Hydroelectric Turbine with Arc Vanes for Dam-Free Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydroelectric power generation methods, such as dam construction, are costly, time-consuming, and environmentally damaging, particularly in rivers with strong currents, steep beaches, or gorges, where they are difficult to implement and can harm the ecology.
Innovation Solution
A hydroelectric power generating apparatus without a dam, featuring a concrete base, turbine frame, and hydraulic mechanisms with arc-shaped vanes, which utilize the kinetic energy of natural water flow to generate power efficiently, reducing construction costs and environmental impact by eliminating the need for dams or water pipe culverts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional dam construction is used for hydroelectric power generation, then power generation capability is achieved, but construction cost increases and construction time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroelectric power generation system is divided into modular components: concrete base, turbine frame, hydrolic mechanisms with vanes, gearbox, and generators. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, eliminating the need for complex dam construction while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of hydroelectric power generation from the traditional dam structure. By removing the dam component and using a free-standing turbine frame with hydrolic mechanisms, the system achieves power generation without the complexity and environmental impact of dam construction.
2Ease of operation
If dam structures are constructed to regulate water flow, then water flow control is achieved, but environmental damage occurs and construction difficulty increases in challenging terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrolic mechanisms with arc-shaped vanes automatically regulate water flow based on natural water pressure and flow conditions. The unequal portions of the vanes create automatic balance, eliminating the need for complex control systems and dam structures while minimizing environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from high-flow, high-head conditions requiring dams to lower-flow conditions using the kinetic energy of natural water flow. The arc-shaped vanes with unequal portions optimize performance at these different flow parameters, enabling operation in challenging terrains without environmental damage.
3Power
If traditional hydro plant structures are built, then power generation is achieved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into pre-fabricatable modules (concrete base, turbine frame, hydrolic mechanisms, gearbox, generators) that can be manufactured off-site and quickly assembled, dramatically reducing construction time compared to traditional hydro plant construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simpler, more affordable components such as the concrete base and modular turbine frame instead of expensive, long-lasting dam structures. While the components may have shorter service lives, the overall construction time and initial cost are significantly reduced.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for rapid and cost-effective hydroelectric power generation in challenging waterways, maximizing hydropower utilization while minimizing ecological damage, with increased power usage efficiency and turbine durability due to the unique vane design.
Implementation Method 1
the hydroelectric power generating apparatus generates hydroelectric power by using the kinetic energy of natural water flow
Implementation Method 2
When a vane moves in the direction of the water flow, the area of the vane that bears the water propelling force reaches a maximum value under the impact of the vane stopper
Implementation Method 3
When a vane moves against the direction of the water flow, the vane swings under the pressure of the water flow to open an outlet for water
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples provide a large scale hydroelectric power generating apparatus without dam, which includes a base and a turbine frame mounted on the base; a turbine shaft mounted within the turbine frame, connected to at least one generator, a first support assembly and a second support assembly mounted within the turbine frame for fixing the turbine shaft; hydraulic mechanisms having at least one layer of vanes mounted on the turbine shaft, each of the hydraulic mechanisms including a vane frame, multiple vane shafts mounted within the vane frame, and multiple vanes with the vane shafts as rotating axis; and vane stoppers mounted on the vane frame or on the vane shafts for controlling an opening angle of each of the vanes.