Some Aspects of Ice-Hydropower Interaction in a Changing Climate

Solomon Gebre, Netra Timalsina and Knut Alfredsen
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Solomon Gebre: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
Netra Timalsina: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway
Knut Alfredsen: Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway

Energies, 2014, vol. 7, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Ice formation and related processes in rivers and lakes/reservoirs influence the operation of hydropower plants in cold regions. It is a matter of interest to the scientific community and hydropower operators alike how existing ice effects and problems will manifest themselves in a future changed climate. In this paper, we use different modeling results to investigate future freshwater ice conditions. The modeling approaches include using temperature derived winter indices, using one-dimensional (1D) hydrodynamic and ice cover model on three case study reservoirs, and using a 1D river hydrodynamic and ice cover model for a river reach. The analysis shows that changes in river and reservoir ice regimes due to climate change scenarios may have both positive and negative consequences for hydropower operation. Positive consequences emerge from reduction in ice season and reduced static ice loads. Negative consequences or challenges are attributed to unstable winters that may lead to increased frequency of freeze-thaw episodes with a shortened winter season. These aspects are discussed in more detail in the paper.

Keywords: ice formation; hydropower; climate change; ice effects (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: 2014
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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