Hydropower Station Research Articles

ACOUSTIC OSCILLATIONS IN A DEEP WELLBORE GENERATED BY ITS ELASTIC DEFORMATIONS IN THE FIELD OF SEISMIC WAVES FROM A REMOTE SOURCE*2

This paper analyzes the possibilities of an original approach to constructing a distributed seismic monitoring system based on a stationary seismoacoustic propagation path of a sounding signal. Such a stationary path can be formed by a powerful source of low-frequency vibration oscillations located on the earth's surface, and a signal recording point located tens (or more) kilometers away from it. It is proposed to use hydroelectric power station units as a powerful vibration source, which have a typical mass of several hundred tons and create vibration signals in the environment of the earth's rocks with characteristic frequencies from a few to one to two tens of Hz (including harmonics), and as a registration point – deep well equipped with the necessary measuring instruments. To record low-frequency longitudinal waves in the thickness of the earth's rocks surrounding the well, a fairly simple and effective method is proposed, based on the use of an extended wellbore as a distributed seismic antenna and a microphone installed on the upper section of the well. The work shows that stresses in the field of a longitudinal seismic wave, acting on the wellbore, cause a change in its diameter, which in turn leads to the occurrence of oscillations of the column of liquid filling the wellbore at the frequencies of the seismic waves determined by the source. A specific scheme for implementing the discussed approach is considered using the example of the Nizhny Novgorod hydroelectric station and the Vorotilovskaya deep well located at a distance of about 40 km. Quantitative estimates and experimental data demonstrating the possibilities of using the corresponding stationary route are presented.

A Multi-Objective Approach to Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems: Cascading Hydropower for Solar and Wind Variability Compensation

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind face an insurmountable obstacle in the form of environmental change-induced discontinuity and instability. Since hydropower is quick to respond and doesn't cost much to alter, it was a common choice for electric energy system correction. A cascade hydropower (CHP) station compensates the hydro power-solar-wind energy system that we present in this study, which considers several long-term goals. Among the model's objectives is the optimization of the power system's annual total power generation while simultaneously minimizing power output variations. As a prerequisite for optimizing hydropower, this model first determines the total Photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, and then feeds those numbers into the power grid. In order to obtain a set of solutions for the model that has been proposed, we suggest an enhanced non-dominated sorting whale optimization algorithm (NSWOA). According to the findings, decision-makers have access to a plethora of options for optimal selection through the revised NSWOA, and hydropower's superior modifying capabilities more than compensate for the PV and wind power's deficiencies.

ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЯ РАЗВИТИЯ ГИДРОЭНЕРГЕТИКИ НА ВОСТОЧНО-ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ РАВНИНЕ В ПЕРВОЙ ТРЕТИ XX В.

The article analyses the negative environmental and social consequences of hydropower development in the first third of the 20th century. The author examines the changes in the assessment of damage caused by hydraulic engineering works between the 1890s and 1930s. The study aims to answer the following questions. How did the state, society, and science interpret the concepts of ‘damage’ and ‘harm’ caused by large-scale transformations of landscapes? How did these interpretations and understanding of damage from flooding of territories change during the first third of the 20th century? The study focuses on the government policy regarding hydropower development on the East European Plain, one of the oldest developed regions of the country. It also considers the activities of research institutes studying the impact of water reservoirs on the environment, as well as the population’s attitude towards the flooding of territories and resettlement policy. The study’s results indicate that expert, scientifically based assessments of the impact of water reservoirs on the environment and the planned economy are crucial in matters of hydropower development and resettlement policy. In the 1920s and 1930s, the scientific community was first confronted with the challenges posed by the overgrowth and siltation of reservoirs, changes in floodplain ecosystems, and other issues. Due to the increasing scale of hydroelectric power stations construction and the need to preserve agricultural land and forests, measures were developed during this period to minimize the negative consequences of flooding and inundation of areas. In implementing hydropower projects, the government authorities focused primarily on economic considerations. However, the long-term environmental and social consequences of this construction continue to affect society today.

Removal of Solid Sediments at Pumping and Hydroelectric Power Stations by Jet Pumps

Removal of Solid Sediments at Pumping and Hydroelectric Power Stations by Jet Pumps

СССР И АФГАНИСТАН: ВОЕННО-ДИПЛОМАТИЧЕСКИЕ И ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКИЕ ОТНОШЕНИЯ В 1953-1963 ГГ.

