Abstract
Tarbela dam is one of the largest earth filled dam in the world used for power generation and irrigation purposes. Like all reservoirs the sediments inflow in the Tarbela reservoir has resulted in reduction in water storage capacity and is also causing damage to the tunnels, power generating units and ultimately to the plant equipment. This numerical study was performed to predict the flow patterns and characteristics in Tarbela dam. Tunnel 3 and 4 inlets; originally on the bed level were raised in the 3-D model and meshed. Analysis was performed using multiphase flow (water and air) for maximum inflow in the reservoir, i.e., considering summer season and discharging water through different locations, i.e., tunnels and spillways. Pressure, velocities, flow rate and free surface height results obtained were found in good agreement with the analytical and existing results where available. Results show uneven discharge through each gate due to maximum velocity near exits and overall stagnant phenomena of water within the reservoir. Maximum velocity was observed along the spillways outlet. Strong vortex motion was observed near the spillways outlet and tunnel inlets. New design of Tunnel 3 and 4 were suggested to WAPDA in order to decrease the sediment inflow and improvements in design of the spillways were suggested.
Highlights
Tarbela dam was constructed in 1970’s to regulate seasonal flows of the upper Indus for irrigation of the plains downstream and for hydro power generation
1) Areas of water exits i.e. at spillways and tunnels were very small compared to the reservoir so dynamic behavior of water was observed along spillways and tunnels and almost static behavior was observed in the reservoir
3) If sediment particles accelerate towards the main embankment dam and choked the tunnels; reason would be other than water movement towards the main embankment
Summary
Tarbela dam was constructed in 1970’s to regulate seasonal flows of the upper Indus for irrigation of the plains downstream and for hydro power generation. In addition to the irrigation releases exceeding 6.4 MAF it generates up to 3478 MW of electricity, and provides 32% of Pakistan’s power needs. It is an asset of Pakistan and is one of the largest lakes of the world. The lake consists of main embankment dam with a length of 9000 ft and height of 470 ft and two auxiliary dams. It has two spillways i.e., the service spillways and the auxiliary spillways and six tunnels. Other three are used only for irrigation purposes [1]
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