JP2008163784A - Hydraulic power generating system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hydraulic power generating system generating electricity by water flowing in a side groove. <P>SOLUTION: This system has a water wheel 10 rotated by water L flowing in the side groove 2, a generator 20 connected to a rotating shaft 11 of the water wheel 10, a support member 30 supporting the generator 20 and/or the water wheel 10, and a pair of floats 40a and 40b attached to the support member 30. The water wheel 10 is arranged between the pair of floats 40a and 40b, and a lower end 19 of the water wheel 10 is positioned upper than the lower ends 49a and 49b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b. When a quantity of water flowing in the side groove 2 is comparatively large, the hydraulic power generating system 1 is floated in the water L by buoyancy of the pair of floats 40a and 40b. When the quantity of water flowing in the side groove 2 is comparatively small, the lower ends 49a and 49b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b are brought into contact with the bottom 3 of the side groove 2 by weight of the hydraulic power generating system 1, and the pair of floats 40a and 40b supports the hydraulic power generating system 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hydroelectric power generation system suitable for generating electric power using water flowing in a side groove.

Patent Document 1 discloses a power generation device using a water flow. This power generator includes a float floating on a water surface with a water flow, a rotary shaft provided on the float so as to be orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the float, a water wheel provided at an end of the rotary shaft, The transmission mechanism includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotation of the shaft, a generator provided on the float and connected to the transmission mechanism, and an elevating unit capable of moving the water wheel in the vertical direction via the rotation shaft.
JP 2003-97406 A

  Hydroelectric power generation systems that generate electricity using water flowing in the side ditches of roads are being studied. The amount of water flowing in the gutter varies relatively greatly depending not only on the time but also on the time. For this reason, when a hydroelectric power generation system that generates electricity using the water flowing in the gutter is permanently installed in the gutter, the water level is set to ensure a stable power generation amount or to prevent the turbine from interfering with the bottom of the gutter. The thing which can respond quickly to the up-and-down movement of is required.

  In the power generation device described in Patent Document 1, when the water level rises or falls, the elevating means is operated to adjust the submerged state of the water wheel. However, it is difficult to use a simple power generation system such as a side ditch to confirm the change in the water level as needed and operate the elevating means to change the position of the water wheel as appropriate, and the operation is also troublesome. .

  In addition, when the power generation device described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a hydroelectric power generation system that generates power using water flowing in the side groove, the operator can quickly respond to the change in the water level in the side groove and move the water wheel upward by the lifting means. Otherwise, the water wheel may come into contact with the bottom of the side groove. It is difficult to obtain such a response from the operator and to prepare the operator with a simple power generation system that is intended to be permanently installed in the side groove.

  One aspect of the present invention is a hydroelectric power generation system that can be introduced into a side groove, a water turbine that is rotated by water flowing through the side groove, a generator that is connected to a rotation shaft of the water turbine, and that generates power by rotation of the water turbine, And / or a support member that supports the water wheel and a pair of floats attached to the left and right of the lower portion of the support member. In this hydroelectric power generation system, a turbine is disposed between a pair of floats, the lower ends of the turbines are located above the lower ends of the pair of floats, and when the amount of water flowing through the side grooves is relatively large, When the hydroelectric power generation system floats on the water due to the buoyancy of the water and the amount of water flowing through the side grooves is relatively small, the lower ends of the pair of floats contact the bottom of the side grooves due to the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system, and the pair of floats Support the system.

  According to this hydroelectric power generation system, when the amount of water flowing through the side grooves is relatively large, the hydroelectric power generation system floats on water due to the buoyancy of the pair of floats. Therefore, electric power can be generated in the generator by the rotational energy of the water wheel disposed between the pair of floats.

