Hydropower Station Research Articles

Physics-based modeling of debris flows and assessing the performance of effective mitigation measures

BackgroundClimate change-induced geohazards are increasingly posing a critical threat to the sustained functionality and resilience of constructed infrastructures. Among these hazards, debris flows represent significant natural disasters, particularly in mountainous terrains, causing widespread property damage and loss of life globally. These phenomena involve complex interactions between solid and fluid forces, resulting in long run-out distances and high-speed flows. Predicting and monitoring debris flows is challenging due to the intricate interplay of these forces.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to evaluate the structural damage caused by debris flows and assess the efficacy of rigid barrier structures with passages/apertures.MethodEmploying Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics, a Lagrange-based mesh-free computational technique, the researchers simulated the impact of debris on a stiff structure. The focus was on the Rishiganga river valley in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, a region recently devastated by a debris flow that severely compromised essential infrastructure, including a hydroelectric power station. The research entailed modeling the debris flow in this specific locale and analyzing its effects on an assumed downstream rigid structure. Additionally, the study explored the outcomes of introducing a rigid barrier upstream.Results and ConclusionResults indicated a substantial reduction in the impact on the downstream structure with the presence of an upstream rigid structure. Moreover, as the number of apertures in the upstream barrier was increased, the impact of flow on the downstream structure further diminished, because of a more streamlined flow pattern.

Unveiling the prediction model and mechanism of the collapse of bank slope in the lancangjiang area

This study takes the bank collapse at the left bank of Badi Township of the Lidi Hydropower Station in the Lancang Area as an example. To address the lack of in-depth research on the prediction model and mechanisms of bank collapse, this study conducts field drilling surveys, investigates influencing factors, analyzes causal mechanisms, and proposes prediction methods based on the geological survey data of bank collapse in the reservoir area. The study explores the stratigraphic lithology, determines the key parameters for bank collapse prediction, and studies the failure modes and bank collapse mechanisms. It also proposes the finite element method of bank collapse to predict the width and elevation of bank collapse and provides the influence on the surrounding environment. The results show that the collapsed bank on the left bank of Badi Township is a high and steep soil-like slope, and forms the collapse and retreat type of failure mode after impoundment. The Kachukin method, the bank slope structure method, and the proposed finite element method are used to predict the width and elevation of the collapsed bank. The results indicate that the Kachujin method predicts a larger range of bank collapses and is biased towards safety. In contrast, the prediction ranges of the bank slope structure method and the finite element method are close. The bank collapse position is located in the middle and rear of the residential houses in Badi Township, which is consistent with the on-site investigation and has strong reliability. The predicted width of the bank collapse is about 34 m and the elevation is about 1,845 m. The research results can be directly applied to preventing and controlling bank collapse and have powerful practical application value.

Impact of excavation footage on vertical shaft lining deformation and surrounding rock stress in Xiyu conglomerate

The Xiyu conglomerate, which is extensively distributed in Xinjiang, China, presents challenges for vertical shaft construction owing to its poor cementation and low strength. The selection of an appropriate footage length is paramount for ensuring safe construction. Based on the shaft pipeline construction project of the Xinlongkou Hydropower Station on the Kuitun River, this study investigated the impact of footage length on the stability of vertical shafts within the Xiyu conglomerate strata using finite element simulation and measurement data to analyze the lining displacement and change in stress in the surrounding rock. The results show that the excavation footage has little effect on the lining’s horizontal displacement during vertical shaft excavation. A mathematical model was developed to describe how the vertical displacement of the lining varies with the excavation footage and vertical shaft depth. Below a critical threshold, the stress in the surrounding rock cannot be effectively alleviated, leading to a concentration of stress; above that critical threshold, an excessively large excavation increases the load on the surrounding rock. Based on the simulation results and factors such as economic benefits, construction speed, and safety, an excavation footage of 4 m is judged to be appropriate.

The ecological operation of ChiTan hydropower station based on hydrological alteration using PCA method

ABSTRACT Water infrastructure affects the quantity, quality, and environment of water. Developing reservoir construction, there was only considered the social-economic benefits and neglected the health of the downstream river. Due to the severe downstream river system, the operators and managers faced the challenge of the downstream ecosystem. Many scholars are concerned with the reservoir's optimum functioning, which considers social and economic advantages. Numerous significant opinions and research findings are being presented on ecological scheduling at the moment, both in China and overseas, which surely deepen the connotation of ecological scheduling and serve as the research basis and critical reference of this work. The influence of hydropower development on hydrological conditions, the categorization and calculation of environmental runoff, and the building and solution of ecological scheduling models are all discussed and researched in this work. The study examined how the ChiTan hydropower project influenced the Jinxi River's flow. The total hydrologic alteration calculated using RVA is 50.53%. The component analysis is also utilized to eliminate the statistical redundancy in the hydrologic indicators. The indicators’ monthly flow for July and August's mean minimum flow for 7 days are relevant indicators for the Jinxi River basin's hydrologic modification regime.

