Small-Scale Hydroelectric Device With Movable Water Wheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small hydroelectric power generation apparatuses face challenges in maintaining optimal power generation efficiency due to varying water flow levels, as they either reduce water flow velocity or fail to effectively utilize the high-velocity water flow near the surface, and struggle to adjust the angle of water flow hitting the water wheel, leading to inefficient energy conversion and difficulties in emitting rubbish and securing a fishway.
Innovation Solution
A small hydroelectric power generation apparatus with an integrally formed second headrace channel, water wheel, lateral movement apparatus, and vertical movement apparatus, allowing for adjustable positioning of the water wheel and headrace channel to optimize the angle of water flow impact and maintain high flow velocity, thereby enhancing power generation efficiency without reducing water flow velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water level adjustment gates or flow quantity adjustment apparatus are used to adjust water flow angle, then power generation efficiency can be improved under certain conditions, but the flow velocity of water guided to the water wheel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the water flow utilization into two independent systems: a surface flow path that maintains high velocity for power generation, and a bottom flow path that handles flow quantity adjustment. This segmentation allows the surface water wheel to receive high-velocity water without the velocity-reducing effect of adjustment gates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a surface water guide structure as an intermediary element that captures high-velocity surface water and directs it to the water wheel, bypassing the velocity-reducing adjustment gates that control the overall flow quantity in the channel.
2Productivity
If the entire flow quantity of water in the channel is used for power generation, then maximum energy extraction is achieved, but rubbish emission and fishway maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by utilizing only the high-velocity surface water for power generation rather than the entire channel flow. This partial utilization maintains sufficient flow quantity in the channel for rubbish emission and fishway operations while still generating effective power.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by selectively capturing only the high-velocity surface water layer for power generation, while leaving the slower bottom water and overall flow regime unchanged, thus maintaining the channel's natural flow characteristics needed for ecological functions.
3Device complexity
If fixed-position water wheels are used in open channels, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adapt to varying water levels and flow quantities is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability through a movable water wheel assembly that can adjust its position vertically and horizontally in response to varying water levels and flow quantities, while the surface water guide structure provides automatic geometric adaptation to flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface water guide structure serves multiple functions: it guides surface water to the wheel, adjusts flow angle automatically, adapts to varying water levels, and maintains high velocity flow all without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 configuration enables efficient power generation by utilizing high-velocity water flow near the surface, adjusting the angle of water flow impact, and allowing for flexible operation to accommodate varying water levels, reducing the risk of water flow hitting the center of the water wheel, thus improving power generation efficiency and enabling the emission of rubbish and maintenance of a fishway.
Implementation Method 1
a water wheel (40) on a most downstream side of the first headrace channel (20) and the second headrace channel (30) that are continuous
Data Source
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AI summary
Power can be efficiently generated in accordance with the amount of water in a channel by including: a first headrace channel positioned on an upstream side; a second headrace channel positioned on a downstream side; a water wheel on a most downstream side of the first headrace channel and the second headrace channel, the water wheel having a rotation shaft in a direction orthogonally intersecting with a water flow; a lateral movement apparatus that enables the second headrace channel to be moved in an upstream direction or a downstream direction; and a vertical movement apparatus that enables the water wheel to be moved in a vertical direction.