Engineering 8700

Quality Civil Engineering

Midterm Presentation:

Rose Blanche Hydroelectric Resource: Upgrade Potential

Gillian Tucker Jennifer Delaney

Susanne Kilfoy Anne Tavenor

Rose Blanche Hydroelectric Resource: Upgrade Potential

QCEQCE has been requested by Newfoundland Power to investigate potential options to prevent spilled water or to explore ways to capture new water for the hydroelectric plant in Rose Blanche on the Southwest coast of Newfoundland.

Source: Newfoundland Power

Reason For UpgradeNewfoundland Power has estimated an annual spill of 5 GWh, which is valued at approximately $400,000/yr.

Source: Newfoundland Power

Location of Rose Blanche Hydroelectric Plant

Rose Blanche

Source: http://atlas.nrcan.gc.ca/site/english/maps/topo/map

Existing Structures

Source: Newfoundland Power

OptionsSpillway

Concrete AdditionRubber Dam Addition

Upgrade Generation UnitExcavationUpgrade Penstock SystemDyke OptionUtilize Surrounding WatershedNew Reservoir Within Existing Watershed

Spillway – Concrete AdditionThe addition of concrete to the existing spillway will reduce the amount of water that is currently being spilled when the reservoir fills beyond the full supply level.

Source: Newfoundland Power

Spillway- Rubber Dam AdditionThe addition of a rubber dam to the existing spillway will achieve the same effects as the concrete addition.

Source: http://www.bridgestone.co.jp/english/diversified/rubberdam/design.html

Upgrade Generation UnitWithout altering anything else in the system, the generation unit may be upgraded to enable more water to be utilized during high flow events.This may be through an increase in the size of the units that are currently in the powerhouse, or through the use of a “piggyback” device, such as the Toshiba Hydro e-KID.

Source: http://www.tic.toshiba.com.au/power/design_features/

ExcavationThe possibility of excavating the reservoir to increase the width was considered as it would increase the amount of storage and thus, decrease the amount of spilled water.

Source:www.myfavoritetoys.com

Upgrade Penstock SystemThis option involves the upgrade of the current penstock to a greater diameter or the addition of another penstock to increase the amount of water reaching the powerhouse. A larger penstock diameter would result in an increase in flow to the powerhouse.

Dyke OptionThis option is not considered a solution in itself but to help decrease the amount of annual spill at the development. It may be performed in conjunction with another option to optimize storage. Source: extension.oregonstate.edu/.../EC140803-

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Utilize Surrounding WatershedsThis option includes the analysis of surrounding watersheds to find the most economic and environmentally conscious way to route additional water to the hydroelectric station in Rose Blanche, thereby maximizing water available for power.

Source:www.sullcon.com/programs/watershed1.jpg

New Reservoir Within Existing Watershed

This option considers the investigation into a new reservoir within the existing Rose Blanche Brook watershed. This additional storage could be routed directly to the powerhouse via a penstock or routed to the existing reservoir at times of low flow to keep production at a maximum.

Rose Blanche Reservoir ( Google Earth)

Thank You

Any Questions?