Hybrid Lift-Drag Hydropower Runner for Self-Starting Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroelectric power generation devices face issues with operating efficiency, startup performance, stability, fabrication cost, and environmental impact, particularly in offshore or shallow-water regions, due to the limitations of single-type runners and vertically installed shafts.
Innovation Solution
A hydropower device combining lift and drag effects, featuring a shaft with a lift-type runner and two drag-type runners in series, twisted blades, and a disc generator, which converts kinetic energy into mechanical energy for high efficiency and stability, with a horizontal installation to minimize environmental disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single drag-type runner is used, then high torque is generated, but energy conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lift-type and drag-type runners into a single hybrid runner structure. The lift-type blades generate lift force for high energy conversion efficiency, while the drag-type blades generate drag force for high torque. This merging allows the system to simultaneously achieve both high torque and high energy conversion efficiency that were previously mutually exclusive when using single-type runners.
2Loss of energy
If a lift-type runner is used, then energy conversion efficiency is high, but self-startup performance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid runner integrates both lift-type and drag-type blades. The drag-type blades provide strong self-startup capability by generating torque even at low rotational speeds through drag force, while the lift-type blades maintain high energy conversion efficiency during operation. This combination resolves the contradiction between self-startup performance and energy conversion efficiency.
3Device complexity
If commonly used runners are used, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but operating stability is affected due to large tilting moment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the installation dimension of the runner shaft from vertical to horizontal orientation. This dimensional change allows the runner to operate perpendicular to the water flow direction, eliminating the large tilting moment that causes bending and instability in vertically installed runners. The horizontal installation maintains structural simplicity while significantly improving operating stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If shafts are vertically installed, then installation is simple, but wake flow causes scouring effect on downstream seabed or riverbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent rotates the shaft installation from vertical to horizontal orientation, changing the operational dimension of the runner. This causes the wake flow to discharge horizontally rather than vertically downward, eliminating the scouring effect on the downstream seabed or riverbed while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized horizontal mounting configurations.
5Power
If large unit hydroelectric power generation is used, then power output is high, but fabrication cost is high and installation is not convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation system into modular components including the hybrid runner, generator, and support structure. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of modular units that can be easily transported and installed, reducing fabrication costs and installation complexity while maintaining high power output through parallel deployment of multiple modular units.
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 device achieves high energy conversion efficiency, stable operation, and self-startup performance, with minimal environmental impact, suitable for various water directions and applications.
Implementation Method 1
the lift blades are connected to the shaft through struts and encircle the first-stage drag-type runner... both the lift-type runner and the drag-type runners generate the torque driving the rotation of the shaft under the impact of incoming water
Implementation Method 2
the two drag-type runners are configured in series... both the lift-type runner and the drag-type runners generate the torque driving the rotation of the shaft under the impact of incoming water
Implementation Method 3
the shaft of the runner drives the rotor of the generator to rotate, and the rotor is electromagnetically coupled with the stator, and electricity is thereby generated
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a hydropower device with its operation driven by a combination of lift and drag forces. The device comprises a shaft, a lift-type runner, a first-stage drag-type runner, and a second-stage drag-type runner, wherein the lift-type runner, the first-stage drag-type runner, and the second-stage drag-type runner are coaxially installed on the shaft. The shaft is rotatably installed on a supporting frame. The first-stage drag-type runner and the second-stage drag-type runner are mounted in series on the shaft. A disc generator is installed on the shaft and meanwhile in the middle of the first- and the second-stage drag-type runners. A lift-type runner is connected to the shaft through struts, and the blades of the lift-type runner are oriented in the periphery of the first-type and the second-type runners.