초록 ▼

A hydroelectric device wherein a water wheel having radial paddle boards is partially submerged in a moving stream of water, and driven by the water current to operate an electric generator. The water wheel has end discs at its respective sides to block escape of water from between the paddle boards

A hydroelectric device wherein a water wheel having radial paddle boards is partially submerged in a moving stream of water, and driven by the water current to operate an electric generator. The water wheel has end discs at its respective sides to block escape of water from between the paddle boards. The paddle boards are normally disposed at right angles to the current flow, but if the water current should flow faster at one side of the wheel than at the other, the ends of the boards at the slow-current side may be shifted forwardly, or the ends thereof at the fast-current side may be shifted rearwardly, having reference to the direction of current flow, in order that a portion of the water impinging against the fast-current ends of the boards will be deflected to the slow-current side. This adjustment may be made either by shifting the position of the wheel relative to the water bodily, or by shifting the paddle boards relative to the wheel. Also, adjustable vent openings are provided in the end discs adjacent each paddle board, to bleed off excess water at the fast-current side in the event sufficient water cannot be shifted to the slow-current side by angling of the paddle boards.

대표청구항 ▼

A hydroelectric device comprising: a. a water wheel having radially extending paddle boards at angular intervals about its periphery, each paddle board normally lying in a plane including the axis of the wheel, b. a supporting structure carrying said water wheel and operable to support it for axial

A hydroelectric device comprising: a. a water wheel having radially extending paddle boards at angular intervals about its periphery, each paddle board normally lying in a plane including the axis of the wheel, b. a supporting structure carrying said water wheel and operable to support it for axial rotation with its lower portion submerged in a moving stream of water, with its axis horizontal and normally transverse to the water current, whereby said water wheel is turned by said water current, c. an electric generator mounted on said supporting structure and operably driven by rotation of said water wheel, and d. adjusting means operable to move the respectively opposite ends of each of said paddle boards, at the respectively opposite sides of said wheel, either forwardly or rearwardly, having reference to the direction of current flow, whereby if the current speed at one side of the wheel is greater than at its opposite side, a portion of the water impinging against said paddle boards at the fast-current side of the wheel may be deflected toward the slow-current side of the wheel.