In-pipe hydro-electric power system and turbine

In-pipe hydroelectric power generation system and turbine[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydroelectric power generation. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of hydroelectric power generation through the flow of fluid through a turbine to generate electricity.

[Background technique]

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 5, 451, 137, No. 5, 642, 984, No. 6, o36, 443, No. 6, 155, 892, No. 6, 253, of Gorlov (Gorlov) 700B1 and No. 6, 293, 835B2 disclose various cylindrical turbines used in power generation systems. The blades of these turbines extend spirally to sweep out an open cylindrical shape. These patents disclose the technology of installing these turbines in channels or pipes with rectangular and/or square cross-sections, which can transport water flow to rotate the turbines to generate hydroelectric power. Zorovs cylindrical turbines have spirally curved/twisted blades or blades, which are mounted on the central axis by means of radially supported or seemingly radiating spokes or at least non-helical (for example, circular cross-section). . The central axis of US Patent No. 5,405,246 to Goldberg discloses a vertical axis wind turbine with twisted blades, in which two rotatable blades are bent and twisted along their entire length to form A rotating body, the description of the rotating body is "the outer surface of an American football". In the only embodiment shown in his invention, Goldberg's blades radiately abut the central rotating shaft in such a way that the virtual plane on which the rotating column is located makes an angle of about 45 degrees with the rotating shaft.

[0003] [Illustration]

[0004] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded assembly view of an embodiment of the spherical turbine of the present invention.

[0005] Detailed drawings A and B are side views of a fragment of the turbine pipe shown in FIG. 1, which show a side-by-side comparison of the middle circular plates of two different embodiments. Specifically, the detailed view A shows a flat circular plate used to install the proximal end of the turbine shaft, and the detailed view B shows a spherical recessed circular plate used to install the proximal end of the turbine shaft.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a front view of an assembled embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded assembly view of the spherical turbine of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an assembled spherical turbine.

[0009] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an assembled spherical turbine with an upstream fluid deflector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Detailed ways]

[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded assembly view of a first embodiment of a hydroelectric power generation system with spherical turbine features of the present invention. The system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a T-section fluid (generally including liquids such as water or gases such as air or similar materials showing useful fluid properties, etc.) pipe 12, a bulkhead or generator assembly 14 and a spherical turbine assembly 96. By simply referring to FIG. 2, those skilled in the art can understand that when the equipped turbine assembly is driven by the fluid flowing through the pipe 12, the turbine assembly 96 rotates and the system 10 generates storable , Consumes or transmits water and electricity into the grid.

[0011] The pipe 12 is generally cylindrical and has a generally circular cross-section. The cross-section of the pipe 12 may be slightly elliptical without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Normally, pipe 12 is a longer

, And may be part of a more complex fluid transport or pipeline system, and it should be understood that the existing pipeline system can be easily divided and replaced with the power generation system of the present invention to replace the removed parts to perform the power generation of the present invention System transformation. Therefore, the pipe 12 is equipped with circular flanges 12a and 12b to be bolted to the upstream pipe end or the downstream pipe end (not shown). The pipe 12 is provided with a small opening 12c in the first area of the side wall and a large opening 12d in the opposite area._oIt can be seen that a shaft of the turbine penetrates the small opening 12c, and the turbine assembly 96 penetrates the large opening 12d_oThe pipe 12 is also equipped with a flanged T-shaped cross pipe (the so-called "three-way"), which forms a right angle with the long axis of the pipe 12 and effectively cooperates with the large opening 12d.

[0012] The generator cover assembly 14 includes a circular arcuate plate 18, which effectively covers or closes the large opening 12d when the system 10 is assembled_oThe dome-shaped plate 18 provides a continuous circular wall inside the pipe 12 for fluid to flow through, so as to avoid cavitation or other smooth fluid flow damage, otherwise a pocket volume will be formed in the three-way part. When a cover plate 22 including an annular seal 22a and a circular plate 22b is bolted to the flange 12e, a cylindrical gasket 20 with three blades holds the circular arch plate 18 in the tee. The circular plate 22b has an opening 22ba, and a mounting block 24 extends the mounting block 24 therein. A first base 26 with a roller bearing assembly is installed at the distal end of the shaft of the turbine assembly 96 for smooth rotation of the shaft in the base. A flat gasket 22bb can be arranged between the mounting block 24 and the circular plate 22b.