  On the other hand, when the amount of water flowing through the side groove is relatively small, the lower ends of the pair of floats sink due to the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system and come into contact with the bottom of the side groove. At this time, since the lower end of the water turbine is located above the lower ends of the pair of floats, the hydraulic power generation system is supported by the pair of floats without the lower end of the water turbine contacting the bottom of the side groove. Therefore, in this hydroelectric power generation system, it is unnecessary for an operator or the like to perform an operation and control corresponding to a change in the water level of the gutter, and the rotational energy of the turbine disposed between the pair of floats regardless of the change in the water level. The generator generates stable power.

  In addition, when the amount of water flowing through the side groove is relatively small, the lower ends of the pair of floats are in contact with the bottom of the side groove due to the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system, so that the width of the side groove becomes pseudo narrow as much as the float sinks. For this reason, the water depth (water level) in the vicinity of the water wheel located between the pair of floats increases, and the water volume in the vicinity of the water wheel increases. Therefore, even when the amount of water flowing through the side groove is relatively small, more water can be brought into contact with the water wheel. That is, even when the amount of water flowing through the side groove is relatively small, the power generation efficiency is high and a good power generation amount can be obtained.

  Thus, according to this hydroelectric power generation system, it is not necessary to manually operate the position of the water turbine according to the water level in the side groove, and it is possible to generate power by being permanently installed in the side groove and to obtain stable power.

  According to this hydroelectric power generation system, the pair of floats are attached to the support member via the pivot shaft so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction with respect to the support member, respectively, and the distance between the tip ends of the pair of floats Is preferably variable. When the width of the side groove is relatively wide, widen the distance between the tip of the pair of floats, guide the water flowing in the side groove, especially water when the water level is low, in the direction of the turbine, and bring more water into contact with the turbine Can do. Therefore, it is possible to increase the power generation amount. Further, by reducing the distance between the tips of the pair of floats, the hydroelectric power generation system can be installed in a narrow side groove.

  In addition, in order to guide the water flowing in the side groove in the direction of the water turbine, bring more water into contact with the water turbine and increase the amount of power generation, the pair of floats have their inner surfaces spaced close to the center of gravity of the water turbine. It is more preferable to turn around the center of gravity of the water wheel. The width of the tip of the float can be increased without changing the distance between the floats in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the turbine, and the rear side of the float can be prevented from interfering with the turbine. Therefore, the water flowing through the side groove can be efficiently guided in the direction of the water wheel.

  Furthermore, according to this hydroelectric power generation system, it is preferable that the support member can be connected to a traction member for fixing the hydroelectric power generation system at a predetermined position of the side groove. By doing in this way, the said hydroelectric power generation system can be fixed to the predetermined position of a side groove.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a hydroelectric power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3 show the hydroelectric power generation system of FIG. 1 from a top view. FIG. 2 shows a usage state of the hydroelectric power generation system when the width of the side groove is relatively narrow. FIG. 3 shows a usage state of the hydroelectric power generation system when the width of the side groove is relatively wide.

  The hydroelectric power generation system 1 of this example that can be introduced into the side groove 2 includes a water turbine 10 that is rotated by the water L flowing through the side groove 2, a generator 20 that is connected to the rotating shaft 11 of the water wheel 10, and generates power by the rotation of the water wheel 10, It has a support member 30 that supports the generator 20, and a pair of floats 40a and 40b attached to the left and right lower portions 31a and 31b of the support member 30, respectively.

  The water turbine 10 has a plurality of arms 12, and a fin 13 that receives the force of the water L is attached to the tip of the arm 12. A generator 20 is connected to the rotating shaft 11 of the water turbine 10 via a transmission 21 for increasing the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft 11 and transmitting it to the generator 20. As the transmission 21, for example, a planetary gear can be used. In addition, the structure of the water turbine 10 is an example, and what is necessary is just to be able to convert the flow of water into rotation, and is not limited to the structure shown in these drawings. For example, the fin 13 may be a container instead of a plate. Moreover, the structure where the arm 12 is connected with the outer ring | wheel may be sufficient. Further, a plurality of transmissions may be provided in stages between the rotating shaft 11 of the water turbine 10 and the generator 20. Further, the transmission 21 is not limited to the planetary gear, and a transmission in which the transmission is incorporated in the generator 20 may be used. Furthermore, the transmission 21 can be omitted.

