Hydro-Electric Series

The purpose of this course is to present and discuss all of the functions involving the use and control of water in a hydro-electric scheme. The importance of hydrological records is discussed in relation to hydro power plant planning and operation, and reservoir control.

Upon completion of this course, you should have an overall understanding of the following concepts:

• Requirements for siting a hydro-electric power plant
• Water flow in the catchment area (water shed, drainage basin)
• Elevation (available head) at potential sites
• Study of hydrological data:
  • Daily average flows
  • Monthly average flows
  • Annual average flows
  • Flash flood flows
  • Cyclical variations, i.e. 12 year drought pattern
• The relationship between generator size, seasonal variation in flow, and capacity factor
• Application of the duration curve in sizing hydro plant generators
• Construction of dams
• Features of different types of dam:
  • The gravity dam
  • The embankment dam (earthfill, rockfill)
  • The concrete arch type dam
  • The concrete buttress type dam
• Forces trying to destroy the dam
• Monitoring dam performance, i.e. leakage, stability
• Function and location of spillways
• Spillway capacity
• Spillway construction
• The uncontrolled overflow spillway
• Spillway gates
• Skimmer gates
• Forebay construction
• The intake structure including trash racks, stop logs, intake gates and air vents
• The function of bubblers in cold climates
• Water conveyances, canals, flumes
• Cascade arrangement of power plants
• Reservoir control parameters
• Aids to water management (water dispatch):
  • Reservoir storage curve
  • Anticipated inflows for the coming weeks and months
  • Anticipated generation and outflows