Based on the previously unknown documents from the Russian state and departmental archives, and also on scientific literature, the activities of the Soviet diplomats and intelligence officers to intensify the military-diplomatic and economic relations between the USSR and Afghanistan in 1953–1963 are analyzed. It is shown how, in the context of the Cold War and the confrontation between the USSR KGB and the U.S. CIA, the Soviet intelligence in Afghanistan managed to obtain reliable information about the foreign and domestic policy of the local government and to contribute to the implementation of Moscow’sforeign policy course. Itis documented why the Soviet-Afghan relations began to rapidly improve from the second half of 1955. The research shows the participation of the Soviet military specialists in the reorganization of the Afghan army and in its rearmament, the delivering process of modern military equipment (tanks, aircrafts). In addition, the Soviet Union at that time provided a large-scale economic assistance to Afghanistan: dozens of important national economic facilities were built (hydroelectric power stations, irrigation complexes, airfields, roads, power lines, car repair plants and workshops). It is concluded that during that period, informal leadership in the political and economic spheres for influence in Afghanistan belonged to Moscow.

Application and Development of Hydraulic Steel Structure Safety Information Management System in Pumped Storage Hydropower

In the context of the current energy structure transition and the rapid advancement of clean energy, the reliability of hydraulic steel structure equipment plays a crucial role in the stable operation and efficiency improvement of pumped storage hydroelectric power stations. With technological advancements, strengthening the digital management of hydraulic steel structures has become a focal point in the industry's development. This paper takes the "JinZhi" system developed by the PowerChina HuaDong Engineering Corporation Limited as an example to deeply explore the practical application of hydraulic steel structure safety information management system and its significant role in enhancing operational efficiency and safety. By analyzing industry development trends, the paper reveals the challenges and potential opportunities encountered during digital transformation and proposes targeted recommendations for future development direction. The research demonstrates that the integrated application of information technology can effectively improve the management quality and safety level of hydraulic steel structures, ensuring the efficient and stable operation of power stations, and providing valuable insights for similar industries aiming to achieve digital transformation.

Краевые архивные источники по истории молодого города на примере Дивногорска Красноярского края

The article presents a review of the corpus of documents of the State Archive of Krasnoyarsk Krai, related to the history of Divnogorsk. The town was founded by the authorities as a settlement serving the Krasnoyarsk hydroelectric power station in 1963. Divnogorsk is one of the many young industrialised small towns which appeared in the USSR during the next round of industrial modernisation. Its peculiarity is the close connection to the regional centre. Divnogorsk is a part of Krasnoyarsk agglomeration. Due to the high role of the town in the economic plans and projects of the Krasnoyarsk region development, its history is reflected not only in the town archive, but also in the documents of the regional archive collection to a great extent. A considerable part of them has not yet been put into scientific circulation. The corpus of documents related to Divnogorsk is quite complicated and chaotic. It is represented by neither one fund in particular but scattered over many others. All the materials about the town can be divided into two groups. Firstly, these are funds entirely dedicated to and related to Divnogorsk and businesses located there. These are mainly collections of party and Soviet organizations of Divnogorsk. Due to the fact that the town was a relatively small settlement, these materials reflect data on various aspects of life and development of small industrial town in Siberia. This group includes the fonds of the Divnogorsk town committee of the Communist Party of the RSFSR, primary party organizations of the CPSU institutions in Divnogorsk (the town's building and transport departments, the executive committee of the town council, the town committee, the low voltage plant, the housing and utilities office, the court and prosecutor's offices, and educational institutions); the fonds of the town's Komsomol organizations, and state and party control agencies. The second group comprises the fonds of the township-wide fonds, which contain information on the socio-economic development of the township. The second group includes the fonds of Krasnoyarskgesstroy Construction Directorate, Krasnoyarsk Region Planning Commission, and the local branch of the Federal State Statistics Service in Krasnoyarsk Region. The use of the krai archives collections allows a comprehensive study of the phenomenon of young cities of the USSR. The analysis of documents related to Divnogorsk in the State Archive of Krasnoyarsk region will make it possible to understand the regularity of deposition of documents on history of young towns of the Soviet period in archives, which will contribute to further search of materials to study such topics.

