GB2413827A

GB2413827A - Modular water turbine system

Info

Publication number: GB2413827A
Application number: GB0409991A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rupert John Armstrong Evans
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-05
Filing date: 2004-05-05
Publication date: 2005-11-09
Also published as: GB0409991D0

Abstract

A modular system that allows a wide range of hydraulic, drive and electrical components to be assembled into a turbine plant, so as to match a particular waterpower site and application. The system allows alteration of the plant during installation or subsequently, to take account of incorrect data at the time of design or subsequent changes in the requirements of the plant. This can be achieved without the need to change the foundations or supporting framework.

Description

24 1 3827 Title: Modular water turbine system

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the manufacture and installation of mcrohydro equipment.

More specifically it applies to a modular system for combimng many different sizes and types of turbine runner, drive elements and end uses including electrical generators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is difficult to manufacture equipment for small scale watepower projects economically because the design work can be as expensive as for larger projects. The disclosed invention is a modular system that allows a wide range of hydraulic, drive and electrical components to be fitted together to match a particular site and application.

Many different desigms of water turbine have been designed and manufactured since the early nineteenth century, each with its own unique dimensions and layout. Even within one manufacturing company there is seldom any attempt to standardise the physical dimensions of a range of turbines, so each may require specific framework or foundation.

The disclosed system allows alteration of the plant both during manufacture, installation or subsequently, to take account of incorrect data or changes in requirements, without the need to change the foundations or plant framework.

The pump manufacturing industry can serially produces large numbers of units for industry because most pumps can operate over a wide range of hydraulic conditions, whereas hydra plants are much more site specific and have traditionally been designed for a particular site and application. There has also been a tendency to design micro hydro equipment simply as small versions of large-scale hydro equipment, rather than address the specific needs of the small project. This has made these small plants being very expensive. By standardizing the layouts it is often much easier to train staff and supervise installation work. This invention covers both vertical and horizontal water turbines as well as .A.ater.Ahee! and offer she* driller. plant.

SUMMARY OF TO INVENTION

The present invention comprises standardised modules for the main components of a hydro plant fine Mainframe module' is attached directly to the 'Turbine module' that carries a casing into which a variety of runner sizes and types can the fitted. The 'Main-frame module' sits directly on the foundations, or is attached to a separate 'Base module' that is typically cast into the concrete foundations of the building.

The 'Base module' typically comprises a bed frame of channel section steel, and optionally, the draft- tube taking the water from the turbine into the tailrace. The dral,-tube may be welded or attached in another suitable way to the main bed-frame so as to form a single component that can be built into the foundations of the building and provide a template and point of attachment and location for the other modules which will be attached at a later date. This module may be extended longitudinally to provide the location and attachment for direct drive, in-line equipment. This module may be extended laterally to provide location and attachment for belt driven equipment. In a vertical shaft version this module may consist only of the draft-tube, and onto which all the rest of the plant is attached.

The 'Mainframe module' comprises a framework of formed metal sections that sits on and is attached to the 'Base module'. It also carries the main bearings and shaft, and can provide the point of attachment for end- use equipment such as an electrical generator.

In a horizontal shaft version the mainframe module typically comprises end-plates to which anti- friction bearings are attached, and formed side plates or angle iron spacing elements that are welded to the end plates and provide attachments to the foundations below and the generator above. Belt tensioning is achieved with bolts located in drillings in the top leg of the formed metal sections of the framework in a horizontal embodiment and by sliding the generator adapter plate along the framework in a vertical embodiment. The generator supporting plate may be hinged in a horizontal shaft unit.

a vertical shaft version the end-plates can be reduced in size to form bearing trays and the side plates extended in the form of channel sections to span the tail-race and/or support a vertical electrical generator. Pipe work may also be attached to the mainframe module.

An alternative layout is envisaged, which comprises a draft tube base module, which is concreted into the foundations and is bolted to the turbine and mainframe modules.

The 'Turbine Module' comprises a casing for the turbine runner, and is fixed to the 'Main-frame module' by bolting or welding. In a ho.izo.l a.-. angc;nent it ca.. be spaces' To-. the end plate of the framework assembly TO prevent any water leaking from the turbine from entering the bem-.r,g. 'v'vTaer turbine runners of several different types and sizes, including, tangential flow Pelton, angled jet Turgo- lmpulse, cross-flow Banki and radial-flow, can be attached directly to the end of the main shaft, which passes through two bearings that are attached to the end-plates of the framework.