[0013] Alternatives to the above-mentioned circular plate 22b are shown in detail drawings A and B, which are fragmentary cross-sectional side views showing the internal features of the tee 12e. Those skilled in the art can understand that the absolute dimensions and relative dimensions in the detailed drawings A and B are not to scale, because they are only used for general structural comparison.

[0014] The side-by-side comparison between the detailed view A featuring the aforementioned flat circular plate 22b and the detailed view B featuring the spherical recessed circular plate 22b, reveals some important advantages of alternative plates 22b. . The flat circular plate 22b must be formed of a relatively thick material, thus making it heavier and difficult to handle. On the other hand, it can be seen that the spherical concave circular plate 22b is formed of a relatively thin material, which greatly reduces the weight and is easier to handle.

[0015] This is based on the curvature of the alternative plate 22b'.

[0016] In addition, it can be seen that the central area of the flat circular plate 22b is further away from the turbine assembly, thereby undesirably increasing the length of the shaft of the turbine. On the contrary, it can be seen that the central area of the spherical recessed circular plate 22b' is closer to the turbine assembly, thus desirably shortening the required length or vertical span of the turbine shaft.

[0017] This is also based on the curvature of the alternative plate 22b'.

[0018] According to Figure B, it can be understood that the shape of the recessed plate 22Z is generally spherical, and its concave surface is from the generator assembly (not shown for simplicity and clarity in the figure) toward the turbine assembly 96. These detailed drawings are only schematically shown by dashed and dotted lines, and the only difference from the turbine assembly 96 is that a shorter shaft 64 is provided, which extends inward. This inwardly or downwardly recessed circular plate may be described herein as an inverted dome (or an inverted dome). Although the shape of the spherical depression is shown and described, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that suitable modifications can be made to it without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, inverted vaults characterized by a parabolic cross-section instead of a semicircular cross-section are also possible, while others with various aspect ratios (for example, various aspect ratios, for clarity, only those are shown) An intentionally exaggerated aspect ratio) curve cross-section is also possible. Similarly, a plate with a dome-shaped cross section can have a more rounded upper shoulder, and the resulting curvature can be considered a compound curvature. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, all such suitable alternative constructions are regarded as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0019] Those skilled in the art can understand that the installation details in such an alternative embodiment can be directly improved to pass the inverted dome-shaped circular plate 22b and its bolt fixing assembly through the ring seal 22a. Installation to pipe 12

ofstandard flange 12e. For example, the mounting block 24' may include a gasket 22bb' that is curved convexly in the spherical shape to match and seal the curved concave spherical shape inside the reverse dome. It can be understood that the generator 32 is directly mounted on the spherical recessed plate 22b^fThe central area of the opening above the distal end of the turbine shaft to rotate with it. Other optional spherical recessed circular plates 22b for installation^!The components and technologies of the invention are deemed to have not departed from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0020] The generator subassembly 28 is fixed in the circular plate 22b by bolts passing through a circular hole. The generator subassembly 28 includes an annular spacer or support 30 for accommodating the generator 32 that can be connected to the turbine shaft, an annular ring 34 having a first mechanical lifting protrusion 34a, and a second mechanical lifting protrusion 36a The lid 36. Those skilled in the art can understand that the protrusions 34a and 36a can provide convenience for lifting all or part of the assembled three-way power generation components during assembly, disassembly and maintenance. Those skilled in the art can understand that the generator can be direct current or alternating current (DC or AC) and single-phase or three-phase, synchronous 120VAC or 240VAC, etc., and/or can be from one according to the requirements of the power grid. One kind of generator is converted into another kind of generator.

