Ring Gate Segments for Hydropower Plant Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydropower plants with ring gates, foreign objects in the flow channel prevent complete closure, leaving a residual cross-section open and hindering machine shutdown.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage ring gate design with independently movable segments, using frictional, elastic, or shear elements to hold segments in position, ensuring closure even with foreign bodies present, and maintaining water flow interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single-stage ring gate is used, then the structure is simple, but the ring gate cannot be completely closed when a foreign body is present in the flow channel, leaving a large residual cross-section open
Solution Approach 1:
The ring gate is divided into multiple independently movable segments (first segment, second segment, etc.) that can move relative to each other axially. Each segment can be independently positioned to adapt to foreign bodies in the flow channel, enabling complete closure even when obstacles are present. The segments are connected via frictional, elastic, or shear elements that allow controlled relative movement while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the ring gate segments are designed to move independently axially, then closure is achieved even with foreign bodies, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The segment connection mechanisms (frictional elements, elastic elements, shear elements) are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the segments move independently as needed. When closure is required, the mechanisms self-adjust to allow the segments to position themselves relative to foreign bodies, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
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 hydroelectric power plant to shut down effectively by reducing water flow to a tolerable level despite foreign objects, with minimal maintenance requirements and comparable or reduced axial movement stroke.
Implementation Method 1
The ring gate (5) comprises frictional elements, one of which is denoted by 17. The frictional elements 17 are designed in such a way that they connect the segments (71) to the first body (6) in a frictional manner, in such a way that the segments (71) can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the first body (6) only when a force acting on the respective segment (71) in the axial direction exceeds a predefined threshold value.
Implementation Method 2
The ring gate (5) comprises elastic elements, one of which is denoted by 14. The elastic elements 14 are designed in such a way that they connect the segments (71) to the first body (6) elastically, in such a way that the segments (71) can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the first body (6) only when a force acting on the respective segment (71) in the axial direction exceeds a predefined threshold value.
Implementation Method 3
The ring gate (5) comprises shear elements, one of which is denoted by 16. The shear elements 16 are designed in such a way that they connect the segments (71) to the first body (6) in a shearable manner, in such a way that the segments (71) can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the first body (6) only when a force acting on the respective segment (71) in the axial direction exceeds a predefined threshold value.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a hydropower plant (1) having a rotor (2) situated in a waterway (4), a spiral (3) and a ring gate (5) for interrupting the water flow through the waterway (4), wherein: the ring gate (5) is designed such that it can be moved from an open position to a closed position and back in the axial direction; no water can flow through the waterway (4) when the ring gate (5) is in the closed position; and the ring gate comprises a first hollow body (6) and a second hollow body (7), which surround the rotor shaft; the two bodies (6, 7) are arranged concentrically to each other; the second body (7) consists of multiple segments (71); and the segments (71) are connected to the first body (6) such that each segment (71) can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the first body (6) independently of the other segments (71).