Excavation deformation characteristics of underground caverns across fault fracture zone: a case study at Baihetan hydropower station

Excavation deformation characteristics of underground caverns across fault fracture zone: a case study at Baihetan hydropower station

ეროვნული საკანონმდებლო რეგულაციების მიმოხილვა და ანალიზი შრომის სამართლის და შრომის უსაფრთხოების მიმართულებით

National legislative acts - Georgian Laws, Georgian Government resolutions, as well as Orders of Ministry of Internally displaced persons from occupied territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia concerning labour law and labour safety are considered. On the basis of survey and analysis of these legislative acts the authors of this article express their view, namely, it/s necessary: enlarge sphere of supervision over the objects with heightened technical danger; for every danger object elaborate standard in Georgian; on the basis of accumulated experience revise the periodicity of inspection of some objects; for some important enterprises of Georgia (mines, caves, metro, hydroelectric power stations) create mine – rescue service within the limits of state institution. Owing to these measures the level of technical safety will increase and the number of accidents will decrease.

Impacts of Large Hydropower Projects on the Ecological Environment of Watersheds: A Case Study of Ertan Reservoir Area

Ertan Hydroelectric Power Station was the first large-scale water conservancy facility in western China, and with its completion, the ecological pattern of the reservoir area has changed dramatically; however, the changes in habitat quality before and after the completion of the reservoir have not yet been systematically monitored and evaluated. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal characteristics of the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI), used CA-Markov model and GeoDetector, evaluated the ecological environment of the Ertan Reservoir area in each five-year period from 1995 to 2020, simulated the ecological quality of the Ertan Reservoir area in 2025, and revealed the nine drivers and their interactions affecting ecological quality of the watershed from a geologic point of view, and finally put forward reasonable planning and targeted protection suggestions. Finally, rational planning and targeted protection recommendations were proposed. The main results were as follows: (1) After the completion of the Ertan Hydropower Station, the spatial distribution of the RSEI in the reservoir area varied significantly, with a trend of “rising-declining-rising” in time, and the area share of “good” area increased the most, by 19.83%. (2) The degree of grading of each driving factor had different degrees of influence on the size of the RSEI value, and its interaction enhanced the spatial differentiation of the RSEI. (3) The average value of the RSEI is 0.66 in 2025, and the ecological environment quality will show a steady improvement in five years. The results of the study can provide a reference for constructing RSEI indicators for large hydropower facilities.

A comprehensive framework for evaluating and predicting investment risks in renewable energy projects: a case study of Maynak hydropower station

ABSTRACT This study introduces a holistic analysis framework designed to evaluate and predict the investment risks associated with foreign renewable energy initiatives. This framework aims to reduce the uncertainties inherent in renewable energy projects. To achieve this, we utilize the variable weight matter-element extension model to establish the project’s fundamental reliability function. We then refine this model by incorporating evidence theory to assess the project’s risk level and derive precise risk index measurements. We utilize the GM model to forecast potential future risks associated with the project. In addition, a case study is presented on the risk assessment and prediction for the Maynak Hydropower Station. Our findings reveals that the project encountered significant investment risks in 2008, 2014, 2020, and 2022. Key risk indicators include political turmoil，policy change，imperfect legislation，cultural risk，exchange rate changes，technical risks and management risks. Furthermore, the investment risk level declined from 2023 to 2027, with our risk measurement outcomes closely aligning with actual conditions, thereby validating the effectiveness and applicability of our model.