[0021] A mounting plate 12f is welded around the small opening 12c of the pipe 12 and on the second base 38, which has a roller mounted on the distal end of the shaft of the turbine assembly 96 so that it can rotate smoothly Bearing components. Those skilled in the art can understand that, in order to adapt to the circular cross-section of the cylindrical pipe 12, the first base 26 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a gasket (not shown in the relevant details, but it is believed that Those skilled in the art can understand from these simple descriptions), which has an outer plane and an inner cylindrical surface that matches the outer cylindrical surface of the pipe. The gasket can be processed or formed by any suitable process and any suitable material, and must be able to ensure a consistent sealing engagement between the shaft and the pipe opening through which the shaft passes. It can be understood that any gasket described and/or shown herein is optional, because any gasket can be easily incorporated into the corresponding mounting block or mounting plate.

[0022] Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the first and second bases 26 and 38 can take various alternative forms, but it is certain that the axial and radial thrust control is the best Instead of using other sliding friction devices such as sleeve bearings or other sliding friction devices, the use of spherical roller bearings that only produce rolling friction. ο It is certain that the roller bearing base described herein enables the system 10 to be installed in the pipeline 12 When the fluid velocity is as small as 3 to 4 feet per second (fps), electricity can be generated safely, reliably and permanently.

[0023] Those skilled in the art can understand that the turbine assembly 96 passes through the large opening 12d of the pipe 12, and the distal end of its shaft is fixed to the second base 38. The generator assembly 14 is bolted to the flange 12e of the pipeline 12, and the hydroelectric power generation system is ready for operation. The power generation system 10 is installed or arranged on a part of a pipeline system (not shown). When the fluid flows through the pipe 12, the power generation system 10 generates electricity.

[0024] Surprisingly, it has been discovered that turbine components, such as those described and illustrated herein, can rotate at fluid flow rates as low as about 3 to 4 feet per second (fps).

[0025] Those skilled in the art can also understand that the broader term "sphere-like" can be used instead of the term "spherical", or vice versa, a spherical turbine with a slightly or slightly out-of-round or elliptical cross-section. It can be effectively used in corresponding cylindrical pipes with slightly out-of-round or elliptical cross-sections. These and other changes of the present invention are deemed to not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembled system 10. It is certain that, due to the above detailed description with reference to the corresponding FIG. 1, FIG. 2 itself is very clear. It can be seen from Fig. 2 that the "chord to circumference ratio" of the spherical turbine assembly is between about 15% and 30%, depending on the number of multiple blades and their respective configurations and spacing. It is understandable that, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the intersection angle of each spherical turbine blade with the central axis of the shaft is about 30.

Degree, although other angles are regarded as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the angle may be between about 10 and 45 degrees, or more preferably, between about 15 to 35 degrees, or most preferably, between about 10 and 45 degrees without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Between 25 and 35 degrees. Any suitable angle within any effective range is considered as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0027] The embodiment described herein is a four-blade spherical turbine assembly, but as few as two blades and as many as twenty blades are regarded as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. More preferably, between about two blades and eleven blades can be expected. Most preferably, about three to seven blades are expected. Other numbers and configurations of spherical turbine blades in an arc of approximately 180 degrees are deemed to not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Perhaps, those skilled in the art will better understand from Fig. 3, in Fig. 3, the blade of the spherical turbine assembly has the characteristics of an airfoil cross-section along its entire length. This provides hydropower and efficiency for the turbine to generate hydropower. According to this embodiment of the spherical turbine of the present invention, sufficient clearance is provided around the rotating spherical turbine assembly and inside the pipe to avoid excessive compression of the fluid at the sweep boundary of the turbine (see Figure 2).

