Reversible Hydroelectric Device for Dynamic Flow-Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroelectric systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust water circulation direction and pressure/flow conditions in hydraulic networks to optimize energy production and consumption based on network requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reversible hydroelectric device comprising a hydraulic unit with a reversible centrifugal pump/turbine and an asynchronous motor/generator, coupled with an electronic system for adjusting valve positions and rotational speed, allowing for adaptive operation as a pump or turbine to stabilize pressure and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hydroelectric installation is used for energy production, then electrical energy can be generated from water flow, but the system cannot adapt to varying hydraulic network requirements or adjust water circulation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroelectric device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a turbine for energy production, as a pump for water circulation, and can adapt to varying hydraulic requirements. The reversible centrifugal pump/turbine and asynchronous motor/generator enable the system to function in both pumping and power generation modes, making it universally applicable to different hydraulic network needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control through an electronic system that continuously adjusts valve positions and rotational speed based on real-time hydraulic conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to optimize its operation according to varying network requirements, transitioning smoothly between different operational states
2Productivity
If water circulation direction is fixed in traditional systems, then the hydraulic path is simple, but the system cannot optimize energy production or consumption based on network demands
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic circuit incorporates motorized valves that can dynamically change water circulation direction based on operational requirements. The electronic system controls these valves to redirect water flow, enabling the device to switch between turbine and pump modes and to optimize energy production or consumption according to real-time network demands
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic components and the electrical grid, coordinating valve positions and rotational speed to optimize energy exchange. This intermediary control enables the system to respond to grid requirements while managing the complex hydraulic circuitry
3Productivity
If pressure and flow conditions are fixed in hydroelectric systems, then the system design is simplified, but the system cannot optimize operation under varying hydraulic demands
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic system provides dynamic control of both valve positions and rotational speed, allowing continuous adjustment of pressure and flow conditions. This dynamic control enables the device to optimize its operation under varying hydraulic demands, maintaining high efficiency across different operating points
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor hydraulic conditions and adjust valve positions and rotational speed accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal operation by continuously adapting to changes in hydraulic network requirements
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 efficient energy consumption or production by harmoniously managing flow-pressure conditions in hydraulic networks, reducing electrical energy consumption and optimizing energy recovery by adapting to varying hydraulic demands.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic unit comprising a hydraulic machine consisting of a reversible centrifugal pump in the form of a turbine
Implementation Method 2
an electric machine coupled to said hydraulic machine and consisting of a reversible asynchronous motor as an asynchronous generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a reversible hydroelectric device that can be mounted on an outside duct, comprising a hydraulic group (2) including a hydraulic machine (6) consisting of a turbine reversible centrifugal pump and a hydraulic circuit (8) including bypasses and powered valves for circulating the water in said hydraulic machine in either direction and independently from the water circulation direction in said outside duct; an electric machine (4) coupled to said hydraulic machine and comprising an asynchronous motor that can be reversed into an asynchronous generator; and an electronic system comprising an automaton for adjusting and/or regulating said valves and an electronic regulator for adjusting and/or regulating the rotation speed of said electric machine so that the pressure and/or the flow-rate downstream from the hydraulic machine, according to the circulation direction, can be stabilised or adjusted to at least one set-point value.