Fish Passageway Pressure Regulation via Segmented Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fish passageways around aquatic obstructions face issues such as abrupt pressure transitions, uncontrolled water flow, and high construction costs, which can harm fish and are not cost-effective for smaller hydroelectric projects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container with pressure regulation and flow control mechanisms, including a pressurizer, pressure control mechanism, and selective separators, to manage pressure and water flow, minimizing harm to fish and reducing construction costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure regulation is implemented in fish passageways to prevent abrupt pressure transitions, then fish safety is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The passageway is divided into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) with progressively changing pressures. Each chamber acts as an independent pressure zone, allowing gradual pressure transitions rather than abrupt changes. Fish move through these segmented chambers sequentially, adapting to pressure changes in manageable stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate pressure zones between the high-pressure upstream side and low-pressure downstream side. These intermediate chambers serve as mediator zones that buffer the pressure difference, enabling smooth transitions. The chambers act as intermediary spaces that protect fish from direct exposure to extreme pressure gradients.
2Productivity
If fish passageways allow all water contents to pass simultaneously, then passage efficiency is improved, but small fish are exposed to predatory large fish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different qualities to different spatial zones within the passageway. The first chamber has characteristics suitable for larger fish and stronger currents, while the third chamber is designed for smaller fish with gentler conditions. This local differentiation allows simultaneous passage of various fish sizes while protecting vulnerable small fish from predation in appropriate zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The passageway structure creates nested zones where smaller fish can access protected interior chambers while larger fish remain in outer zones. The chambers are arranged so that small fish can navigate through protected pathways without direct exposure to predatory fish in adjacent zones, effectively nesting safe passages within the larger structure.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If uncontrolled water flow is allowed in fish passageways, then energy consumption is reduced, but water flow speed becomes hazardous to fish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow control where water flow characteristics change progressively through each chamber. The flow rate, velocity, and direction are dynamically adjusted in each successive chamber to match the decreasing energy levels and increasing vulnerability of fish as they progress through the passageway. This dynamic adaptation protects fish from hazardous high-speed flows while maintaining efficient water movement.
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
The system effectively transitions fish around obstructions with controlled pressure and water flow, reducing harm and costs, while allowing for selective passage and management of water contents, enhancing fish safety and ecosystem benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a container pressurizer and a pressure control mechanism positioned to control the pressure within the container
Implementation Method 2
a container pressurizer and a pressure control mechanism positioned to control the pressure within the container
Data Source
AI summary
The system and methods of the present invention selectively permit aquatic organisms to bypass an obstruction, such as a lock or a dam. Certain embodiments of the system include a container through which aquatic organisms and water may flow, a container pressurizer for pressurizing the container, and a pressure control mechanism.