Title
Aerating weirs for environmental enhancement of hydropower tailwaters
Date
1997
Keywords
channel, dissolved oxygen, economics, Hydropower, weir
Summary
Aerating weirs were used to enhance dissolved oxygen during hydropower generation and to enhance minimum flow between periods of generation.Two different types of weirs (labyrinth and infuser) were designed, constructed, and field tested for performance. The labyrinth is characterized by an extended crest length with a 'W' shape in plan view, while the infuser is acting as a broadcrest weir with flow through it. In plan view, the infuser is more compact in the channel, with the appearance of a broadcrest weir. Both exhibited excellent aeration characteristics in performance testing, achieving 55 percent to 70 percent aeration efficiency, where aeration efficiency is defined as a fraction of the oxygen deficit removed by weir aeration. The labyrinth exhibited somewhat more aeraton per unit drop height than the infuser. In terms of economy of construction, the infuser appears more favorable in high river flow situations (>20 cfs/ft), while labyrinth is more favorable in low river flow situations (10 cfs/ft). In the intermediate range, economics of both are comparable, and other site-specific factors are required to assess the best choice.