In a horizontal shaft version, the water outlet part of the module can be bolted to a draft-tube section of the 'Base module' or be extended downwards into the tailrace channel. In a horizontal version an inspection door or removable portion of the case can be provided to allow access to the working hydraulic parts within the 'turbine module'.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES OF THE lNVENTTON This invention allows many types of turbine to be attached to a standardized supporting framework so that they are easier to specify and install.

Interchangeable hydraulic components make it easy to correct mistakes and to change the operating envelope.

This invention allows a relatively small number of batch produced turbine components to be matched to a wide variety of sites and site conditions.

Water turbine assemblies can be manufactured in different corrosion resistant materials, such as galvanized stee;, stainless steel, ammonium or plastic, without altering art> other component.

This invention simplifies the installation procedures by using only two basic layouts and a very few sizes of plant foundation.

It simplifies the concepts of waterpower for non-technically minded customers 'ho are often bewildered by the many different layouts and type of water turbine.

This invention allows adjustment and reiteration during manufacture, during inslailaion and after installation, to take account of incorrect site data and the customer changing his or her mind.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIdE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises a modular water turbine, having a base module embedded in concrete and bolted to a mainframe module. The mainframe module comprises a framework of formed metal sections that carries the bearings and shaft. It also provides the support for the turbine module and a platform for an electrical generator.

In this horizontal shaft version the mainframe module has end-plates to which the main bearings are attached, and formed side plates are welded to the end plates to form a box. Flanges on the side plates provide attachments to the foundations below and the generator above. Belt tensioning is achieved with bolts located in drillings in the top flange of the side plates. The shaft passes through the bearing units and projects at each end of the assembly.

Overhung on one end of the shaft is a water turbine runner, for example a Pelton Wheel. On the other end is ove.-hurg a drive pulley. A separate turbine casing is attached to the...ainfiarl.e Nodule by bolts and spacing sleeves so mar there is an air gap between me end piale of the framework and the sloe plate of the turbine case, so that any water leakage from the case will not pass into the bearing. A water Jet assembly is also part of the turbine module, is attached to the casing and directs water towards the turbine runner inside. The turbine module also has an inspection door on the side opposite the mainframe module, for the purpose of fitting and inspecting the turbine runner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIE ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig 2 Illustrates a horizontal shaft embodiment of this invention. The foundation module (l) is shows half buried in the foundation concrete (2) a draft-tube extension is shown attached to the main bed-Irame module and guides the exit water into the tailrace (3) and protects the concrete from erosion.

The main,.rame module f4) comprises end plates (1 hearings (61 and shaft (7) and is bolted to the turbine module (8). The turbine runner (9) is attached to the end of the main shaft and is rotated by the force of water entering Me casing via the jet assembly (10). The pullets (11 > is attached to Me other end of the main shaft and drives the gene. ator ( 12) via the belts (13) Fig ? Shows an exploded \iew ofthe embodiment illustrated in Fig 1. Side-plates (1) are formed as a channel section with the legs (2) pointing away from the assembly. The side-plates are welded to end plate (a) to which is attached a bearing unit (5) that supports shad (5) protrudes through a hole in the end-plate so that it can be attached to a pulley (6). The lower flanges of the side-plates are also pointing outwards (7) and are drilled to take holding down bolts for securing the mainframe module to the base module (8). The end-plate adjacent to the turbine (9) is drilled to take the bolts (l 0) securing the mainframe module to the turbine module (11). The turbine runner (12) is secured to the end of the shaft (5) through access cover (13).

rig 7 shows a simplified v-rsiun ul iIUI"VII=; VArIUVUV1-1t VfLUV i-U-vei^ilvi4 irl 'U^lat 'UPC -an t'U7^V (I) is simply an extension to the turbine module (2) and the mainframe module (3) is fixed directly to the foundation (4).

Fig 4 Illustrates a vertical shaft embodunent of this invention where the mainframe module (1) is made from channel sections and is attached to the turbine module (2) on the lower side and to the generator (3) on the upper side. An extension draft tube (4) is shown attached to the turbine module and embedded in the foundation concrete (5) to provide the anchorage.

Fig 5 Illustrates a vertical shaft embodiment of this invention with the main frame (1) extended to foundations (2) at the side of the tail-race and providing support for the inlet manifold (3).

Fig 6 Shows an exploded view of a vertical shaft assembly with a crossflow runner in the turbine module. The Mainframe module (1) is shown attached to the foundations (5) arid the turbine module (2) with its cross-flow runner (4) is detached from the mainframe. Above the mainframe is shown the generator (Jj.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIE ILLUSTRATIONS

Fig 1 Illustrates a horizonrai shaft embodiment of this invention. The foundation module (1) is shover half buried in the foundation concrete (2) a draft-tube extension is shown attached to the main; bed-frame module and guides the exit water into the tai]race (3) and protects the concrete from erosion.

