Hydroelectric Operation Research Articles

Excavations at Kilmelfort Cave, Argyll

The excavation of part of a cave at Kilmelfort, Argyll, revealed remnants of a flint and stone industry of 'Mesolithic' character, but dating evidence was restricted due to the previous destruction of the major part of the site by hydro-electric operations. The importance of the site lies in its suggestion of moderate-altitude occupation in shelters and caves, and in the total masking of the entrance by ancient rockfall; comparable sites may well be undisturbed and await discovery.

Development and improvement of erection of mechanical equipment and metal components of hydraulic structures over the past 50 years

1. The development and improvement of the erection of mechanical equipment and metal components in the USSR over the past 50 years is inseparably linked with the solution of a large number of problems raised by wide hydraulic and hydropower construction. 2. For the erection work stages, the increase in the possibilities of Soviet machinery manufacture is characteristic, and, as a result, there has been a significant expansion of the stock of construction-erection mechanisms and transportation means. 3. For the development of mechanical equipment of high-head hydraulic structures, considerable volumes of analytical, experimental-research, and design work have been carried out. Data for design of the load-carrying elements of gates under dynamic loads have been obtained, and sealing elements, sliding and rolling supports for vertical-lift gates, and support hinges for radial gates have been developed. The coefficients of sliding friction of different types of seals have been experimentally determined, and problems of design, fabrication, and erection of high-head gates intended for operation under heads of up to 200 m have been solved. 4. A general characteristic of modern projects for the carrying out of erection of mechanical equipment and metal components is the striving for maximum reduction of the cost of hydraulic construction and of the times of completion, increase in the reliability and improvement of hydroelectric plant operation conditions, and use of new techniques and work automation. 5. During the past 50 years, the journalGidrotekhnicheskoe Stroitel'stvo has described and summed up the gathered erection experience, and has developed in the reader the capacity to apprehend, understand, and value hydraulic construction.

On the importance of engineering geological observation, control and investigation during construction and operation of hydroelectric stations

The paper considers the importance and the necessity of engineering geological observation, control and investigation in the period of hydroelectric station construction and operation. This work is the natural continuation of engineering geological surveys and an integral part of the design and construction-operation process. The analysis of the results obtained enables one to introduce amendments into the designs and contributes to the reliability of structures and to the reduction of construction costs.

Low-Flow Forecasting on the Delaware River

A method is described for the design of reservoir releases to augment low flows of Delaware River, which was in the center of intensity of the 1961-1966 drought in the Northeastern United States. Index stream gages, weather forecasts, and anticipated hydroelectric plant operations are used to arrive at adequate reservoir release requirements. Low-flow augmentation to maintain certain basic rates of streamflow was provided for under the terms of a decree of the U. S. Supreme Court. A period of low flow on the Delaware River is expected every year.

Optimization by dynamic programming of hydroelectric plant operation regime during initial filling period of multiannual regulation reservoir

1. The problem of optimizing the initial filling regime of large multiannual regulation reservoirs is a part of the general problem of optimizing the operation of a hydroelectric plant in a power system. 2. The optimization of the initial reservoir filling regime is possible by using one of the dynamic programming algorithms, which enables solving the problem for minimum power system computed expenses, taking into account also the requirements of the non-power participants in the water management complex. 3. The non-linearity of the relationships between energy output, power system expenses, and corresponding variation in reservoir storage volumes, determines the advisability of using dynamic programming in solving this problem. 4. The possible solutions of the dynamic programming equations are included within a zone whose limits, for the given river inflow conditions, are determined by the power system development characteristics, the hydroelectric plant operation rule curves for the zone of high reservoir levels, the avoidance of spillage under conditions of higher than average river flow, and the requirements of the non-power participants in the water management complex.

The Ultrasonic Measurement of Hydraulic Turbine Discharge

Abstract To obtain the basic discharge data necessary for efficient hydroelectric operation, a new ultrasonic flowmeter has been developed and applied to the measurement of flow in large water passages. During the development period, extensive tests under varied conditions of flow were made in a passage, 5 in. × 9 in., using a weighing tank as the absolute standard. Accuracies of 1 per cent or less were achieved regularly with appreciably turbulent and nonuniform flow distributions, using river water of varying turbidity. Installation in a turbine intake, 16 ft × 25 ft, has demonstrated the practicality of the method and equipment.

Hydroelectric Plant Operating under a 5,400-Ft. Head

Hydroelectric Plant Operating under a 5,400-Ft. Head

The Combined Operation of Steam and Hydraulic Power in the Pennsylvania Water and Power Company System

The paper relates the experience of a large hydroelectric development on an erratic river, in endeavoring to accomplish most effective combined steam and hydroelectric operation, indicating that a river may be developed to an extent many times its low water flow where there is extended cooperation between customer and power company in determining, by experimenting, the economy of further supply of hydroelectric power. A plea is made for drawing up power contracts in a fashion to encourage effective combined operation of hydro-electric plant with customer's existing steam equipment.

Notes on hydroelectric plant organization and operation

Notes on hydroelectric plant organization and operation

Notes on Hydroelectric Plant Organization and Operation

Notes on Hydroelectric Plant Organization and Operation