Moveable element and power generation system for low head facilities

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates to low head hydropower facilities, and more particularly to a moveable element and power generation system for low head facilities.

#2. Description of Related Art

#The novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims and claims yet to be filed. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a side view schematic of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a side view schematic of another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a knee brace and deployment of the invention.

#Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may be inverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail, part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

#Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a wall 21 having an integrated, interchangeable turbine and generator combination 25 disposed in wall 21 to create a power generating cell 20. Cell 20 may be placed on the side of wall 21 or, in some embodiments, disposed completely flush into the wall. As illustrated more closely in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, one end of wall 21 is connected to pivoting members 27 that permit wall 21 to be raised and lowered from approximately zero (0) degrees to approximately ninety (90) degrees. In some environments it may be preferable to raise wall 21 to more or less than ninety (90) degrees relative to the water surface of the upper pool 32. In the illustrated figures, water lever is depicted as 32. It will be appreciated that when wall 21 is raised, there exists an upper pool 33, shown to the right of wall 21 in the figures, and a lower pool 34, shown to the left in the figures. As can be appreciated, this is due to the natural direction of water flow and can be altered as the environment requires.

#As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower end of wall 21 may be pivotally attached to a structure such as the top of dam wall 35 already in place, or to the top of the cell as shown in FIG. 5. The existing dam structure creates a certain amount of head pressure, which may be enhanced by placement of a series of cells 20 and walls 21 according to the present invention along a line transverse to the flow in the body of water. In other settings with no existing dam, the walls of the present invention may be supported by structures at the bottom of the water channel and deployed as needed to create a low head dam.