Flume Acceleration Zone for Canal Power Generation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating power from slow-moving fluid flows in man-made water conveyance systems, such as canals and aqueducts, are not cost-effective and can disrupt the primary function of these systems for water conveyance.

Innovation Solution

A flume system design that accelerates flow velocities through channel modifications, utilizing a vertical-axis turbine to generate power without adversely impacting water conveyance, by creating an acceleration zone with a specific cross-sectional design that increases flow velocity to supercritical levels for efficient power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a turbine is installed in slow-moving water conveyance systems to generate power, then power generation capability is improved, but the primary function of water conveyance is adversely impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidwater conveyance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The water conveyance system is divided into two functional zones: an acceleration zone where flow velocity is increased for power generation, and a recovery zone where flow velocity is restored for maintaining conveyance capability. This segmentation allows the turbine to operate in the acceleration zone without permanently affecting the water conveyance function downstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flume structure performs preliminary acceleration of water flow before it reaches the turbine, creating high-velocity flow conditions necessary for cost-effective power generation. This preliminary action ensures that the turbine receives sufficient flow velocity without requiring permanent modifications to the overall conveyance system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Power

If flow velocity is increased to enable cost-effective power generation, then power output is improved, but turbulence and scour in the channel increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidturbulence and scour

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flume structure performs preliminary acceleration of water flow before it reaches the turbine, creating high-velocity flow conditions necessary for cost-effective power generation. This preliminary action ensures that the turbine receives sufficient flow velocity without requiring permanent modifications to the overall conveyance system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts flow velocity through the flume structure, creating temporary high-velocity conditions only in the acceleration zone where the turbine is located. The flow velocity is restored to normal levels downstream, preventing sustained turbulence and scour that would occur with permanent velocity increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If conventional turbines are used in slow-moving waters, then power generation is achieved, but the system is not cost-effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flume structure performs preliminary acceleration of water flow before it reaches the turbine, creating high-velocity flow conditions necessary for cost-effective power generation. This preliminary action ensures that the turbine receives sufficient flow velocity without requiring permanent modifications to the overall conveyance system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flume structure changes the flow velocity parameter locally in the acceleration zone, transforming slow-moving water into high-velocity flow suitable for cost-effective turbine operation. This parameter change is temporary and localized, allowing conventional turbines to operate efficiently without requiring expensive specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flume system effectively increases flow velocities to enable cost-effective power generation from slow-moving waters without affecting the primary function of water conveyance, achieving power outputs of up to 500 KW in a 20-foot wide channel.

Implementation Method 1

A flume system design that accelerates flow velocities through channel modifications, utilizing a vertical-axis turbine to generate power by creating an acceleration zone with a specific cross-sectional design that increases flow velocity to supercritical levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a vertical-axis turbine to generate power without adversely impacting water conveyance, by creating an acceleration zone with a specific cross-sectional design that increases flow velocity to supercritical levels for efficient power generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy conversion: Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS7456514B2Kinetic hydropower generation from slow-moving water flows

Publication Date: 2008.11.25 VERDANT POWER

AI summary

A power generation flume for use with fluid or water flow channels that includes an acceleration zone where a power generation system can be used in an accelerated flow to generate power in a cost efficient manner. The flume can have a variety of dimensions and can be used at one or at multiple locations along or across the flow channel without effecting upstream flow conditions.