Dam Water Intake Flow Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic dams face challenges in maintaining the required 'Reserved Flow' without overloading existing structures, especially when the flow increases, as traditional crossing systems become insufficient and adapting or creating new ones may be technically or administratively impossible.
Innovation Solution
A water intake and flow control device is installed between the fixed and movable parts of a dam's drain valve, comprising capture pipes, a distributor pipe with a solenoid valve, and a central control unit, allowing for controlled water distribution and measurement, which can be easily integrated into existing dam structures without significant modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional crossing systems are used to maintain Reserved Flow, then the flow can be regulated by hydrostatic pressure, but the system becomes insufficient when flow requirements significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain valve is divided into two independent parts: a bottom valve for high-flow evacuation and a surface valve for controlled Reserved Flow regulation. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the system to handle both high flow requirements and precise flow control without overloading the original bottom valve
Solution Approach 2:
A new surface valve acts as an intermediary device between the reservoir and the downstream environment. This intermediary component enables precise regulation of Reserved Flow without requiring modifications to the original bottom valve or complete emptying of the dam, thus maintaining adaptability to varying flow requirements
2Quantity of substance
If the bottom valve is partially operated to increase Reserved Flow, then the flow requirement can be met temporarily, but the valve is overloaded as it is sized for much higher evacuation flow
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into a bottom valve dedicated to high-flow evacuation and a surface valve dedicated to Reserved Flow control. This separation ensures that the bottom valve operates within its designed flow range, maintaining reliability, while the surface valve handles the Reserved Flow regulation without overloading
3Ease of manufacture
If crossings are used to ensure Reserved Flow, then the system is simple and installed during construction, but it cannot be adapted when flow requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The surface valve is designed with a variable opening area that can be dynamically adjusted to match varying Reserved Flow requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to increased flow demands while maintaining the simplicity of the original crossing installation
Solution Approach 2:
The surface valve serves multiple functions: it regulates Reserved Flow, can be adjusted for varying flow requirements, and does not interfere with the bottom valve's evacuation function. This multi-functionality provides adaptability while maintaining installation simplicity
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 ensures the maintenance of 'Reserved Flow' without completely emptying the dam or overloading existing structures, is simple to manufacture and install, and allows for flexible operation based on flow measurements, ensuring compliance with varying flow requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve, at least one central, remote, controlling the operation of said dispensing valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a water drawing and flow rate control device (1) for a hydraulic dam (2), formed so as to be positioned in part between a fixed part (202) and a mobile sealing part (201) of an emptying valve (20) of the dam, this valve being arranged in said dam, the device being characterized in that it comprises – at least one abstraction pipe (3) whose cross section is wider than it is high, each abstraction pipe (3) having an inlet mouth which serves for abstracting water and an outlet mouth which is connected to a manifold (4) into which it opens, – at least one distributor pipe (5) that is connected to said manifold (4) or to one of said manifolds, this distributor pipe being provided with at least one valve (6), such as a solenoid valve, for the distribution of water on the downstream side of the dam, – at least one remote central unit (8) for controlling the operation of said distribution valve.