Forebay Circulation Studies
In
1993, Chelan P.U.D. Washington, U.S.A needed
for flow data for the design of fish diversion screens. Data collection
was complicated by magnetic disturbance caused by the proximity
to the dam. Magnetic compasses used on most current-meter beams
are unreliable when measurements are made close to dam walls and
the associated power-generating infrastructure.
Our
Solution:
- Acoustic
Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) interfaced
with a submersible gyro-compass.
- Three-dimensional
current surveys were quickly and efficiently performed and data
collected within the forebay.
- The results
were used to verify model output.
- This
technique has been used subsequently by other investigators of
near-dam flow conditions.
|
 |
Fish Survival & Habitat
In
1996, Cominco Ltd., B.C., Canada needed
to expand power generation capability at one of their plants. They
needed to know whether this expansion would result in detrimental
effects on the downstream habitat of sturgeon fish population levels.
Our
Solution:
- Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) provided comprehensive maps of the water circulation under varying
discharge conditions.
- Six separate
flow surveys, under varying discharge conditions, were completed
in three days.
- Shortly
after, three-dimensional
velocity plots, quantifying the changes in the flow that could
potentially affect the endangered sturgeon, were provided to the client.
- The flow
survey results were a key element in assessing the effects of
the operation on the environment. On the basis of an environmental
submission to government, Cominco were granted approval to proceed
with their expansion
|
|
