Hydropower Inlet Screen Bars with Embedded Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frazil ice accumulation on inlet screens of hydropower plants causes water flow blockages during cold periods, and existing solutions like heating or material changes do not effectively prevent or manage ice buildup efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The inlet screen design incorporates elongated bars with electric heating means placed within spaces along their length, supported by distance holding members, and equipped with sensing mechanisms to control heating based on temperature, allowing for efficient prevention of frazil ice accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric heating means are applied to prevent frazil ice accumulation on inlet screens, then ice buildup is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means are applied locally only to specific portions of the bars where frazil ice accumulation is most problematic, rather than heating the entire inlet screen structure. This localized approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective ice prevention at critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating means are activated before frazil ice has a chance to accumulate significantly on the bars. By applying heat in advance during cold periods, the system prevents ice buildup before it blocks water flow, reducing the need for continuous high-energy heating.
2Reliability
If the distance between bars is reduced to prevent ice accumulation, then ice buildup is reduced, but water flow capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Heating is applied selectively to specific bars or sections where frazil ice accumulation is most severe, rather than uniformly reducing the distance between all bars. This maintains optimal water flow capability while providing ice prevention where most needed.
3Reliability
If heating is applied continuously to prevent frazil ice, then ice buildup is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means are operated periodically rather than continuously, being activated during cold periods when frazil ice formation is likely and deactivated during warmer periods. This periodic operation maintains ice prevention effectiveness while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors temperature and frazil ice conditions to control heating operation, activating heating only when cold temperatures or ice accumulation are detected. This feedback-based control prevents unnecessary continuous heating while ensuring ice prevention when needed.
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 design significantly reduces the risk of ice buildup and energy consumption by targeted heating, maintaining water flow and extending the lifespan of the inlet screens.
Implementation Method 1
each bar being provided with an electric heating means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an inlet screen adapted to be arranged at the water inlet (8) of a hydropower plant and comprises a plurality of elongated bars (20), said bars (20) being separated by a distance holding means, each elongated bar (20) having in its elongation a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an upstream region and a downstream region, said upstream and downstream regions being at an angle in relation to said proximal and distal portions, at least one of said bars (20) defining a space (36; 36a) extending along at least a portion of the elongation of said bar (20), said bar (20) being provided with an electric heating means (31). In accordance with the invention, said elongated bar has an elongated intermediate portion (38a), said space (36; 36a) being defined in either of the upstream region (35a) and the downstream region (35b), said intermediate portion (38a) extending along the elongation of the bar (20) between the upstream region (35a) and the downstream region (35b), said electric heating means (31) comprising at least one electric heating member (37) being introduced into said space (36; 36a).