A techno-economical view on energy losses at hydropower dams (case study of Karun III Dam and Hydropower Plant)

Abstract

In order to support the future economic developments in the world, one of the most important objectives is the reduction of energy losses. Apart from this objective, hydropower dams which are considered a renewable energy source encounter this problem. Karun III Dam and Hydropower Plant is constructed on the Karun River in the province of Khuzestan, Iran, with a capacity of 2000 MW. The Dam is a double arch concrete type, 205m high from the foundation and 185m high from the river bed. In the present work by using the physical model of Karun III Dam and measuring pressures in all parts of conveyance members, energy losses for each part were calculated separately. Experiments were conducted in three different elevations and with maximum design discharge. By calculating the cavitation index along the related hydraulic structures, probability of cavitation was studied. Discharge coefficient was also estimated in the operation conditions. Experiments showed that when the reservoir elevation was increased in constant discharge; the discharge coefficient was increased respectively. Also it was observed that increasing the reservoir elevation causes head losses to increase in different parts of conveyance members except the antivortex structure which was installed at the top of the intake. Moreover, energy losses at the Y-Branch member were observed more than other parts.