Analysis of accidents of water reservoir systems and assessment of their reliability and safety

In this article provides an analysis of accidents at reservoir hydroelectric facilities in the world. This is covered in the materials of the International Commission on Large Dams, according to which about 3 thousand accidents occur at hydroelectric power stations in the world every year. Therefore, when designing, constructing and operating reservoir hydraulic systems, special attention is paid to ensuring their reliable and safe operation. The seminars held on this issue provide an opportunity to improve the skills of the personnel responsible for the safety of hydraulic structures to ensure compliance with the standards and rules for their qualification. In order to prevent accidents and ensure reliable, safe operation of reservoir hydraulic structures, it is necessary to perform a set of tasks related to the following issues: step-by-step restoration of failed control and measuring equipment at hydraulic structures of reservoir hydraulic structures for continuous monitoring of their condition; continuous improvement of the skills of the personnel responsible for the safety of hydraulic structures to ensure compliance with the standards and rules for their qualification; study of the best world experience in modern methods and technologies for ensuring the safety of reservoir hydraulic structures and their implementation.

INFLUENCE OF THE SMALL HYDROPOWER STATIONS ON THE HYDROLOGIC PROCESSES IN THE SERET RIVER (LEFT TRIBUTARY OF THE DNISTER RIVER)

Sources of the Seret River are located near Ratyshchi village in Ternopil region. The river has the length of 248 km, the catchment area is about 3,900 km2. During the last 15 years seven small hydropower stations (SHPS) have been constructed in the Seret riverbed (Zahidhydroenergo, Velykohaivs’ka, Lux-2, Yanivs’ka, Chortkivs’ka, Bilche-Zolotets’ka, Bilche-Zolotets’ka-2, and Kasperivs’ka). Since all the SHPS are situated in the Seret riverbed and have a dam which decelerate water flow velocity, they influence the water runoff, sediments runoff, and water quality. After their building the cases of flooding of villages, overgrowing of the river bed reservoirs by algae plants became more often, and the long-term dynamics of the water and sediments runoff changed. To assess the water and sediments runoff changes in the catchment and to ascertain correlation between these changes and the SHPS the monitoring data sets of the Hydro-Meteorological Survey of Ukraine and the Carpathian Hydrological Observatory were analyzed. Recently the observations on the water runoff are implemented at two gauging stations: Velyka Berezovytsia village and Chortkiv city. The sediments runoff data are collected by the Chortkiv gauging station. The assessment of the water and sediments runoff changes in the Seret River in the period 1948–2022 and ascertaining of the role of water regulating by dams and reservoirs of small hydropower stations in the riverbed have been carried out. We also carried out a comparison of the sediments runoff module for the Seret River and the neighbouring Koropets River.

Research on methods and scale of deeply exploitable hydropower resources

Deep development of hydropower is an important measure to optimize the structure of clean energy, meet the peak shaving and backup needs of the power system, and achieve the national dual carbon goals. This article conducts a systematic analysis of the development potential of developed and undeveloped hydraulic resources, including unplanned river sections, undeveloped planned power stations, unit renovation and capacity expansion, and the expansion of existing/ongoing power stations. We focused on studying the factors that affect the deep development of hydropower, including the reasonable operation mode of hydropower with different regulation performance in the power grid, the energy structure characteristics of the power system, and the comprehensive water use requirements. A calculation method for the reasonable installation and utilization hours and deep development resources of hydropower stations with different regulation performance after deep development has been proposed. According to calculations, Zhejiang Province can increase its scale by 3331MW, with great potential for deep development.

Study on the multi-level evaluation method of small hydropower sustainable development

Currently, there is a lack of a comprehensive evaluation method for assessing the sustainability of small hydropower at different levels. This deficiency hinders the rational planning of small hydropower development and utilization, as well as the delicate balance between safeguarding and harnessing small hydropower resources. To address this gap, this study primarily focuses on establishing a comprehensive evaluation system for the sustainability of small hydropower at the international, national, and individual power station levels. On the international stage, an evaluation index system is formulated, and a national quantitative assessment model for small hydropower sustainability is developed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) combined with fuzzy evaluation techniques. The research is exemplified by investigating countries within the Belt and Road Initiative. At the national level, models for assessing the overall development status and spatial distribution patterns of small hydropower are created. The study thoroughly examines the temporal and spatial evolution patterns and trends in the sustainable development of small hydropower in various provinces and states, with China serving as a case study. At the individual power station level, a green evaluation model is established to comprehensively assess small hydropower stations. This model considers ecological, social, managerial, and economic dimensions to evaluate the environmental sustainability of each small hydropower station.

