adjusted and the compressible areas are sufficiently large.

[0020] To better compensate for leaks in the sealing mechanisms, at least one lockable pump and, advantageously, an additional valve in parallel to the lockable pump can be used for pressure adjustment in each lock chamber, connecting the lock chamber to the upstream or, alternatively, to the downstream water. For pressure adjustment, the pressure in one chamber is increased by means of the pump or by opening the valve, and the pressure in the other lock chamber is reduced by means of the pump or by opening the valve, depending on whether the components are connected to the upstream or downstream water.

[0021] Various well-known valve types can be used for pressure adjustment, including control valves, gate valves, ball valves, and sometimes also check valves or flaps. The pump(s) can also be designed to be controllable. To enable a defined pressure adjustment, a constant or specifically adjusted flow rate can be achieved through these components.

[0022] Alternatively, pressure equalization can also be achieved by actively changing the volume or pressure of the compressible area, for example by moving a wall or introducing a gas or liquid, possibly behind a membrane.

[0023] The invention is now referred to with reference to four

[0024] Further explained from exemplary cases, which are schematically represented in the drawings, where Fig. 1a is a sectional view of an embodiment of the pressure chamber fish lock without the additional pumps and valves which are useful for pressure adjustment,

[0025] Fig. 1b shows a top view of the first embodiment of the pressure chamber fish lock, cut in the middle of the lock chamber, without the additional pumps and valves which are useful for pressure adjustment.

[0026] Figs. 2a to 2d show a top view, cut in the middle of the lock chamber, of a second embodiment of the pressure chamber fish lock with additional valves for the upstream and downstream water.

[0027] Fig. 3a shows a top view, cut in the middle of the lock chamber, of a third embodiment of the pressure chamber fish lock with an additional connection between the two lock chambers, which has a valve and a pump operating in both flow directions.

[0028] Figs. 3b to 3e show further possible hydraulic connections with pumps and valves for the third version of the pressure chamber fish lock and

[0029] Figs. 4a and 4b show a top view, cut in the middle of the lock chamber, of a fourth embodiment of the pressure chamber fish lock, in which the lock chambers are connected to the upper water by valves and pumps.

[0030] In the first embodiment, shown in Figs. 1a and 1b, the structure of the pressure chamber fish lock according to the invention is illustrated. In Fig. 1a, it can be seen that the water level 5 in the upstream area 1 is higher than in the downstream area 2 after the transverse structure 3. The pressure chamber fish lock projects through the transverse structure 3, is installed flat in the exemplary embodiment, and has a stepless connection to the riverbed 4. The pressure values ​​in kPa (kilopascals) given in this and in further figures indicate, for example, a height difference of approximately 10 meters between upstream area 1 and downstream area 2. In Fig. Figure 1b shows the four closing devices 7 of the pressure chamber fish lock, the two lock chambers 6, the connection of the two lock chambers 6 with the energy conversion device 8, which is lockable, and the protective elements 9, which prevent fish from swimming into the connection.A schematic connection via a pipeline between each lock chamber 6 and the compressible area 10, here exemplified as a hydrophore, is also shown, wherein the connection to the two lock chambers 6 takes place, for example, behind the protective elements of the connection.

[0031] Figure 2a shows the previously depicted pressure chamber fish lock with additional valves 11 suitable for gentle pressure adjustment. The valves 11 connect each lock chamber 6 to the upstream water 1 and the downstream water 2. In Figure 2a, the closing element 7 of the lock chamber 6 shown above is open towards the downstream water 2, and the closing element 7 of the lock chamber 6 shown below is open towards the upstream water 1. The pressure in the lock chambers 6 is adjusted to the upstream water 1 or the downstream water 2, and fish can swim into the lock chambers 6 from both sides, guided by an attraction current 15. All four valves 11 are closed, which, as with the closing elements 7, is symbolized by a black filling.

[0032] Figure 2b illustrates the initial switching phase of the pressure chamber fish lock. The two previously opened closure devices 7, as well as the connection between the two lock chambers 6 and the energy conversion device 8, were closed. Subsequently, the valve 11 was opened towards the upper water level 1 of the lock chamber 6 shown above, allowing a pressure equalization flow 16 to enter the corresponding lock chamber 6 and flow towards the compressible area 10. This increases the pressure in the lock chamber 6. In the lock chamber 6 shown below, the valve 11 was then opened towards the lower water level 2, allowing a pressure equalization flow 16 to flow from the compressible area 10 into the lower water level 2, thus decreasing the pressure in the lock chamber 6.

[0033] Figure 2c shows the switching phase of the pressure chamber fish lock at a later point during the switching phase. It can be seen that the pressure in the lock chamber 6 shown above has increased further, and there is also more water in the compressible area 10 of this lock chamber 6. In the lock chamber 6 shown below, however, the pressure has decreased further, and water has flowed out of the compressible area 10.

[0034] Figure 2d shows the pressure chamber fish lock after the switching phase. After complete pressure equalization, the closing mechanisms 7, which were closed before the switching phase, have opened. Thus, the fish that previously swam into the lock chambers 6 can continue their migration, guided by the attraction current 15, which is enabled again by the reopening of the chamber connection. The two valves 11, which were opened for pressure equalization, close again. The next switching phase of this pressure chamber fish lock would occur in reverse; that is, the closing mechanisms 7 and valves 11 of the respective other lock chambers 6 are actuated according to the sequence described.

