Hydropower Generator Control Using Valve Opening Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydroelectric power generation systems face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow rates and pressures in channels, leading to unstable operation and increased costs due to the need for direct electrical connections and complex calculations for generator control.
Innovation Solution
A hydroelectric power generation system incorporating a motor-operated valve, a sensor, a command section, and a generator controller that adjusts torque and rotational speed based on measured or estimated opening degree information, allowing for indirect command value transmission and reducing the need for direct electrical connections and costly wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct electrical connections and complex calculations are used for generator control, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a motor-operated valve as an intermediary component between the command section and the generator. The valve translates electrical commands into mechanical opening degree adjustments, which then regulate fluid flow to the water turbine. This mechanical intermediary eliminates the need for direct complex electrical connections to the generator while maintaining precise control through the valve's position feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with a mechanically-based control approach. Instead of using direct electrical connections and complex calculations to control the generator, the system uses a motor-operated valve with mechanical opening degree adjustments to regulate fluid flow, thereby controlling the water turbine and generator indirectly through mechanical means.
2Stability of the object's composition
If motor-operated valve with opening degree control is used, then flow rate control stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the opening degree information from the motor-operated valve is fed back to the generator control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to adjust generator control based on the actual valve position, creating a closed-loop control system that stabilizes flow rate control while managing device complexity through intelligent coordination rather than additional hardware.
3Loss of energy
If generator control is based on valve opening degree information, then operational cost is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-operated valve serves as a cost-effective intermediary that translates expensive direct generator control into cheaper fluid flow regulation. By controlling the valve opening degree rather than directly controlling the generator, the system reduces operational costs while the valve's position feedback provides sufficient measurement precision for effective control without requiring high-precision direct generator measurements.
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 solution enables stable flow rate and pressure control, reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for direct electrical connections, and allows for efficient generator operation based on actual valve states, preventing unstable flow rate changes.
Implementation Method 1
a water turbine disposed in the channel in series or parallel with the motor-operated valve
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to be driven by the water turbine
Data Source
AI summary
A hydroelectric power generation system is included in a channel control system. The channel control system includes a command section that outputs a command value of a flow rate or pressure of a fluid, an opening degree control unit that calculates a target opening degree based on the command value, and a motor-operated valve installed in a channel through which the fluid flows. The valve opens and closes in accordance with the target opening degree. The hydroelectric power generation system includes a water turbine disposed in the channel, a generator driven by the water turbine, and a generator control unit that controls at least one of a torque and a number of rotations of the generator based on opening degree information that indicates a measured value of an actual opening degree of the valve or an opening degree estimated.