A Numerical Study on the Energy Dissipation Mechanisms of a Two-Stage Vertical Pump as Turbine Using Entropy Generation Theory

Utilizing a two-stage vertical pump as turbine (TVPAT) is an economically method for constructing small-scale pumping and storage hydropower stations at high head-low discharge sites, such as underground coal mines. The energy dissipation mechanisms in flow passages are theoretically important for performance prediction and geometric parameter optimization. In this paper, the energy dissipation within the TVPAT has been studied using entropy generation theory, which can be applied to visual, locate and quantify energy dissipation. The numerical solution of entropy dissipation components was extracted on turbine modes in different flow rates using the steady-state single-phase SST k-ω turbulence model. The numerical results show that the energy dissipation in TVPAT mainly comes from turbulent fluctuation (43.6%-72.1%) and blade surface friction (27.8%-58.2%). The runners are the main source of turbulent entropy (SD′ ) generation (47.2%-83.3%). The contribution of the return channel and spiral case to the generation under overload conditions is significant, accounting for 33.6% and 14.3 at 1.3QBEP, respectively. Flow field analysis reveals that high generation within a runner are located in the striking flow region of the leading edge, the flow squeezing region in the blade channel, and the wake region of tailing edge. The mismatch between the placement angle of the blades or guide vanes and the liquid flow angle is an important incentive for SD′ generation. Moreover, hydraulic energy is consumed through the interaction between mainstream and local inferior flows such as separation and vortices, as well as the striking and friction between local fluid and wall surfaces.

Comparison of soil quality assessment methods for different vegetation eco-restoration techniques at engineering disturbed areas.

Scientific assessment of soil quality is the foundation of sustainable vegetation eco-restoration in engineering disturbed areas. This study aimed to find a qualitative and comprehensive method for assessing soil quality after vegetation eco-restoration in engineering disturbed areas. Sixteen soil indicators were used at six vegetation eco-restoration sites as the potential soil indicators. A minimum data set (MDS) and revised minimum data set (RMDS) were determined by principal component analysis. Six soil quality indices (SQIs) of varying scoring functions based on different data sets were employed in this study. Significant positive correlations were observed among all six SQIs, indicating that the effects of different vegetation eco-restoration measures on soil quality could be quantified by all six SQIs. The SQI values of the vegetation concrete eco-restoration slope (VC), frame beam filling soil slope (FB), thick layer base material spraying slope (TB), and external-soil spray seeding slope (SS) were all significantly higher than the SQI value of the abandoned slag slope (AS). It is noteworthy that the SQIs of the VC and TB sites were also significantly higher than the SQI of the natural forest (NF) site. These results indicate that the application of artificial remediation measures can significantly improve the soil quality of the disturbed area at the Xiangjiaba hydropower station. The results of this study also indicate that the SQI-NLRM method is a practical and accurate quantitative tool for soil quality assessment and is recommended for evaluating soil quality under various vegetation eco-restoration techniques in disturbance areas at the Xiangjiaba hydropower station and in other areas with similar habitat characteristics.

Study on fatigue life estimation method of welded structure of lifting machinery

The fatigue strength of lifting machinery structure has always been an important issue in ensuring safety. In order to effectively and accurately evaluate the fatigue life of lifting machinery structure, this paper based on Miner linear cumulative damage theory and S-N curve in British BS 7608 standard, the fatigue life calculation of metal welded structure is carried out. Taking the large-scale bridge crane of hydropower station as an example, the nominal stress of the corresponding key parts is obtained by applying the actual load in the finite element model, and the stress time history is calculated, and then the safe service life of the structure is estimated, which provides an effective and feasible method for evaluating the fatigue residual life of the crane. The example analysis shows that the calculation method is convenient and reliable, which provides a scientific basis for accurately estimating the fatigue life of welded structure of lifting machinery.

Analysis of Strong Wind Characteristics and Impact Systems at Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station

Analysis of Strong Wind Characteristics and Impact Systems at Xiangjiaba Hydropower Station

Automatic location of multiple leakage points of hydropower station gate based on approximate kernel density estimation algorithm

Automatic location of multiple leakage points of hydropower station gate based on approximate kernel density estimation algorithm

ИНДУСТРИАЛЬНЫЙ ЖАНР В ИЗОБРАЗИТЕЛЬНОМ ИСКУССТВЕ:КУЙБЫШЕВСКАЯ ГЭС В ПРОИЗВЕДЕНИЯХ ЖИВОПИСИ И ГРАФИКИ

The article examines the development and features of the industrial genre in Russian fine art in the context of the work of artists on the construction of the Kuybyshev hydroelectric station. The general features of the industrial genre of the mid-20th century are given, the works of painting and graphics dedicated to the construction of the Kuybyshev hydroelectric station are analyzed, reflecting and preserving the history for the younger generation of the following artists: A.K. Vingorsky, V.G. Gremitskikh, G.V. Filatov. In addition to the artistic analysis of the works, the article briefly presents the biography of the above-mentioned artists, reviews the features of their work, highlights the features of the figurative solution of the industrial genre of the 50s.

