Adjustable Impeller Blade Feedback Using Shaft Radar Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water turbines require complex mechanical constructions to transmit blade position feedback to the control unit, and there is a need for effective vibration monitoring of the shaft.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a radar system to detect the distance between a movable rod and an extension arm on the shaft, which is connected to the blade adjustment mechanism, allowing for less mechanical effort in transmitting blade position feedback and enabling continuous vibration monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complicated mechanical constructions are used to transmit blade position feedback to the control unit, then the feedback transmission is reliable, but the mechanical complexity and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complicated mechanical feedback transmission constructions with a magnetic field-based sensor system. A magnet is attached to the movable rod, and a magnetic sensor on the stationary detection unit detects the magnet's position to determine blade pitch angle, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining reliable feedback transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element that couples the movable rod's mechanical movement to the stationary sensor system. The magnet's position changes with the rod's axial movement, and the magnetic sensor converts this mechanical displacement into electrical signals for the control unit, serving as a simple yet effective mediator between moving and stationary components.
2Reliability
If vibration monitoring of the shaft is implemented, then the safety and control are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects blade pitch angle through magnetic sensing and simultaneously monitors shaft vibration through acceleration sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring systems, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing safety and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the blade position detection function and vibration monitoring function into a single stationary detection unit. The control unit processes both magnetic sensor signals (for pitch angle) and acceleration sensor signals (for vibration) together, merging multiple monitoring tasks into one integrated system that reduces complexity while improving reliability.
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
Facilitates efficient transmission of blade position feedback with reduced mechanical complexity and provides continuous vibration monitoring, enhancing control and safety of the water turbine operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radar system (10), which is designed to detect a distance to a portion (4) of the shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Proposed is a hydraulic prime mover comprising a rod (7) that is movable in an axial direction, at least one cantilever arm (8), at least one gap (9), and at least one radar system (10), wherein: the rod is arranged in a cavity of the shaft (4); the at least one cantilever arm is fastened to the rod; the at least one cantilever arm protrudes through the at least one gap, which is arranged in the shaft, so as to project beyond the shaft perpendicularly with respect to the axis of rotation; the rod is connected to the mechanism for adjusting the blades (1) such that an adjustment of the blades leads to an axial movement of the rod; the at least one radar system is designed and arranged to be capable of detecting a first distance to a part of the shaft and a second distance to the at least one cantilever arm and transmitting these to the control device (12).