Hydropower Bucket Assembly with Radial Slide and Buoyant Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydropower water wheel assemblies face inefficiencies due to water loss before reaching the lowest position, leading to reduced rotational power and torque, and require additional mechanisms like gates or actuators to manage water release, which incur wear and tear and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A water wheel assembly with radially extendable buckets and a containment flap that floats on water, allowing efficient filling and retention of water until the lowest position, combined with a slide mechanism to increase the lever arm length and enhance torque, reducing the need for additional actuation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional gate structures are used to retain water in buckets, then water retention is improved, but device complexity and wear increase due to additional mechanisms and moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the traditional gate structure entirely and replaces it with a simple containment flap that is an integral part of the bucket assembly. This extraction of the complex gate mechanism while retaining the water retention function directly resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment flap is designed to automatically open and close based on water level and wheel rotation, requiring no external actuators or control mechanisms. The flap self-regulates water retention throughout the wheel's rotation cycle, eliminating the need for complex gate structures while maintaining high water retention efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If buckets are mounted on axles or pivots to remain horizontal, then water retention is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional tipping arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the separate tipping arrangement by integrating the containment flap directly into the bucket structure. The flap provides both the horizontal retention function and the automatic release mechanism, removing the need for additional tipping components and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If additional actuators or mechanisms are added to reset gates or flaps, then water release control is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The containment flap automatically opens when water reaches a certain level and the wheel rotates to a specific position, and closes when the bucket is refilled. This self-actuating mechanism provides precise water release control without requiring any external actuators, motors, or control systems, thereby maintaining ease of operation while minimizing device complexity and maintenance needs.
4Power
If the lever arm length is increased to enhance torque, then power output is improved, but device complexity increases due to radial extension mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket assembly is designed with a radially adjustable lever arm that automatically extends when the bucket is full and retracts when empty. This dynamic adjustment maximizes torque during the power-generating portion of the rotation while minimizing the moment of inertia during the non-power portion, thereby enhancing power output without requiring complex external extension 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
The design increases water retention in buckets, enhancing rotational power and torque by maintaining water until near the lowest wheel position, reducing splashing and wear, and improving overall efficiency without additional actuation, resulting in increased power output and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
At least a portion of the containment flap or an attachment to the containment flap is constructed to have a lower density than the liquid filling the buckets, such that the containment flap will float on the surface of the water in the water-filling or filled buckets
Implementation Method 2
the downward force and gravitational weight of the fluid generates a hydrostatic force which rotates the wheel axle and causes the wheel to turn
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a water wheel having a plurality of circumferentially mounted buckets adapted to receive fluid, each of the buckets having a pivotable containment flap for maintaining the fluid in the buckets for a longer period during downward rotation of the wheel. The containment flaps comprise a buoyant material such that the flaps will float on top of the fluid housed in the buckets. In an embodiment, the buckets are mounted on tracks such that when filled with fluid and rotated on the wheel to a downward angle the buckets will slide radially outwardly, producing added force and power to the wheel and increasing the mechanical energy which is generated. A means for moving the buckets to a retracted position when empty such as heavy spring or elastic cord members or strut is also provided. In combination, the slide and flap increase the power of the wheel.