COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS: DIVERSE APPLICATIONS IN HYDROPOWER PROJECT's DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

TLDR: In this paper, the authors present a 3D modeling program for three proposed hydropower projects in Northern Manitoba, including the Gull Generating Station (680 MW) on the Nelson River, near Gillam, Manitoba, and the Notigi (100 MW) and Wuskwatim (200 MW) generators.

Abstract: Hydropower Dam designers and developers are discovering the capabilities of computational fluid dynamics for a range of applications, from hydraulic design to the analysis of dam break flooding. The design and engineering assessment of hydroelectric facilities involves developing an understanding of the very complex behaviour of moving water. To accomplish this, the engineer must develop a thorough understanding of the complexities of fluid flow phenomena - complexities that are often highly two and three dimensional in nature. In early years, physical model studies would have been the only practical medium available to gain insight into the threedimensional and time-dependent nature of fluid flow. However, physical modelling is typically only undertaken during the final stages of design, and can be costly to execute. With the advancements in computing power made since the 1980's, CFD analysis has emerged as a powerful alternative design tool, and can be used to provide insight into hydraulic design at all levels of study. Manitoba Hydro and Acres International Ltd., both of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, have undertaken an extensive 3-dimensional modelling program as a part of pre-commitment level studies for three proposed hydropower projects in Northern Manitoba. These three projects are the Gull Generating Station (680 MW) on the Nelson River, near Gillam, Manitoba, and the Notigi (100 MW) and Wuskwatim (200 MW) Generating Stations, both on the Burntwood River, near