Investigation on the failure mechanism of a tunnel entrance high-steep slope with ultra-large wedge blocks based on discrete element method

An unstable wedge block with a volume of approximately 1,200,000 m3, intersected by an anti-dipped large fault and two outward-dipped faults, has been identified on the high-steep slope at the entrance of the tunnel spillway of the Shuangjiangkou hydropower station in China, a region characterized by high tectonic stresses. In this study, kinematic analysis was first conducted to preliminarily assess the possibility of block sliding, and then a three-dimensional discrete element code (3DEC) was utilized to analyze the mechanism of block instability during sequential excavation and reinforcement. The results showed that block sliding is caused by continuous excavation and deterioration of the mechanical properties of the bottom sliding surface. The failure behavior of the slope is primarily governed by the wedge block, which slides along the intersection line of two outward-dipped faults. After the excavation of Layers 1–4, the shear displacements of the faults exhibited accelerated and abrupt characteristics. Finally, the pretension cable proved effective in restraining block sliding, increasing the factor of safety for the slope from 1.16 to 1.28 after complete excavation and reinforcement. This study offers significant insights into the analysis of failure mechanisms in similar engineering challenges.

Investigations of the Mass Transfer and Flow Field Disturbance Regulation of the Gas–Liquid–Solid Flow of Hydropower Stations

With the continuous depletion of fossil fuels, all countries attach importance to clean and sustainable development. The real-time state monitoring of multiphase flows is vital for enhancing hydropower station energy conversion. However, the material mass transfer mechanism and flow field disturbance regulation strategy faces significant challenges. To solve these problems, a computational fluid mechanics and discrete element method (CFD-DEM) coupling modeling and solution method based on a particle porosity model was proposed, and the mass transfer mechanism of gas–liquid–solid mixing flows was obtained under dynamic whirl intensity regulations. Combined with the user-defined function (UDF), the interphase forces and void ratios of fluids and particles were calculated to obtain the material mass transfer laws under dynamic disturbance regulations. The evolution characteristics of the particle flow pattern were tracked during the material mixing process. The results show that the mixed flow field had a high material transport efficiency under intensive whirl regulation, especially for the particle aggregation in the center of the reaction vessel. The maximum peak velocity and energy values of the particle transport process were 3.30 m/s and 0.27 × 10−3 m2·s−2. The higher whirl regulation improved the material transport process and conveying efficiency and enhanced the particle mixing effect in the reaction space. Relevant research results can provide theoretical references for material mass transfer mechanisms, dynamic regulation strategies, and particle flow pattern identifications and can also provide technical support for hydropower energy conversion.

Long-term forecasting methods of dates of ice break-up and disappearance at the Dnipro Cascade Reservoirs by teleconnection indicators

Long-term forecasting of the ice regime at the Dnipro Cascade Reservoirs is very important, first of all, for the operation of hydroelectric power stations. In addition, such forecasts also ensure the work of other sectors of the economy, namely shipping, fisheries, municipal engineering, etc. At present, the Department for hydrological forecasting of the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center uses techniques developedin the middle and in thesecond half of the 20th century to compile long-term forecasts and advices about the ice regimeof water bodies of Ukraine. These techniqueswere developed only for rivers;for reservoirs,they are currently lacking.
 The main objective of our research is to develop methods for long-term forecasting of ice break-up and disappearance at the Dnipro Cascade Reservoirs by teleconnection indicators. The research was based on the recordsfor 35 water gauges located on 6 reservoirs of the Dnipro Cascade, including the destroyed Kakhovka reservoir. The dates of the ice break-up and disappearance were used for the period from the beginning of observations at each water gauge to 2020. Moreover, the teleconnection indicators were used, namely 34 atmospheric indices, sea surface temperature indices, teleconnection indices and patterns determined by the National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of United States of America (NOAA USA).
 Methods of the long-term forecasting of the ice break-up and disappearance at the reservoirs of the Dnipro Cascade have been developed by searching for the best correlation or regression relationship between dates and teleconnection indicators. The probable of accepted errorsof the developed methods are in the range of 62—71 %, which corresponds to satisfactory method quality that makes it possible to recommend them for use.