| 摘要 |
An under-shot waterwheel comprises at least one paddle 10 having a blade 12 that is curved, when viewed in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the waterwheel. In one aspect the curve is a parabola. The paddle may include a cover plate 14 with vent holes 16, and side panels 18, and the effective surface areas of the blade may be varied by flap valves 24. In another aspect the curvature is such as to reduce lift of water on exit of the blade from the water. In a further aspect, the blade comprises a nose, which in a preferred embodiment may be provided at the tip T of the blade and may be pyramidal in shape. In a still further aspect, the waterwheel 100 is mounted between two hulls 110, which may define a pontoon. The hulls may be connected together by front and rear triangular plates and shaped to produce a hydrofoil effect to keep the pontoon in an optimum position. The waterwheel 100 may drive a pump 120 supplying fluid via a coupling 170 to a motor M provided on the land L and driving a system S, such as a heating system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner or a corn grinder. The waterwheel may be raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders, and the coupling may be moored by a pulley 180 connected to a buoy B which can act as a release to the pulley so the coupling can be raised for servicing. |