[0035] In Fig. 3a, pressure equalization is achieved, for example, with the aid of a bidirectional pump 12 and a valve 11, which connect the two lock chambers 6. During the switching phase, the connection between the two lock chambers 6 and the energy conversion device 8 is closed. The valve 11 is then opened, and a pressure equalization flow 16 flows through the valve 11 and the bidirectional pump 12 from the lock chamber 6 with the higher pressure to the lock chamber 6 with the lower pressure until pressure equalization has occurred. The bidirectional pump 12 then continues to pump the pressure equalization flow 16 in the same direction until the pressure conditions in the lock chambers 6 approximately correspond to those after the switching phase.

[0036] Fig. 3b shows the series connection of a pump 12 operating in both flow directions with a valve 11 as shown in Fig. 3a.

[0037] Fig. 3c shows another example of a circuit in which two pumps 13, which can be shut off with a valve 11 and operate in one flow direction, are arranged in parallel.

[0038] Figure 3d shows a series connection of a pump 12 operating in both flow directions with a valve 11. A second valve 11 is arranged in parallel to this, which provides pressure equalization until the pump, through a control mechanism, ensures the required pressure difference.

[0039] Figure 3e shows a circuit in which a pressure equalization flow 16 in both directions is enabled with only one pump 13 operating in one flow direction, by selectively controlling the valves 11. For this purpose, two diagonally arranged valves 11 must be controlled in each direction.

[0040] In the hydraulic circuits of Figure 3, the most airtight possible sealing elements 7 are required because uneven leakage prevents proper pressure adjustment. One solution could be to use additional valves 11 to ensure an equal leakage flow. In Figure 4a, pressure adjustment in the depicted pressure chamber fish lock is achieved using valves 11 and pumps 13 operating in one direction of flow. Each lock chamber 6 is connected to the upstream water 1 via a valve 11 and a parallel, unidirectional pump 12, which can be shut off, for example, with a check valve. The upstream connection is, for example, protected behind a fine screen 14. The connections in the lock chambers 6 are, for example, located behind the existing protective elements 9.In principle, a connection with only one pump 13 operating in one flow direction and a parallel valve 11 for each lock chamber 6 is also possible if this pump is connected to both lock chambers 6 with a valve 11 each.

[0041] Figure 4b shows how the pressure adjustment is carried out in the fourth embodiment. It can be seen that in the lock chamber 6 shown above, the valve 11 is opened, a pressure equalization flow 16 flows into the lock chamber 6 or its compressible area 10, and thus the pressure increases. In the lock chamber 6 shown below, however, a pressure equalization flow 16 is pumped from the lock chamber 6 or its compressible area 10 into the upper water 1 by the pump 13, which operates in one direction of flow, thereby reducing the pressure in this lock chamber 6. After the pressure adjustment is complete, the closing devices 7 and the connection between the two lock chambers 6 can be reopened, the pump switched off, and all valves 11 closed. The next switching phase is carried out in a similar manner to the one described here.However, the other valves 11 and the other pump 13 operating in a flow direction are controlled.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pressure chamber fish lock consisting of two counter-operated lock chambers (6) each with closing devices (7) to the upstream water (1) and downstream water (2), in which the two lock chambers (6) are connected to a device for energy conversion (8) for the release of an attraction flow (15), characterized in that each lock chamber (6) has at least one area with a compressible gas or a pressure-dependent movable wall section, such as a membrane or movable wall, or is connected to this compressible area (10) and the connection of the two lock chambers (6) to the device for energy conversion (8) is at least largely closable.

2. Pressure chamber fish lock according to claim 1, characterized in that for pressure adjustment at least one valve (11) each from the lock chamber (6) to the upper water (1) and from the lock chamber (6) to the lower water (2) , i.e. a total of at least 4 valves (11) , are provided per lock chamber (6).

3. Pressure chamber fish lock according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pump (12) operating in both flow directions or at least one pump (13) operating in one flow direction is provided for pressure adjustment, optionally lockable, which connects the two lock chambers (6).

4. Pressure chamber fish lock according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one further valve (11) is arranged parallel to the pump(s) (12) operating in both flow directions or to the pump(s) operating in one flow direction, with which a pressure equalization can be precisely defined and / or optionally the direction of the pressure equalization flow (16) can also be adjusted.

5. Pressure chamber fish lock according to claim 1, characterized in that for pressure equalization, at least one optionally lockable pump (13) operating in one flow direction or one optionally lockable pump (12) operating in both flow directions and optionally a parallel valve (11) connects the lock chamber (6) to the upper water (1) or alternatively to the lower water (2).

6. Pressure chamber fish lock according to claim 1, characterized in that four very precisely movable closure elements (7) are used for pressure adjustment, with which very small non-fish-passable opening cross-sections can be selectively enabled.

7. Pressure chamber fish lock according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that grids, nets, perforated plates or sieves are provided for the protection of fish at the connections of the valves (11) or the pumps (12, 13) to the upper water (1), the lower water (2) or the lock chambers (6), or the valves (11) and pumps (12, 13) are connected behind the protective elements (9) of the energy conversion device (8), i.e. with an area through which no fish can enter.

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