Submersible Electrical Wicket Gate Actuator for Hydro Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydro-electric production systems using hydraulic servomotors suffer from oil leakage into the environment, causing pollution and environmental damage, and existing non-submersible alternatives are not suitable for replacing existing submersible systems without significant structural changes or high costs.
Innovation Solution
A submersible hydro-electric production system utilizing electrical actuators with waterproof housings and push-pull rods to control wicket gates, transforming rotational movement into linear movement, and conforming to the IP68 waterproofing standard to prevent contamination and allow for submersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If hydraulic servomotors are used to control wicket gates, then the system can operate submersibly and control water flow, but hydraulic oil leaks into the environment causing pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electrical system. Electrical motors are used instead of hydraulic servomotors to drive the wicket gates, eliminating hydraulic oil and its associated leakage problems. The electrical actuators are sealed in waterproof housings to maintain reliability under submersion conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from hydraulic pressure to electrical power. By transitioning from hydraulic actuators that require pressurized oil to electrical motors that use electromagnetic fields, the system eliminates the source of pollution while maintaining the ability to control wicket gates under water.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-submersible systems with electrical motors are used, then oil leakage is eliminated, but the system cannot replace existing submersible systems without major structural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic components with electrical components that can operate underwater. Electrical motors are equipped with waterproof housings and sealed connections, allowing them to function reliably in submersible applications, thus enabling replacement of existing hydraulic systems without major structural modifications to the dam or turbine housing.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If hydraulic systems operate for over 75 years, then existing infrastructure is utilized, but excessive oil leakage occurs during maintenance and normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the aging hydraulic system with an electrical system, eliminating the continuous loss of hydraulic oil that occurs during normal operation and maintenance of aged hydraulic systems. Electrical motors do not consume lubricating fluid in the same manner, significantly reducing substance loss over the system's operational life.
4Reliability
If system failures cause servomotor immersion up to 3 meters deep, then the system can handle mechanical failures, but significant amounts of oil are released into the river
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic servomotors with electrical motors that are sealed in waterproof housings rated for submersion. This substitution eliminates the hydraulic oil that would be released during failure-induced immersion, while the waterproof electrical components maintain system reliability even when submerged up to 3 meters deep.
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
The system effectively prevents oil leakage and contamination, enabling environmentally friendly operation while being compatible with existing submersible systems, reducing environmental impact and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a push-pull rod operably connected to the electrical motor for transforming a rotation movement of the electrical motor to a linear movement for rotating the gate operating ring
Implementation Method 2
The waterproof housing may comprise a waterproof casing comprising a flexible membrane, the casing for housing the electrical motor; and a telescoping tube protruding through the flexible membrane, the telescoping tube being configured to house the push-pull rod and extend and retract following the linear movement of the push-pull rod. The casing, the membrane, the power unit and the telescoping tube conform to an IP68 waterproofing standard.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for electrically controlling a submersible hydro-electric production system for avoiding leakage of oil and contaminants used in the existing hydraulic systems. The system comprises one or more submersible electrical actuators operably connected to a gate operating ring which in turn is connected to a plurality of wicket gates in the turbine. Each submersible electrical actuator comprises an electrical motor connected to a push-pull rod which is configured to transform the rotation movement received at a first end thereof to a linear movement at a telescoping end opposite the first end for rotating the gate operating ring to a desired position. The electrical actuator includes a waterproof structure which houses the electrical motor and the push-pull rod and at the same time allows for a telescoping movement of the push-pull rod for rotating the gate operating ring.