Pipe-Based Flood Diversion to Prevent Riverbed Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current flood protection systems require flood basins for water diversion and can inadvertently divert water from riverbeds during low water levels, causing harm to flora and fauna, and are costly to construct and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A flood protection system with adjustable shut-off devices and branch elements that divert water through pipes, allowing control over water flow direction based on water levels, incorporating automation and artificial intelligence for optimal operation, and generating electricity during normal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is diverted through pipes during normal conditions, then flood protection is provided, but the riverbed dries out causing harm to flora and fauna
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the shut-off device based on water level conditions. During floods, the shut-off device directs water through the pipe for flood protection. During normal low water levels, the shut-off device redirects water back into the riverbed to prevent drying, thus adapting the system behavior to current conditions and eliminating the harmful effect.
2Reliability
If dikes and dams are built for flood protection, then flooding is prevented, but they are at risk of softening and breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flood protection function from traditional dike and dam structures and relocates it to a pipe system that channels water away from the flood-prone area. This removes the need for large-scale earthworks that are susceptible to softening and breaking, replacing them with a more structurally stable pipe-based solution.
3Reliability
If flood walls are erected during floods, then flood protection is provided, but high construction costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is installed in advance during normal conditions, allowing water to be diverted through the pipe before flooding occurs. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for expensive emergency construction of flood walls during floods, as the protective infrastructure is already in place and operational.
4Reliability
If a rigid hollow structure is used to prevent water overflow, then flood protection is achieved, but the structure requires significant land space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a pipe structure that can be installed along the riverbank in a compact manner, utilizing the existing linear space along the watercourse rather than requiring large areas of land. The pipe acts as a flexible conduit that follows the river's path, providing flood protection without the need for extensive land occupation.
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
Prevents riverbed drying by diverting water during low levels, reduces construction and maintenance costs, and generates sustainable electricity while protecting wildlife and infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a drive turbine is provided in the pipe to increase the flow velocity of the flowing water body during flooding in the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the shut-off device has a gate valve that blocks the flow of the first pipe branch and/or the second pipe branch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a flood protection system (10) on a flowing water body (16) having a flood-prone area (18). The flood protection system (10) comprises a main pipe (12) along the flowing water body (16) in this flood-prone area (18), wherein at least portions of the flowing water body (16) are guided through the main pipe (12) in the flow direction (28). A drive turbine (62) in the main pipe (12) increases the flow velocity of the flowing water body (16) during flooding in the main pipe (12), wherein the main pipe (12) flows back into the flowing water body (16).