  The support member 30 is a structure including a member or a plurality of members for supporting the generator 20, and is formed in a frame shape having a substantially rectangular shape. In this example, the generator 20 is mounted on the upper left part 34 a of the support member 30. In order to balance the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system 1 in the left-right direction, the generator 20 is mounted on the upper left portion 34a when the support member 30 is viewed from the rear, and the upper right portion 34b of the support member 30 on the opposite side. A balance weight 80 is mounted.

  Further, a connecting portion 33 for connecting the respective one ends 51a and 51b of the pair of pulling members 50a and 50b is provided at the distal end portion 32 of the support member 30. As the pulling members 50a and 50b, for example, a rope, a wire, or a chain can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the other ends 52a and 52b of the pair of traction members 50a and 50b can be connected to fixtures 60a and 60b provided on the road surfaces on both sides of the side groove 2, respectively. As a result, the hydroelectric power generation system 1 is substantially set at a predetermined position in the side groove 2, and moves little up and down in the water flow, and moves up and down depending on the water level. As shown in FIG. 3, the other ends 52a and 52b of the pair of traction members 50a and 50b are connected to fixtures 70a and 70b provided on the inner sides (side surfaces) of both wall surfaces constituting the side groove 2, respectively. You may let them. Even in this manner, the hydroelectric power generation system 1 can be substantially set at a predetermined position of the side groove 2.

  A pair of floats 40a and 40b are attached to the lower left portion 31a and the lower right portion 31b of the support member 30, respectively. These floats 40a and 40b basically have a material and a configuration that are not deformed by the force received by the flow of the water L in the side groove 2. For example, the floats 40a and 40b are hollow members made of hard plastic or other resin. The floats 40a and 40b may include a material including a large number of voids such as polystyrene foam, or may be a combination of a lightweight steel frame and an impermeable sheet having appropriate strength.

  That is, these floats 40 a and 40 b not only function as a float (so-called float) that gives buoyancy to the hydroelectric power generation system 1, but also function as a member that supports the water turbine 10 and the generator 20 together with the frame-shaped support member 30. As long as the configuration also serves as the above. The floats 40a and 40b may be attached to the front and rear, the lower side, and / or the side surface with members that also serve as reinforcements, weights, current plates, and the like.

  The pair of floats 40a and 40b floats the hydroelectric power generation system 1 in the water L by these buoyancy when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively large, and when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively small, The size (volume, buoyancy) and weight of the floats 40a and 40b are determined such that the lower ends 49a and 49b of the floats 40a and 40b are in contact with the bottom 3 of the side groove 2 and support the hydropower generation system 1 by the weight of the hydropower generation system 1. . The floats 40a and 40b are formed in the same shape except that they are mirror images of each other. Since the lower end 49a of the float 40a and the lower end 49b of the float 40b are provided with balance weights 80, They are at substantially the same height (level).

  Furthermore, in this power generation system, the water turbine 10 is arranged between the pair of floats 40a and 40b. In other words, in the central space S of the frame-shaped support member 30, the water turbine 10 is arranged close to the rear side (downstream side of the side groove 2). Since the generator 20 is supported by the frame-shaped support member 30, the water turbine 10 is rotatably supported by the support member 30 via the rotating shaft 11, the transmission 21, and the generator 20. become. The lower end 19 of the water turbine 10 is located above the lower ends 49a and 49b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b.

  The support member 30 of the present example is configured to support the generator 20 and the water turbine 10 via the rotating shaft 11, the transmission 21, and the generator 20, but the support member 30 is Any device that supports the generator 20 and / or the water turbine 10 may be used. Further, the support member 30 is not limited to a frame shape. As the support member 30, for example, a substantially U-shaped member may be used. Moreover, although this system 1 is supporting the water turbine 10 via the generator 20 with the supporting member 30, you may support the generator 20 via the water turbine 10, and each of the water turbine 10 and the generator 20 may be supported. You may support by the support member 30. FIG.

