Pivotable Wall for Low Head Hydropower Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for low head hydropower facilities cannot efficiently convert water flow into electricity while allowing maximum discharge during floods and minimizing interference with water flow, and they lack the ability to use interchangeable turbine and movable wall combinations for enhanced power generation.
Innovation Solution
A low head power generating system featuring a pivotable wall that can move between upright and flat positions, integrated with a hydropower turbine and generator, and supported by a bracing member, allowing for adjustable water impoundment and power generation without obstructing water flow, using mechanisms like inflatable bladders and pressurized pistons to raise and lower the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a fixed structure is installed in the flow path to generate power, then power generation capability is improved, but water flow movement downstream is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a movable wall instead of a fixed structure. The wall can be positioned in different locations along the flow path - during normal operations it is positioned to create head pressure for power generation, and during flood events it can be moved to allow maximum water flow downstream, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation and water flow interference
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall serves multiple functions: it acts as a barrier to create head pressure for turbine operation during normal conditions, and it can be repositioned to minimize interference with flood flows. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to address both power generation and flood management requirements
2Power
If moveable walls are deployed to increase gross head pressure, then power generation potential is improved, but the system cannot let water pass over the turbine powerhouse during flooding events
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamically positionable wall that can be moved along the flow path. During normal operations, the wall is positioned to maximize head pressure for power generation. During flood events, the wall can be moved upstream or to a different position that allows flood waters to pass over the turbine powerhouse without obstruction, thus providing adaptability to different operational conditions
3Power
If traditional wicket gates are used to increase blocked water height, then gross head pressure is improved, but the system is not suitable for power generation and cannot be deployed in various low head environments
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wall system is designed to be universally applicable to various low head hydropower environments. The wall can be deployed on existing dam structures, and the system can be configured for different head conditions. The same basic design can serve both power generation and navigation purposes, making it versatile across different applications and environments
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
Enables the conversion of low head dams into hydropower facilities with minimal interference during floods, allowing for efficient power generation by creating additional gross head pressure and enabling the use of interchangeable turbine and generator cells.
Implementation Method 1
creating additional gross head pressure
Implementation Method 2
a power generating cell connected to the wall rotatable by movement of water there-through and operably connectable to a generator
Implementation Method 3
operably connectable to a generator
Implementation Method 4
a supporting member for bracing the wall when in the operable position
Data Source
AI summary
A low head power generating system is disclosed including a wall pivotably attachable to a structure for moving between a generally upright position and a generally flat position. In the upright position, the structure or wall impounds water, and has a power generating cell connected to the wall, which rotates by movement of water there-through and is operably connectable to a generator for generating power. A support braces the wall in the upright position. The support is adjustable with a first end connected to the wall and a second end extended against a structure, and can be an inflatable bladder, a pressurized piston or other mechanism to move the wall. The cell can be mounted on the surface of the wall or integrated within the wall.