Application of discrete random forest algorithm in multi-person asynchronous parallel disassembly sequence planning for hydropower station equipment maintenance

Application of discrete random forest algorithm in multi-person asynchronous parallel disassembly sequence planning for hydropower station equipment maintenance

Numerical simulation of multiphase flow and prediction of sediment wear in a large Pelton turbine

AbstractThe problem of sediment wear presents a significant challenge for hydraulic turbines operating in sediment‐rich rivers, particularly for high‐head Pelton turbines. In this study, the VOF model, SST k–ω model, and DPM model were employed to simulate the gas–liquid–solid three‐phase flow within a large Pelton turbine, which operates under a rated water head of 671 m and has a single capacity of 500 MW, at a hydropower station situated on a sediment‐laden river. The sediment wear prediction model, derived from the sediment wear test of the model turbine, was utilized to forecast the sediment wear on the flow components of the Pelton turbine at the hydropower station. The results show that there are obvious pressure and velocity gradients near the nozzle outlet of the Pelton turbine in the power station, and the wear of the nozzle surface is gradually increasing, and the wear in the downstream area of the nozzle is more serious. The wear rate at the needle tip surface reached 1.372 μm/h, while the socket ring surface exhibited a wear rate of 3.175 μm/h. he highest wear rate recorded for the water bucket is 0.940 μm/h. After a year of continuous operation, the maximum erosion observed was 5.62 mm on the runner bucket made of stainless steel and wear‐resistant metal, 8.23 mm on the spray needle, and 19.05 mm on the nozzle mouth ring, highlighting the severity of sediment wear on the Pelton turbine. It is recommended that surface treatment technology be applied to the flow‐through components of the Pelton turbine at this hydropower station to enhance the wear resistance of the turbine and extend the operational life of the unit.

RUSSIAN-MONGOLIAN COOPERATION IN THE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

This article is devoted to the study of existing problems and prospects for the development of cooperation between the Russian Federation and Mongolia in the field of electric power. The author briefly describes the history of the development of Russian-Mongolian relations in this area and current legal framework, another point of interest is the study of existing energy problems in Mongolia. Particular attention is paid to the advantages that the Russian side has in its energy cooperation with Mongolia. The author then analyzes the areas of cooperation between Russia and Mongolia in the field of electric power, specifically: thermal energy (the most important traditional area), development of electrical grid infrastructure, hydropower, nuclear energy and, finally, alternative energy. For each area, the author provides information about the degree of its development in Mongolia and the opportunities available to the Russian side while interacting with Mongolian partners. The article provides a list of the most significant, including those already implemented, those under development, or those with a promising future. In addition, the author studies the existing problems that hinder the deepening of Russian-Mongolian cooperation in the electric power industry, such as opposition from other states (primarily the so-called «third neighbor» countries) and unresolved contradictions regarding Mongolian hydroelectric power station projects in the Selenga River basin. The author concludes that if the Russian side properly realizes the available advantages, there are good chances to resolve the controversial issues and achieve success in the development of Russian-Mongolian cooperation in the electric power industry, thereby contributing to economic growth and strengthening energy security of both countries.

Co-optimization for day-ahead scheduling and flexibility response mode of a hydro–wind–solar hybrid system considering forecast uncertainty of variable renewable energy

Hydropower, characterized by its quick ramping speed and energy buffering capacity, has the ability to respond to the flexibility demand caused by the forecast uncertainty of variable renewable energy (VRE). However, how to determine the flexibility supply of each hydropower station to ensure the reliable execution of the day-ahead scheduling in the intraday operation is a challenging issue for a hydro–wind–solar hybrid system (HWSHS). Due to complex characteristics of cascade hydropower stations, there is a mutual influence between the day-ahead scheduling and its execution. Therefore, flexibility response mode (FRM) is proposed to determine the flexibility supply of each hydropower station according to the flexibility demand of VRE, and a co-optimization model is constructed to optimize the day-ahead scheduling and the parameters of FRM considering the forecast uncertainty of VRE. A HWSHS in Guizhou province, China, is employed as a case study. The results suggest that the FRM can ensure the reliable execution of the day-ahead scheduling in the intraday operation. Compared to a contrast model without FRM, the execution deviation and its duration are decreased by more than 22% and 37%, respectively, in both long-run and out-of-sample analyses.

Size-Dependent Mechanical Properties and Excavation Responses of Basalt with Hidden Cracks at Baihetan Hydropower Station through DFN–FDEM Modeling

