Description
New Age International (P) Ltd., Publishers Hydro-Electric Turbines: Environment And Fish-Friendly Design by A S Rangwala
In sharp contrast to harmful pollutants created from fossil fuel powered electricity generating stations, hydro-electric turbines offer the marvelous benefit of producing lean, clean and green electrical power. Melting snow and rain waters gushing down the steep slopes of mountains possess vast amount of energy. Waters tumbling down over the Niagara Falls of North America and the tremendous height of Victoria Falls of Africa bear testimony to the phenomenon.
But harmful effects of hydro power on fish cannot be ignored, which can also adversely impact the environment. Marine and other aquatic creatures get mutilated in the rotating blades of the hydraulic turbines. To overcome the multitude of challenges, scientific research has discovered unique methods to combat the problems, successfully alleviating fish injury and mortality.
Redesigned turbine runners, protective screens and physical barriers are at the forefront in the fight to protect fish. Diversions in the waterways have produced innovative habitat for many forms of life. Formation of air bubbles within the turbine’s system achieves maximum uptake of dissolved oxygen, providing valuable aeration of water bodies. Dissolved oxygen is necessary for aquatic organisms, while improving quality of drinking water.
Multi-dimensional curved surfaces are required for turbine blades and components to enhance hydro-dynamic efficiency. Various electronic control devices swivel variable runner blades, regulate opening and closing of wicker gates and vanes.
Safeguards from dynamic operating conditions are required to avoid failures from: Cavitation induced damage from vortices and turbulence in water flow
Excess head and water flow during periods of heavy rains and floods
Premature failure due to metal fatigue induced by vibrations in rotating machinery
Upset operating conditions imposing excessive loads and unexpected failure.
This book provides tools to understand and evaluate the dynamics of designing reliable turbine systems that will serve the community over a lifetime, are not complicated to fabricate and provide automatic protection from unforeseen circumstances. New research discoveries aid in maximizing power production and efficiency, enhancing the accrued benefits from the investment.