Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project (UAE)
Conception of a pumped-storage Hydropower structure
Client: Strabag - Model scale: 1:38 and 1:35
Context
As part of the design studies for the Hatta pumped-storage hydropower scheme project, ARTELIA carried out a physical scale model study in order to verify several delicate points in the design of the structure. 2 scale models have been built to modelize the upstream and downstream intake.
Description of the physical scale models
Upper intake model:
- Reservoir upstream of the water intake over 7 ha
- Water intake, from the intake screen to the entrance of the excavated tunnel
the measurements made are :
- Measurement of pumped or turbined flows for 3 different reservoir levels and partial or full power plant operation (14 configurations in total)
- Visualization of approach and recirculation conditions, identification of the risk of vortex formation
- Measurement of velocities in front of the intake screen
Lower intake model:
- Reservoir upstream of the water intake over 11 ha;
- Water intake and inlet structure over a length of 72 m;
- Additional installation tested: anti-vortex cap.
the measurements made are :
- Measurement of pumped or turbined flows for 3 different reservoir levels and partial or full power plant operation (20 configurations in total);
- Visualization of approach and recirculation conditions, identification of the risk of vortex formation;
- Measurement of velocities in front of the intake screen.
Aims of the physical scale model
The aim of the physical scale model is to study the operation of the lower water intake of the scheme:
- In turbining and pumping modes;
- For various conditions of level in the reservoir and operation of the power station.