  The pair of floats 40a and 40b are attached to the support member 30 via pivot shafts 41a and 41b so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction with respect to the support member 30, respectively. Accordingly, the pair of floats 40a and 40b can change the distance between the tips 42a and 42b as necessary.

  Further, the pair of floats 40 a and 40 b are formed so that the distance between the inner surfaces 45 a and 45 b becomes narrower toward the vicinity of the center of gravity G of the water turbine 10. In this example, the pair of floats 40a and 40b has a configuration in which their inner surfaces 45a and 45b are substantially "he" -shaped (substantially "L" -shaped) and a portion close to the center of gravity G protrudes inward. ing. Therefore, the pair of floats 40a and 40b can guide the water L flowing in the side groove 2 to be collected from the front toward the water turbine 10 and can be smoothly discharged rearward. Therefore, the flow velocity and the water volume are increased at the portion of the water turbine 10, and the water turbine 10 can be rotated efficiently. Further, the pair of floats 40 a and 40 b turn (pivot) in the horizontal direction around the center of gravity G of the water turbine 10. In this example, the positions of the swiveling shafts 41a and 41b of the floats 40a and 40b are such that the rotating shaft 11 of the water turbine 10 and the swiveling shafts 41a and 41b of the floats 40a and 40b are located on the same vertical plane. It has been decided.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the width of the side groove 2 is relatively narrow, the outer surfaces of the floats 40 a and 40 b can be arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the side groove 2. Since the pair of floats 40a and 40b has a substantially “h” shape (substantially “L” shape) on their inner surfaces 45a and 45b, the pair of floats 40a and 40b flows through the side groove 2. The water L can be guided to the water turbine 10 side.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the width of the side groove 2 is relatively wide, the pair of floats 40a and 40b is connected to the solid line so that the distance between the tips 42a and 42b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b is wide. It is good to move from the position to the position of the two-dot chain line. By doing in this way, even if the width of the side groove 2 is relatively wide, the water L flowing through the side groove 2 can be efficiently guided to the water turbine 10 side. In addition, since the inner surfaces 45a and 45b thereof have a substantially “h” shape (substantially “L” shape), the rear ends 44a of the floats 40a and 40b even if the floats 40a and 40b are swung. And 44b hardly interfere with the water turbine 10.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hydroelectric power generation system 1 of FIG. 1, in which the hydroelectric power generation system 1 is used in a state where the amount of water in the side groove 2 is relatively large. FIG. 5 shows a hydraulic power generation system 1 in a cross-sectional view showing a usage state of the hydroelectric power generation system 1 in a state where the amount of water in the side groove 2 is relatively small.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively large, the hydroelectric power generation system 1 floats on the water L due to the buoyancy of the pair of floats 40 a and 40 b. Therefore, power can be generated in the generator 20 by the rotation of the water turbine 10 disposed between the pair of floats 40a and 40b.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively small, the pair of floats 40 a and 40 b sink due to the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system 1, and the lower ends 49 a and 49 b are the bottom 3 of the side groove 2. To touch. At this time, the lower end 19 of the water turbine 10 is located above the lower ends 49a and 49b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b, and the floats 40a and 40b have strengths enough to support the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system 1. The hydroelectric power generation system 1 is supported without the lower end 19 of the water turbine 10 being in contact with the bottom 3 of the side groove 2. Therefore, even in such a case, power can be generated in the generator 20 by the rotation of the water turbine 10 disposed between the pair of floats 40a and 40b.

  Moreover, when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively small, the lower ends 49a and 49b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b are in contact with the bottom 3 of the side groove 2 due to the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system 1, so that the floats 40a and 40b sink. Accordingly, the width of the side groove 2 becomes pseudo-narrow. For this reason, the water depth in the vicinity of the water wheel 10 located between the pair of floats 40a and 40b increases (the water volume increases). Further, the flow velocity between the pair of floats 40a and 40b increases. Therefore, even when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively small, more water L can be brought into contact with the fins 13 of the water turbine 10. That is, even when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively small, the water turbine 10 is turned to obtain a good power generation amount.

