Flow field in a reservoir subject to pumped-storage operation – in situ measurement and numerical modeling. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Müller, Michael; De Cesare, Giovanni; Schleiss, Anton J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied water engineering and research. Volume 6:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 109
• Page End: 124
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: flow patterns -- flow velocities -- intake/outlet structure -- Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers -- pumped-storage hydropower plant -- reservoir sedimentation; Water-supply engineering -- Periodicals; Water-supply engineering; Periodicals; 627.05
• DOI: 10.1080/23249676.2016.1224692
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2324-9676

Abstract

Abstract : In pumped-storage reservoirs, turbulent kinetic energy input from plant operation can be considerably high. Flow velocities were measured by Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers near the intake/outlet structure to describe flow patterns induced by pumped-storage operation in an Alpine reservoir. Recorded data allowed reproducing 1D and 2D velocity profiles along the water column. The comparison between the main frequencies of the velocity signal and the discharge series from the plant reveals correlation between recorded flow patterns and pumped-storage operation. Numerical modeling enhanced the understanding of flow patterns developing near the intake/outlet structure. Both results reveal that water withdrawal by pumping only marginally affects flow patterns in front of the intake, whereas water injected during turbine mode leads to backflow areas and large-scale recirculation cells. Numerical modeling further revealed that steady flow patterns are developing only after some 2.5 h of continuous turbine operation.