Solar-Powered Culvert Gate Control for Distributed Flood Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flood control methods are impractical for managing large-scale water storage and flow control, particularly in scenarios requiring numerous reservoirs, as they rely on manual gates which are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled flood control system utilizing a central computer to manage water flow through channels, flow control gates with inflatable bladders, and solar-powered sensors, allowing for autonomous or centrally controlled water shutoff and storage in existing infrastructure like roads and culverts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual gates are used to control water flow in numerous reservoirs, then water flow control is achieved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical gate operation with an automated control system comprising electronic valves, sensors, and a central computer. The system uses electronic signals to control water flow instead of manual mechanical manipulation, thereby eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual operation while managing numerous reservoirs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates sensors that automatically detect water levels and flow conditions, and the central computer autonomously adjusts valve positions based on sensor data without requiring continuous human intervention. This self-regulating mechanism reduces operational complexity and time loss significantly.
2Quantity of substance
If existing roads and infrastructure are used as reservoirs, then water storage capacity increases, but control precision over water flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the extensive road network into multiple segments, each equipped with its own controllable valve and sensor. This segmentation allows independent control of water flow at different locations along the road, maintaining precision even as total storage capacity increases across the entire infrastructure network.
Solution Approach 2:
Each segment of the road reservoir system is equipped with localized sensors and control valves tailored to specific flow conditions and storage requirements at that location. This local customization ensures precise control at each point while collectively providing large-scale water storage capability across the entire system.
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 and practical management of water levels in multiple reservoirs, reducing the amount of water reaching rivers and alleviating flooding by allowing remote control of water flow, thus optimizing water storage and release.
Implementation Method 1
each water shutoff valve may comprise an inflatable bladder or other structure... When inflated, will block or reduce the flow of water through the channel
Implementation Method 2
Each flow control gate may further comprise a solar panel adapted to charge a battery, wherein the battery provides electrical power to the control unit and the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
A flood control system for remotely and automatically controlling flooding and water storage on reservoirs. The flood control system generally includes a central computer that controls the water level by controlling or communicating with flow control gates positioned near a number of culverts, wherein each flow control gate typically includes: (a) a control unit communicatively coupled to the central computer, the control unit capable of sending local condition data to the central computer via a wireless connection and further capable of receiving control commands from the central computer; (b) an input/output interface capable of receiving signals or data regarding physical conditions proximate the flow control gate, the input/output interface coupled to the control unit; and (c) a water shutoff valve controllable by the control unit and positioned to selectively allow or block the flow of water through each culvert, wherein each control unit controls each water shutoff valve.