Basalt is an important geotechnical material for engineering construction in Southwest China. However, it has complicated structural features due to its special origin, particularly the widespread occurrence of hidden cracks. Such discontinuities significantly affect the mechanical properties and engineering stability of basalt, and related research is lacking and unsystematic. In this work, taking the underground caverns in the Baihetan Hydropower Station as the engineering background, the size-dependent mechanical behaviors and excavation responses of basalt with hidden cracks were systematically explored based on a synthetic rock mass (SRM) model combining the finite-discrete element method (FDEM) and discrete fracture network (DFN) method. The results showed that: (1) The DFN–FDEM model generated based on the statistical characteristics of the geometric parameters of hidden cracks can consider the real structural characteristics of basalt, whereby the mechanical behaviors found in laboratory tests and at the engineering site could be exactly reproduced. (2) The representative elementary volume (REV) size of basalt blocks containing hidden cracks was 0.5 m, and the mechanical properties obtained at this size were considered equivalent continuum properties. With an increase in the sample dimensions, the mechanical properties reflected in the stress–strain curves changed from elastic–brittle to elastic–plastic or ductile, the strength failure criterion changed from linear to nonlinear, and the failure modes changed from fragmentation failure to local structure-controlled failure and then to splitting failure. (3) The surrounding rock mass near the excavation face of underground caverns typically showed a spalling failure mode, mainly affected by the complex structural characteristics and high in situ stresses, i.e., a tensile fracture mechanism characterized by stress–structure coupling. The research findings not only shed new light on the failure mechanisms and size-dependent mechanical behaviors of hard brittle rocks represented by basalt but also further enrich the basic theory and technical methods for multi-scale analyses in geotechnical engineering, which could provide a reference for the design optimization, construction scheme formulation, and disaster prevention of deep engineering projects.

Study on the Variation Law of Water Consumption Rate of Cascade Hydropower Station under Different Conditions

Study on the Variation Law of Water Consumption Rate of Cascade Hydropower Station under Different Conditions

Optimal operation model of ecological flow of hydropower station based on genetic algorithm and neural network

Amid diverse water demands, the conflict between ecological flow adjustments and power generation flow adjustments in hydropower station water resource dispatching, coupled with an increasing diversity of constraints, complicates the issue of water resource optimization and dispatching. How to scientifically develop feedback regulation mechanisms to promote a virtuous ecological cycle, fine tune existing hydropower station scheduling plans, and achieve multi-objective optimization scheduling is the core issue in researching the comprehensive utilization of water resources. This study establishes a reservoir flow regulation model with the objective functions of maximizing power generation and achieving optimal average ecological protection. The model, constrained by water balance, reservoir capacity, unit output, and unit overflow, was optimized and solved using the genetic algorithm-backpropagation neural network (GA-BPNN) approach. This study establishes a reservoir flow regulation model with the GA-BPNN algorithm was applied in multi-objective optimization to identify an optimal solution that maximizes overall system performance while adhering to ecological flow constraints. The results indicate that the optimized plan has performed effectively in hydropower station operations. It not only satisfies ecological flow requirements, but also significantly enhances power generation efficiency. Specifically, power generation increased by 32,680 kw·h, a 23.85% growth rate. The optimized plan significantly enhances the comprehensive utilization efficiency of water resources. It offers a scientific basis for the rational planning, dispatching and utilization of water resources in hydropower stations and reservoirs.

Real-time predictive control assessment of low-water head hydropower station considering power generation and flood discharge

In the real-time operation of cascade reservoirs, when the discharge flow of the upstream power station changes frequently, the downstream power station with a low head and small storage capacity has to adjust the gate or turbine frequently to keep the water level safe. This paper proposes a real-time optimal scheduling model based on model predictive control theory(MPC), considering the interaction between power generation and flood discharge. Firstly, the correlation analysis is carried out between the outflow of the Zhentouba hydropower station(ZTB) and the inflow of the Shaping II Hydropower Station(SP), and the spatio-temporal hydraulic connection between the ZTB and SP is obtained. The fuzzy relationship between tail water level and discharge flow is accurately described using numerical simulation, considering the interaction between power generation and discharge. Secondly, based on the precise description of inflow and outflow, a high-precision water level rolling prediction model is constructed using the water balance principle. Finally, based on the MPC, the real-time control model of SP is constructed. The results show that the water level process is steadier, with fewer gate adjustments. Compared with the observed number of gate adjustments in 2020, the number of reservoir gate adjustments after model optimization is reduced by 73.26%. It improves the operation efficiency and safety of the hydropower station and provides a guidance basis for the optimal operation of the SP.

