Design and development of a new enviromentally safe system with retractable teeth for cleaning hydroelectric grills: LIMPAGUA
Timeline: From 02/01/2014 to 12/31/2015
Project’s main contact person: Enrique Martínez
The purpose of this proposal is the design and development of a new environmentally safe cleaning system for hydroelectric gates with retractable teeth, and a new aqueous fluid hydraulic system.
The new cleaning system is oriented to hydropower stations in rivers with large amount of Municipal Solid Waste (a common problem in Latin America). In the technical document is shown how the high presence of plastic materials (primarily plastic bags), completely plugging the entrances to the turbines, reducing the power of power stations in a high percentage, and even make them stop. These power losses make necessary the use of fossil fuels, with all the problems already known. The innovations of the new cleaning system with retractable teeth will ensure to cleaning operations run successfully, something not possible with current systems.
On the other hand, the hydraulic systems are used for drives where great efforts are required, such as cleaning-systems or large gates from hydroelectric and dams. The power transmitting fluid is oil. When water penetrates, in combination with oxygen, forms oxidation and oil leaks on water. These oil leaks form a surface layer highly polluting. Besides oil additives are toxic and can reach humans.
There has been a study into the investigation and development of a water-based fluid as a substitute for oil. A fluid that is able to transmit power, lubricate, cool and make the system watertight. The general objective was to create a reliable, strong system with low maintenance costs.
We looked for a fluid that worked well between temperatures ranging from -20ºC to 50ºC and for this we have installed a heating system in the fluid tank. This will start the pump when the room temperature is low, there is also a cooling system in the fluid return to prevent overheating while the system is in operation. In order for the fluid to be lubricating, anticorrosive and antibacterial an additive is introduced. Electronic speed regulators will be used to lower the speed of the drive motors, preventing the fluid from overheating.
Not only could this system be introduced to clean railings and fences but it can be used to clean gates, valves etc. In addition, there are niche markets that are sensitive to environmental investments, such as desalination, waste water treatment plants or fish farms.
Project indicators
Number of women working in the project: 1
Number of persons working in the project: 11
* Cofinanciada por CDTI y el Mecanismo Financiero del Espacio Económico Europeo 2009-2014 (EEA GRANTS)
