Session A4- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to examine powerhouse discharge, tail race channel excavation, and fishway modifications
Location
UMass Amherst
Start Date
28-6-2011 10:40 AM
End Date
28-6-2011 11:00 AM
Description
An important consideration in the development of a plan for technical upstream fish passage installation operation and enhancement at a hydroelectric dam is to ensure that an adequate zone of passage exists in the channel downstream of the fishway entrance that will guide fish and facilitate safe, timely and effective fish movement up to the fishway entrance during project operations. In addition, project operations should ensure adequate attraction flows from the fishway entrance that allow migratory fish to locate and enter the fish way for passage upstream.
The objective of this presentation is to discuss the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling (2D and 3D) to examine potential flow patterns and dynamics in the tailrace and powerhouse discharge of the approved generation expansion of the Holtwood Hydroelectric Project on the Susquehanna River. The CFD modeling was used to assess if velocity barriers created by the proposed powerhouse discharge and associated channel excavation scheme could impede the upstream migration of fish. The CFD model was also used to assess if an area of low velocity flow would exist along the shore leading to the fishway and in the spillway channel, facilitating adequate zones of passage which fish could negotiate up to the fishway entrances. The model was also used to examine potential false attraction or guidance to areas of the dam where no fish passage existed and fish could become stranded or delayed.
Session A4- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling to examine powerhouse discharge, tail race channel excavation, and fishway modifications
UMass Amherst
An important consideration in the development of a plan for technical upstream fish passage installation operation and enhancement at a hydroelectric dam is to ensure that an adequate zone of passage exists in the channel downstream of the fishway entrance that will guide fish and facilitate safe, timely and effective fish movement up to the fishway entrance during project operations. In addition, project operations should ensure adequate attraction flows from the fishway entrance that allow migratory fish to locate and enter the fish way for passage upstream.
The objective of this presentation is to discuss the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling (2D and 3D) to examine potential flow patterns and dynamics in the tailrace and powerhouse discharge of the approved generation expansion of the Holtwood Hydroelectric Project on the Susquehanna River. The CFD modeling was used to assess if velocity barriers created by the proposed powerhouse discharge and associated channel excavation scheme could impede the upstream migration of fish. The CFD model was also used to assess if an area of low velocity flow would exist along the shore leading to the fishway and in the spillway channel, facilitating adequate zones of passage which fish could negotiate up to the fishway entrances. The model was also used to examine potential false attraction or guidance to areas of the dam where no fish passage existed and fish could become stranded or delayed.
Comments
Larry Miller is the Project Leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), Mid-Atlantic Fishery Resources Office (MAFRO) (see: http://v.rv.rw.fws.gov/northeast/susquehannariver/) and serves as the Susquehanna River Coordinator. The primary mission of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Resources Office is to coordinate a multi-agency state/federal/basin commission effort with the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York, the NOAA-Fisheries, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and other public and private partners that have an interest in restoration of American shad and other migratory fishes to their historic range in the Susquehanna River Basin. Mr. Miller has 30 years of experience in assessing the impacts of hydroelectric development on fishery resources in the Northeast United States, South Dakota, Oregon, and Washington. He served as the hydroelectric licensing review coordinator for the Service in Maine and worked on over 100 hydroelectric projects and the development of prescriptions or settlement agreements for over 25 fishways.
Ben Rizzo is a Fish Passage Engineering Consultant under contract to the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the Northeast Region. Mr. Rizzo has over 40 years experience in the planning, design, construction and operation of upstream and downstream fish passage facilities constructed at dams and other barriers to fish migration along the Atlantic coast from Maine to South Carolina. He participated in developing conceptual plans, engineering design and siting criteria for fish passage facilities constructed at major hydroelectric projects through the northeast United States. Mr. Rizzo is a Registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts (#23423) and member of the American Fisheries Society Bioengineering Section (Recipient of 1995 Award of Excellence for contributions in fish passage design), American Society of Civil Engineers and CHI EPSILON national honor society for Civil Engineers.