The mainframe module (4) comprises end plates (5) bearings (6) and shaft (7? and is bolted to the turbine module (8). The turbine runner (9) is attached to the end of the main shaft and is rotated by the force of water entering the casing via the jet assembly (10). The pulley (11) is attached to the other end of the main shaft and drives the generator (12) via the belts (13) Fig 2 Shows an exploded view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig 1. Side-plates (1) are formed as a channel section with the legs (2) pointing away from the assembly. The side-plates are welded to end plate (3) to which is attached a bearing unit (5) that supports shaft (5) protrudes through a hole in the end-plate so that it can be attached to a pulley (6). The lower flanges of the side-plates are also pointing outwards O and are drilled to take holding down bolts for securing the mainframe module to We base module (8). The end-plate adjacent to Me turbine (9) is drilled to take the bolts (10) securing the mainframe module to the turbine module (1 1). The turbine runner (12) is secured to the end of the shaft (5) through access cover (13).

Fig 3 Shows a simplified version of a horizontal embodiment of the invention, in that the draft tube (1i is imniv an extension to the turbine module (2' and the mainframe module f.3? is fixed directly to the foundation (4).

Fig 4 Illustrates a vertical shaft embodiment of this invention where the mainframe module (1) is made from channel sections and is attached to the turbine module (2) on the lower side and to the generator (3) on the upper side. An extension drag tube (4) is shown attached to the turbine module and embedded in the foundation concrete (5) to provide the anchorage.

Fig 5 Illustrates a vertical shaft embodiment of this invention with the main frame (l) extended to foundations (2) at the side of the tail-race and providing support for the inlet manifold (3).

Fig 6 Shows an exploded view of a vertical shaft assembly with a crossflow runner in the turbine module. The Mainframe module (1) is shown attached to the foundations (5) and the turbine module (2) with its cross-flow runner (4) is detached from the mainframe. Above the mainframe is shown the generator (3).

S

Claims

Claims Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our

said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that what we claim is: A fluid driven impulse type turbine with an overhung runner. which Is constructed from a supporting module that comprises a framework, rotatable shaft and anti-friction bearings; in a combination with a turbine module that comprises a water constraining case, water inlet element, water exit provision and a rotatable hydraulic runner, attached to one end of the rotatable shaft, such that different sizes and types of runner can be incorporated to match the hydraulic requirements of the installation, with reference to Fig I of the drawings.
2. A fluid driven Impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which the working fluid is water and the typical application is hydroelectric power.
3. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which provision is made for spacing the end-plate of the support module away from the casing of the turbine module so that any leakage of water does not penetrate the bearings on the support module.
4. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim 1 in which the formed metal sections are bent to form flanges for the purpose of attaching driven plant.
5. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which means are provided to anacn a generator or omer ciriven equipment ciirecliy co inn shaPr of ilk; aemuly.
6. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which means are provided for attaching a guard where belts are used to drive attached machinery
7. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which the belt driven equipment is located above the assembly and provision is made in the form of drillings in the top flange of the side plates for bolts to secure and adjust the position of the driven equipment.
8. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim l in which provision is made for the attachment of pipe work.
9. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which provision is made for attaching driven machinery by means of a hinged plate that is adjustable to change the belt tension.
10. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which the support and/or turbine modules are attached to a pre-fabricated foundation module.
11. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim 10 in which the foundation module is attached to a section of draft-tube.
12. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim id in which the foundation module is extended to locate and secure direct and/or belt driven plant.
13. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim to in which the foundation module comprises solely a section of draft tube which is concreted into the foundations and provides attachment for the combined turbine and support modules.
14. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which all or part of the assembly is manufactured from castings.
15. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim 1 in which all or part of the assembly is manufactured by fabrication techniques.
16. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim 1 in which all or part of the assembly is manufactured from plastic materials.
17. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which the wetted casing of the turbine module is manufactured in stainless steel or other non-corroding material and the support module can be constructed from low cost carbon steel.
18. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which tangential flow impulse turbine runners of the Pelton type can be used and having different pitch circle diameters and jet to pitch circle ratios according to the hydraulic requirements.
19. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which an angled jet impulse turbine runner of the Turgo-lmpulse type is used, and having various pitch circles.
20. A fluid driven impulse type turbine as described in claim I in which a cross-flow runner of the Banki type is used, and having various diameters and widths.

LIZ. A fluid driven impulse type urbine as described in claim I,r. which a.adial-flev. runner is used, being inward or outward flow 22. A fluid driven impulse type turbine substantially as described herein with reference to FIG.I of the accompanying drawings.

-