Parallel Hydro Turbines Manage Flow Deviations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small hydro power generation systems face issues with flow rate deviations leading to overloading and damage due to resistance, resulting in decreased power generation efficiency and potential pipe damage.
Innovation Solution
A stepwise operating parallel type small hydro power generation system with a fixed flow path, featuring parallel pipes, flow rate regulators, and a controller that adjusts the operation of power generation facilities based on real-time flow rate measurements to minimize resistance and maintain efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flow rate adjusting valve is used to regulate the flow rate of water, then the flow rate can be controlled, but it serves as a resistor to drastically increase loss in the pressure of water, thereby lowering power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single power generation facility into multiple parallel facilities (first and second power generation facilities with separate turbines and generators). This segmentation allows water flow to be distributed across multiple paths, reducing the need for high-resistance flow control in a single path and thereby minimizing pressure loss while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different power generation facilities based on real-time flow rate conditions. The controller activates or deactivates specific facilities to match the available water flow, eliminating the need for continuous throttling through resistive valves and maintaining optimal pressure and efficiency across varying flow conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a guide vane is used to regulate the flow rate of water, then the flow rate can be controlled, but it serves as a resistor to decrease the power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power generation into multiple independent facilities, each capable of operating at optimal efficiency. This eliminates the need for guide vanes that act as resistors in a single facility, as the flow can be naturally distributed to match the capacity of individual facilities without efficiency-lowering flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback on the actual flow rate and dynamically determines which power generation facilities to activate. This feedback mechanism allows the system to match water flow supply with generation capacity in real-time, maintaining high efficiency without requiring resistive guide vanes to control flow rate.
3Productivity
If the flow rate of water is not regulated, then power generation efficiency is maintained, but the power generator is overloaded or the water turbine is damaged due to severe deviation in flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational configuration by switching between different power generation facilities based on real-time flow rate conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to handle flow rate deviations without overloading individual turbines or generators, as the total capacity is flexibly matched to the available water flow, thereby maintaining both efficiency and equipment safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters (which facilities are active) based on flow rate conditions. By adjusting the configuration of active power generation facilities according to the actual water flow, the system maintains optimal efficiency while preventing overload conditions that would compromise equipment reliability.
4Ease of operation
If a flow rate adjusting valve is used, then flow rate can be regulated, but high voltage is applied to an inlet pipe, thereby undesirably causing the inlet pipe to be damaged or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments water flow into multiple parallel paths leading to different power generation facilities. This segmentation reduces the pressure and flow concentration in any single inlet pipe, eliminating the need for high-voltage conditions that would occur with restrictive flow control valves. The inlet pipes operate under normal pressure conditions, preventing damage while still enabling effective flow rate management through facility selection.
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 system effectively handles flow rate deviations, maintaining power generation efficiency, preventing overload and pipe damage, and extending the lifespan of power generation facilities and pipes.
Implementation Method 1
a water turbine rotating with the water introduced thereinto
Implementation Method 2
a power generator operating according to the rotation of the water turbine to generate electric power
Data Source
AI summary
A stepwise operating parallel-type hydro power generation system having a fixed flow path includes a parallel pipe, a first power generation facility, a second power facility generation facility, first and second flow regulators, and a controller. The parallel pipe includes an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a first straight pipe and a second straight pipe. The first and second straight pipes connected between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe. Each of the first and second power generation facilities includes a water turbine rotating with the water introduced thereinto and a power generator operating according to the rotation of the water turbine. The controller is configured to open and close either or both of the first and second flow rate regulators at the same time.