Study on the influence of sediment erosion of Francis turbine runner under different water heads

Abstract The average measured sediment concentration of the river section where Wanjiazhai Hydropower Station is located over the years is 5.7kg/m 3, The maximum measured sediment concentration reaches 37.6kg/m 3, The erosion of the flow components of hydraulic turbines caused by sand containing water flow is becoming increasingly severe, coupled with the frequent impact of load changes during peak shaving operation, the problems exposed during the operation of hydraulic turbines are becoming more prominent, which affects the stable operation of the units. This article uses numerical simulation and experimental testing to study the sediment wear characteristics and hydraulic performance of the water turbine at Wanjiazhai Hydropower Station. Research has revealed the effects of working head on impeller wear. The increase in working head will exacerbate the impact wear on the main channel wall of the unit. The surface of water turbine blades is the main wear area, and the high-speed impact of particles causes an increase in the wall wear rate. The probability of particles coming into contact with the wall at the outlet increases, resulting in rapid wear at this point. The increase in head will intensify the wear intensity of the unit surface, and the flow velocity in the gap indicates that the local high-speed jet in the gap is the main cause of gap wear. Therefore, in order to ensure the efficient anti-wear performance of the water turbine, multiple factors need to be comprehensively considered to cope with sediment wear of the water turbine, including regular cleaning, optimized structural design, use of wear-resistant materials, replacement of worn parts, and optimization of operating parameters. These measures help to reduce the damage of sediment wear to water turbines and extend their service life.

Automatic interpretation of geometric information of discontinuities and its influence on the stability of highly-jointed rock slopes

The discrete fracture system of a rock mass plays a crucial role in controlling the stability of rock slopes. To fully account for the geometric shape and distribution characteristics of jointed rock masses, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was employed to acquire high-resolution point-cloud data, and a developed automatic discontinuity-identification technology was coupled to automatically interpret and characterize geometric information such as orientation, trace length, spacing, and set number of the discontinuities. The discrete element method (DEM) was applied to study the influence of the geometric morphology and distribution characteristics of discontinuities on slope stability by generating a discrete fracture network (DFN) with the same statistical characteristics as the actual discontinuities. Based on slope data from the Yebatan Hydropower Station, a simulation was conducted to verify the applicability of the automatic discontinuity identification technology and the discrete fracture network-discrete element method (DFN-DEM). Various geological parameters, including trace length, persistence, and density, were examined to investigate the morphological evolution and response characteristics of rock slope excavation under different joint combination conditions through simulation. The simulation results indicate that joint parameters affect slope stability, with density having the most significant impact. The impact of joint parameters on stability is relatively small within a reasonable range but becomes significant beyond a certain threshold, further validating that the accuracy of field geological surveys is critical for simulation. This study provides a scientific basis for the construction of complex rock slope models, engineering assessments, and disaster prevention and mitigation, which is of great value in both theory and engineering applications.

Efficient Bayesian updating for deformation prediction of high rock slopes induced by excavation with monitoring data

This study develops an efficient Bayesian updating method with monitoring data for predicting the deformation of high rock slopes induced by excavation. The importance ranking based on random forest is introduced to identify the key rock parameters as random variables in the Bayesian updating. The surrogate models using support vector machine are constructed to approximate the physical numerical models using FLAC3D for evaluating slope deformation. A practical example involving deformation prediction of the excavated left-bank rock slope for the well-known Baihetan hydropower station in southwest China is presented. The results indicate that the developed Bayesian updating method can efficiently and accurately update the posterior distributions of rock parameters and predict the deformation of high rock slopes induced by excavation. Incorporating the monitoring data of displacement into the Bayesian updating can effectively reduce the uncertainty of rock parameters and displacement prediction. As a result, the displacement predictions made by the Bayesian updating are closer to the monitoring data than the prior displacement predictions. In addition, incorporating more monitoring data of displacement from the previous excavation stages produces more accurate displacement predictions for subsequent excavation stages.

Numerical simulation on the prevention and control of landslide-induced wave disasters in Wangjiashan landslide area of Baihetan reservoir

The risk management of landslide surges after water storage in large reservoirs is a major challenge in reservoir management. The water storage in the reservoir area of the Baihetan hydropower station on the Jinsha River brings the potential of Wangjiashan landslide activation. This paper proposes a mitigation measurement based on slope cutting for the Wangjiashan landslide and evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of the management scheme through numerical simulation. Results indicate that when water storage is in a normal level, after an earthquake, the landslide will impact the Baihetan Reservoir with a maximum velocity of 8.52 m/s, generating waves with a maximum wave height of 15.63 m. By removing the upper part of the landslide, the volume of the landslide is reduced from 611 × 10 4 m 3 to 369 × 10 4 m 3 , it will cut down the maximum wave height in the Xiangbiling residential area to 3.09 m, which significantly reduces the risk of landslide surge waves. It further establishes a disaster prevention and control plan for the landslide-induced wave disaster. Overall, this study provides important theoretical and practical references for the risk management of landslide surge waves and offers valuable insights for addressing similar issues in the future.