Water Wheel Blades for Multi-Stage Flow Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water wheels are not optimized to efficiently harness the kinetic energy from water flow for generating electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A water wheel design featuring blades with specific angular configurations and deflection surfaces that redirect water flow multiple times, enhancing energy conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional water wheel designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into multiple functional surfaces: a first surface for initial water impact, a second surface for redirected flow, and a third surface for secondary deflection. This segmentation allows the water flow to interact with multiple surfaces sequentially, extracting more energy from the same water stream and improving overall energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade surfaces are designed with specific curvature and angular configurations (angle α between 90-135 degrees) to optimize water flow deflection. The curved surfaces guide the water flow smoothly through multiple deflections, maximizing the transfer of kinetic energy from water to the wheel while maintaining efficient operation.
2Productivity
If blades with multiple deflection surfaces are added, then energy efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into separable surfaces (first, second, and third surfaces) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the manufacturing process, as each component can be produced using standard fabrication techniques and then joined together.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade design incorporates detachable connections between surfaces, allowing for dynamic assembly and disassembly. This enables easier manufacturing, maintenance, and replacement of individual surfaces without requiring complete blade replacement, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high energy generation capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the blade has a single surface design, then manufacturing is easier, but water flow utilization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The blade incorporates multiple surfaces (first, second, and third surfaces) that sequentially intercept and redirect water flow. The first surface captures initial kinetic energy, the second surface redirects flow at optimized angles, and the third surface provides additional deflection. This multi-surface segmentation ensures thorough utilization of water flow energy before the water exits the blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each blade surface is configured with specific curvature and angular relationships (with angle α between 90-135 degrees) to optimize water flow interaction. The curved surfaces guide water through smooth transitions, maximizing energy extraction while maintaining efficient flow patterns that prevent turbulence and energy loss.
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 design ensures smoother operation and increased efficiency by deflecting water flow at least three times, improving the generation of electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
the front vane has, at its outer end, a first surface on the back side and deflects the water, which is then directed to a surface of the back vane on the front side
Implementation Method 2
the flowing water stream, which drives the water wheel, is introduced at an angle of incidence onto the outer side of the vane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a water wheel (100, 200) that drives a shaft rotating about a rotational axis (101, 201), wherein the water wheel (100, 200) comprises a series of blades (102, 202), each blade (102, 202) having an inner end and an outer end, and the water wheel (100, 200) comprises at least three blades (102, 202), wherein at least two blades (102, 202), including a front blade in the direction of rotation (301) of the water wheel (100, 200) and a rear blade in the direction of rotation (301) of the water wheel (100, 200), form a space (111, 211). According to the invention, the front blade (104) has at its outer end a first surface (103, 203) on the rear side in the direction of rotation (301) which receives water, which leads to a surface of the second rear blade (102,202) in direction of rotation (301) is redirected to the front (105,205) of the rear blade (102,202), which may be designed as a secondary blade (105,205) that directs the water flow (300,302,303) to a second surface (106,206) on the rear of the front blade, which is arranged in front of the first surface of the front blade in the direction of rotation and the blades (102) are enclosed laterally by walls (110),