Radial Turbine Vertical Positioning for Debris Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weir systems face high design and maintenance costs when trying to utilize overflow water for energy generation, particularly due to the need for complex adjustments and protection against debris, which precludes the use of radial turbines with horizontal rotor axes.
Innovation Solution
A radial turbine is arranged below an overflow ramp on a protective panel with a nozzle-like turbine feed guiding the water flow, allowing for adjustable height and orientation to optimize energy capture while protecting against debris, using a movable contactor board and adjustable guide device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a radial turbine with horizontal rotor axis is used to generate energy from overflow water, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but protection against floating debris and bed load becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The radial turbine is mounted on a movable carriage that can be shifted vertically along guide rails. This dynamic positioning allows the turbine to be raised above the water level when debris is present and lowered to optimal position for energy generation when water flow is sufficient, thus protecting against debris while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A carriage system acts as an intermediary between the fixed weir structure and the radial turbine. This intermediary mechanism enables the turbine to be transported vertically along guide rails, providing both protection from debris and optimal positioning for energy capture without requiring complex protective structures around the turbine itself
2Productivity
If a bucket wheel turbine is aligned with impact water to improve efficiency, then energy capture is optimized, but design effort and complexity increase due to height and position adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The bucket wheel turbine is mounted on a carriage that can be shifted vertically along guide rails, enabling dynamic adjustment of turbine position and alignment with impact water. This single degree of freedom adjustment simplifies the mechanism compared to multi-axis adjustment systems while still achieving optimal energy capture alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage structure serves multiple functions: it supports the turbine, enables vertical positioning for alignment with water flow, and provides a platform for the turbine to be raised for protection. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining several functions into a single integrated mechanism
3Ease of operation
If lifting devices are installed to maintain gradient between upper and lower water, then water drainage control is improved, but construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the existing vertical movement of the contactor board (already equipped for debris protection) to automatically maintain the gradient between upper and lower water. The turbine carriage moves with the contactor board, eliminating the need for separate lifting devices and reducing construction costs while maintaining drainage control
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 configuration enables efficient energy generation from overflow water with reduced construction costs and simplified debris protection, allowing for adaptable operation under varying water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the radial turbine, which can be acted upon via at least one lower turbine feed and acts as a free jet turbine
Implementation Method 2
the kinematic energy of the impact water can be used advantageously to drive the turbine rotor
Implementation Method 3
the radial turbine is arranged below an overflow ramp on a protective panel of the weir
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to weir plant comprising a weir (1) and a radial turbine (7), which is arranged after the weir (1) in the flow direction and which can be moved vertically and has a horizontal rotor axis. In order to create advantageous design conditions, the radial turbine (7), which can be acted upon by means of at least one lower turbine feed (8) and which acts as an impulse turbine, is arranged below an overflow ramp (23) on a sluice (3) of the weir (1), and the turbine feed (8) comprises a nozzle-like guiding device directed toward the turbine rotor (16).