Efficiency of Pressurized Rock Traps for Unlined Hydropower Tunnels

Ola Haugen Havrevoll, Kaspar Vereide and Leif Lia
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Ola Haugen Havrevoll: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, S. P. Andersens veg 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Kaspar Vereide: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, S. P. Andersens veg 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
Leif Lia: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, S. P. Andersens veg 5, 7491 Trondheim, Norway

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: Pressurized rock traps are constructed in many hydropower plants to stop sand and gravel from being transported through the turbines. Pressurized rock traps are typically located in the downstream end of unlined headrace tunnels, where the tunnel itself may be one of the sediment sources. This state-of-the-art review presents an overview of research on pressurized rock traps from both publicly available sources and unpublished sources. Limited scientific literature exists on rock traps, and most of the existing literature has previously been unavailable for an international audience. Based on this review, it is concluded that pressurized rock traps should be built with the flow area and sediment deposition volume separated by plates or ribs. Without any separation measures, the sediments risk being re-entrained due to turbulence. This review is separated into three sections: (1) sediment problems and sources of sediments, (2) theory for pressurized rock traps, and (3) design of pressurized rock traps. The recommended design for new pressurized rock traps, including a design flow chart, is provided. Finally, a recommended solution for rebuilding existing pressurized rock traps with an open design into a closed design is also presented.

Keywords: pressurized rock traps; sediment; hydropower; tunnel; desilting basins (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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