[0028] Those skilled in the art can understand that, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the spherical turbine blade can be made of any suitable material and by any suitable process. For example, the blade may be made of aluminum, a suitable composition, or a suitable reinforced plastic material. The blade can be formed by rotational molding or injection molding, extrusion, pultrusion, bending, or other shapes consistent with the material used, and consistent with the cost-effective product of the stretched part with a substantially constant cross-section Technology made. These and other useful materials and processes are deemed not to depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0029] According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the airfoil cross-section of the spherical turbine blade complies with the recognized NACA20 standard, and the selectable airfoil cross-sections are considered as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded assembly view of the spherical turbine 96. The spherical turbine 96 includes an upper hub assembly 98 and a lower hub assembly 100. Each hub assembly includes a hub liner 102 and four mounting brackets 104, 106, 108, and 110 (for clarity, only the upper hub assembly is indicated). The hub liner 102 is flat and is characterized by a saw blade-like outer peripheral edge (alternating curves to follow the circular cross-sectional profile of rotation, and straight parts to achieve the abutment and embedded installation of the blade ends), and its straight line The part as shown in the figure is used to install the mounting bracket. The mounting brackets respectively install the four spherical blades 112, 114, 116, and 118 at a specified angle, for example, preferably at an angle of about 30 degrees between the plane where the blades are located and the central axis of the shaft. Those skilled in the art can understand that the spherical blades 112, 114, 116, and 118 also have an airfoil cross-section, for example, NACA 20 or any other suitable standard. The upper and lower split couplings 120 and 122 are used to fixedly attach the hub assembly to the shaft 64. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting bracket bolted to the plurality of blades is aligned with the guide pins and holes shown in the figure, and is attached to the hub bushing by welding. As shown, suitable fasteners, such as hexagon head bolts, lock washers, and set screws, are used to assemble the remaining parts of the spherical turbine assembly 96.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the assembled spherical turbine 96. It is certain that, due to the above detailed description with reference to the corresponding FIG. 3, FIG. 4 itself is very clear. The dynamic clearance of the rotating spherical turbine assembly is greater than its static clearance, and the dynamic clearance is adjusted relative to the inner diameter of the pipe by slightly reducing the size of the cylindrical turbine, for example, by providing a smaller, but preferably about 0. A constant gap between 5 cm and 5 cm, and preferably a constant gap between about 1 cm and 3 cm, depends on the diameter of the pipe 12 and other specific applications. These gaps are only illustrative, and are not intended to be limiting, because alternative gaps that can be selected are considered as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The alternative system 10 is similar to the system 10 described above, so the same reference indicators are used for the same components and alternate reference indicators are used for similar components. It can be further seen that the system 10' also includes an upstream deflector 122 (for clarity, the details of the turbine and generator components are omitted in FIG. 5). The baffle 122 according to one embodiment is formed by two or more flat wide areas. These wide areas include a first less inclined wide area 122a curvilinearly conforming to the inner circular cross-section of the pipe 12 and one A second more oblique wide area 122b duct 12 extending toward the spherical turbine with a circular cross-section and concave curved inner free edge 122ba corresponding to the turbine is produced. The two broad areas are welded or joined along a joining line that forms an opening at their inclination angle with respect to the central axis of the pipe. Therefore, the deflector 122 operating in the system 10, effectively blocks the degree of external rotation of the rotating blades of the spherical turbine in a rotating arc, and in the rotating arc, their power generation capacity is poor most of the time. , And there may be undesirable stalls at low flow rates.

[0033] Surprisingly, it has been found that the baffle 122 near the upstream area of the turbine assembly 96 can increase the power generation rate by about 14% to 40%, and more likely, can eliminate the presence of such upstream in the pipeline. The nominal output of the spherical turbine of the baffle is increased by about 20% to 30%.

[0034] Those skilled in the art can understand that the ratio between the coverage of the baffle and the range of the turbine may be between about 10% and 40%, and more likely, between about 20% and 20%. Between 30%. Those skilled in the art can also understand that the number of coverage areas of the baffle can be a special purpose because it represents the balance between volume flow rate and head drop. Therefore, the optional range of the deflector coverage relative to the turbine range is considered as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will understand that the baffle 122 can be made of any suitable material, such as steel, and can be adjusted to any desired fluid flow in the upstream region of the spherical turbine assembly 96. Adjustment of size and direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the free edge 122ba of the baffle 122 is inclined at an angle of less than 90 degrees with respect to the long central axis of the pipe 12. The so-called exit angle of the free edge of the baffle relative to the central axis of the pipe 12 is preferably about 10 to 40 degrees. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the wide area 122a and the wide area 122b are inclined at an angle of about 15 degrees and an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the central axis of the pipe 12, respectively. However, other angles of inclination are also regarded as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0036] Those skilled in the art can understand that the deflector 122 can be presented in different forms within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, since the deflector 122 radiates inward toward the central axis of the pipe 12, it can have more than two and shorter segmented plane sections, so as to better approximate a smooth and preferably circular shape. A shape-cylindrical curve, the center axis of which is preferably approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the turbine (ie approximately parallel to the long axis of the shaft 64). In fact, within the spirit and scope of the present invention, the baffle 122 may be smoothly curved in a cylindrical shape between its pipe joint edge and its free edge.