  The electric power generated in the generator 20 can be used, for example, for the illumination (street lamp) 4 that illuminates the road beside the gutter 2. By doing in this way, the illumination 4 can be lighted semipermanently while the water L is flowing into the side groove 2. In addition, the use of the electric power generated in the generator 20 is not limited to lighting of the illumination 4.

  As described above, according to this hydroelectric power generation system 1, when the amount of water flowing through the side groove 2 is relatively large, the hydroelectric power generation system 1 floats on the water L by the buoyancy of the pair of floats 40a and 40b, and the side groove 2 When the amount of flowing water is relatively small, the lower ends 49a and 49b of the pair of floats 40a and 40b are in contact with the bottom 3 of the side groove 2 by the weight of the hydraulic power generation system 1, and the pair of floats 40a and 40b are in contact with the hydraulic power generation system 1. Support. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually operate the position of the water turbine 10 by changing the water level in the side groove 2, and the hydroelectric power generation system 1 can be permanently installed in the side groove. Moreover, according to this hydroelectric power generation system 1, the generator 20 can always obtain a relatively stable power generation amount.

  Further, the pair of floats 40a and 40b are attached to the support member 30 via pivot shafts 41a and 41b so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction with respect to the support member 30, respectively. The interval between the tips 42a and 42b of 40b is variable. For this reason, even when the width of the side groove 2 is relatively wide, the water L flowing through the side groove 2 is guided in the direction of the water turbine 10, and more water L is brought into contact with the water turbine 10 to increase the amount of power generation. be able to.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a hydroelectric power generation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a use state when the width of the side groove is relatively narrow in the hydraulic power generation system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the usage state when the width of the side groove is relatively wide in the hydraulic power generation system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hydroelectric power generation system of FIG. 1 in a state where the amount of water in the side groove is relatively large. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hydroelectric power generation system of FIG. 1 in a state where the amount of water in the side groove is relatively small.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hydroelectric power generation system, 2 Side groove 3 Side groove bottom, 10 Water wheel 11 Rotating shaft of water wheel, 19 Lower end of water wheel 20 Generator, 30 Support member 40a, 40b Float, 41a, 41b Float rotation axis 42a, 42b Tip of float, 45a, 45b Inside surfaces 49a, 49b of the float Lower end G of the float G Center of gravity

Claims (4)

A hydroelectric power generation system that can be inserted into a gutter,
A water wheel that is rotated by water flowing through the side groove;
A generator connected to the rotating shaft of the water wheel, and generating electricity by rotation of the water wheel;
A support member that supports the generator and / or the water wheel;
A pair of floats attached to the left and right of the lower part of the support member;
The water wheel is disposed between the pair of floats, and a lower end of the water wheel is located above a lower end of the pair of floats;
When the amount of water flowing through the side grooves is relatively large, the hydroelectric power generation system floats on water due to the buoyancy of the pair of floats, and when the amount of water flowing through the side grooves is relatively small, the lower ends of the pair of floats are A hydroelectric power generation system in contact with the bottom of the side groove by the weight of the hydroelectric power generation system, and the pair of floats supporting the hydroelectric power generation system.   2. The pair of floats according to claim 1, wherein the pair of floats are attached to the support member via a pivot shaft so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction with respect to the support member, respectively. Hydroelectric power generation system with variable interval.   3. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 2, wherein the pair of floats are formed so that an interval between inner surfaces of the pair of floats is narrowed toward a vicinity of a center of gravity of the water turbine, and swivels around a vicinity of the center of gravity of the water turbine. .   2. The hydroelectric power generation system according to claim 1, wherein the support member is connectable to a traction member for fixing the hydroelectric power generation system at a predetermined position of the side groove.

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