Liquid-Filled Hydroelectric Device with Inverted L Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional run-of-river hydropower systems face instability in power generation due to varying water flow rates, particularly in dry seasons, leading to inefficient energy production affected by climate and seasonal changes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-filled hydroelectric generation device with a storage unit and generating sets, featuring inverted L-shaped inlet pipes and blade wheel assemblies, utilizes stored water to continuously generate power through the siphon principle, ensuring consistent operation regardless of water flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional run-of-river hydropower system uses a water turbine to generate power directly from flowing water, then the system structure is simple, but the power generation is unstable when water flow rate is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing water in advance in the storage unit before it is needed for power generation. The inlet pipe allows water to be stored in the storage unit when water flow is available, and this stored water is then used to drive the turbine during periods of low water flow, ensuring stable power generation regardless of current water availability.
2Productivity
If the water flow rate decreases in dry seasons, then the available water volume is reduced, but the power generation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulics by using the stored water in the storage unit to drive the turbine through the inlet pipe. The hydraulic system stores potential energy in the form of elevated water and releases it on demand to maintain consistent turbine operation and power generation efficiency regardless of the current water flow rate from the water source.
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 maintains stable power generation and improves efficiency by using stored water to drive the generating sets, even during low water flow periods, unaffected by seasonal changes, ensuring continuous energy production.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes stored water to continuously generate power through the siphon principle
Implementation Method 2
Each one of the at least one blade wheel has a sleeve fixed around the driving shaft and multiple blades connected to the sleeve in a radial arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-filled hydroelectric generation device has a storage unit and at least one generating set. The storage unit has at least one generating chamber mounted in a bottom thereof. Each generating chamber has a closed end in a top thereof and an open end in a bottom thereof, and is connected with at least one inlet pipe. Each inlet pipe is bent into an inverted L shape and has a top end connected to the generating chamber and a bottom end spaced from the bottom of the storage unit. The at least one generating set is mounted respectively in the at least one generating chamber. Each generating set has a driving shaft, at least one blade wheel assembly mounted on the driving shaft, and a generator connected to the driving shaft. The liquid-filled hydroelectric generation device generates power stably regardless of the flow rate of the water source.