[0037] The free edge 122ba of the baffle 122 according to an embodiment of the present invention is generally concave and curved, so that its inward extension is consistent with the approximate curve of the blade of the spherical turbine in its height direction. Any suitable straight or smooth curve or radius of curvature is considered as not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] Those skilled in the art can understand that, in addition to being used for power generation, the spherical turbine can also be used in an electrical energy conversion system. For example, the axial kinetic energy of the fluid can be converted into the rotational kinetic energy of any rotating machinery (for example, conveyors, mills, drills, saws, mills, flywheels, etc.), which include generators or suitable alternative machinery . All such applications of the fluid turbine of the present invention are deemed to not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0039] Those skilled in the art can understand that the directions of the system of the present invention in many of its embodiments are only exemplary, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, it can be understood that the use of terms, such as upper and lower, is only relative, not absolute. In other words, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the system can assume any vertical direction, while the cavity wall accommodating the generator and turbine shafts extends upward or downward with respect to the long axis of the pipe. In fact, the system can assume any other suitable angle at which the shaft of the turbine extends approximately perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow.

[0040] Those skilled in the art can understand that the components of the system of the present invention can be made of any suitable material, including steel and aluminum. Most parts are made of steel, such as turbine shafts, plates, and deflectors. The remaining parts, including hubs, connecting blocks and blades, can be made of machined, extruded or pultruded aluminum (the blades are then rolled to form and/or bend to all Desired shape), or made of blow-molded reinforced plastic. Any optional materials and molding processes are deemed to not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending on its application, the system of the present invention can easily be scaled up or down. Therefore, although the size is not given in this article, it is understood that the size can be adjusted accurately and proportionally as shown in the figure, and the absolute ratio of the size can be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. of.

[0042] Those skilled in the art can understand that two or more hydroelectric power generation systems can be installed at defined intervals (in series) inside or along the water delivery pipe, thereby increasing the power generation capacity exponentially. . Those skilled in the art can also understand that the parallel devices of two or more hydroelectric power generation systems can be installed inside the branch pipes of the water delivery pipe, so as to selectively or additionally double the power generation capacity. Those skilled in the art can understand that, if necessary, a kick-start mechanism can be added to the hydroelectric power generation system described and shown in this article to realize the flow of this type of system in tidal water (bidirectional, oscillating) Use in applications. Those skilled in the art can also understand that when the in-pipe hydroelectric power generation system of the present invention is used, the fail-safe mode can be activated to prevent self-destruction in the event of bearing damage or the like. Finally, those skilled in the art can understand that the hydroelectric power generation system described above and shown can be placed in an external casing that protects the power generation system from inclement weather and/or contributes to electricity It is distributed to nearby storage devices or power grids through cables or other suitable forms of transmission.

[0043] It can be understood that the present invention is not limited by the methods or details of the structure, production, materials, applications, or use described and shown herein. In fact, any change in manufacturing, use, or application suitability is regarded as an alternative embodiment, and thus falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0044] Those skilled in the art should understand that any change in the application or method, structure, manufacturing method, shape, size, or material derived from use or operation has not been indicated in the detailed written description or diagram contained herein Any other embodiments of the present invention belong to the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Therefore, although the present invention has been shown and described in conjunction with the above-mentioned embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that it can be defined without departing from the appended claims. Under the spirit and scope of the present invention, other changes in form and details can be made.