Abstract
A novel computational tool, DIMRACK, is presented for the design of the required length of bottom racks in intake systems. The users may consider clear water cases or the rack’s occlusion due to sediment transport in the river. The computational tool uses a methodology based on the experimental works undertaken at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena from 2010. This work also presents an extension of the methodology to cover a broad range of void ratios, bar profiles, slopes, and flow rates. Designing nomograms are also proposed. These are two diagrams to allow the approximate graphical computation of the rack length with clear water. In sediment transport cases, an occlusion factor is proposed, obtained from experimental gravel tests. This parameter enables an increment in the rack length due to occlusion, depending on the bar type. The results are compared with those proposed in classical technical manuals. Finally, the results have been compared with ten existing small hydropower plants’ bottom intake designs in Ecuador.
Highlights
In 2018, approximately 81% of the electricity consumed in Ecuador came from hydroelectric energy
An extension of an existing methodology [25] is presented to calculate the required length of the the rack in a bottom intake system, considering a broad range of bar profiles, void ratios, and slopes
This methodology improves the information in previous technical manuals [2,13,17,18,20], covering a methodology improves the information in previous technical manuals [2,13,17,18,20], covering a broad range of bar profiles, void ratios, and flowrates
Summary
In 2018, approximately 81% of the electricity consumed in Ecuador came from hydroelectric energy. About 21,000 GWh were generated in the hydroelectric plants owned by the government during that year, according to the National Energy Operator (CENACE) [1]. Several studies dealing with hydroelectric power plants have been developed in Ecuador. Around twelve include small hydropower plants (SHP), i.e., with an installed capacity below 10 MW. Small hydropower has been identified as one of the important energy sources that can provide convenient and uninterrupted energy to remote rural communities or industries [2]. Bottom racks were proposed for the water intakes of all these SHP.
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