ANSYS Case Studies Optimizing Hydropower Plant Location with IoT: A Case Study of Kawa Engineering Ltd.

	Optimizing Hydropower Plant Location with IoT: A Case Study of Kawa Engineering Ltd. ANSYS

Optimizing Hydropower Plant Location with IoT: A Case Study of Kawa Engineering Ltd.

ANSYS

Technology Category	Actuators - Hydraulic Actuators Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
Applicable Industries	Cement Renewable Energy
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development
Use Cases	Construction Management Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing
Challenge	Kawa Engineering Ltd. was faced with the challenge of locating a powerhouse close to a waterfall for a client in an area with minimal flood risk. The stakes were high as any occurrence of flooding in the powerhouse would result in significant costs. The ideal location would not only mitigate the risk of flooding but also reduce the need for additional components to protect electrical equipment such as generators, turbines, and switch boxes. Furthermore, the right location would determine the cut and fill required for construction, thereby conserving construction resources. Read More
About Customer	Kawa Engineering Ltd., based in Vancouver, Canada, is a provider of engineering consulting services. While their expertise is not limited to any specific field, they primarily focus on the design of hydropower projects. They leverage state-of-the-art computational software, finite element analysis, and computer-aided design to add value to their customers. Their services span from conceptual design to final design and construction management of hydroelectric schemes. Their commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources responsibly and effectively is evident in their work. Read More
Solution	Kawa Engineering Ltd. employed a series of technological solutions to address this challenge. Firstly, they created a model of the riverbed’s surface and shores, near where the powerhouse would be positioned, using data collected via laser scanning. This data was then imported into CAD software and then ANSYS® DesignModeler®. They then used the Eulerian−Eulerian multiphase model in ANSYS CFD to define the interaction between flood water and the ambient air for open channel flow. Transient simulation was employed to determine the initial hydraulic jump from flood-water flow through the waterfall. The CFD simulation was run on a 32-core cluster machine and repeated multiple times using different river conditions to determine the maximum hydraulic jump. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Actuators - Hydraulic Actuators

Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation

Applicable Industries

Cement

Renewable Energy

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Use Cases

Construction Management

Virtual Prototyping & Product Testing

Challenge

Kawa Engineering Ltd. was faced with the challenge of locating a powerhouse close to a waterfall for a client in an area with minimal flood risk. The stakes were high as any occurrence of flooding in the powerhouse would result in significant costs. The ideal location would not only mitigate the risk of flooding but also reduce the need for additional components to protect electrical equipment such as generators, turbines, and switch boxes. Furthermore, the right location would determine the cut and fill required for construction, thereby conserving construction resources.

About Customer

Kawa Engineering Ltd., based in Vancouver, Canada, is a provider of engineering consulting services. While their expertise is not limited to any specific field, they primarily focus on the design of hydropower projects. They leverage state-of-the-art computational software, finite element analysis, and computer-aided design to add value to their customers. Their services span from conceptual design to final design and construction management of hydroelectric schemes. Their commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources responsibly and effectively is evident in their work.

Solution

Kawa Engineering Ltd. employed a series of technological solutions to address this challenge. Firstly, they created a model of the riverbed’s surface and shores, near where the powerhouse would be positioned, using data collected via laser scanning. This data was then imported into CAD software and then ANSYS® DesignModeler®. They then used the Eulerian−Eulerian multiphase model in ANSYS CFD to define the interaction between flood water and the ambient air for open channel flow. Transient simulation was employed to determine the initial hydraulic jump from flood-water flow through the waterfall. The CFD simulation was run on a 32-core cluster machine and repeated multiple times using different river conditions to determine the maximum hydraulic jump.

Impact #1	The use of advanced simulation techniques and IoT technology by Kawa Engineering Ltd. resulted in a highly effective solution for the client. The precise location of the powerhouse not only mitigates the risk of flooding but also reduces construction costs. The solution also lessens the need for additional protective components for electrical equipment, further reducing costs and potential risks. The use of such technology also demonstrates Kawa Engineering's commitment to responsible and effective management of renewable energy resources.

Impact #1

The use of advanced simulation techniques and IoT technology by Kawa Engineering Ltd. resulted in a highly effective solution for the client. The precise location of the powerhouse not only mitigates the risk of flooding but also reduces construction costs. The solution also lessens the need for additional protective components for electrical equipment, further reducing costs and potential risks. The use of such technology also demonstrates Kawa Engineering's commitment to responsible and effective management of renewable energy resources.

Benefit #1	The simulation showed that the hydraulic jump would reach a maximum of 170 meters, allowing the powerhouse to be situated at an elevation of not lower than 170 meters within the designated area.
Benefit #2	The positioning of the powerhouse at this elevation is expected to keep the powerhouse dry, reducing the risk of costly flooding.
Benefit #3	The strategic location also reduces the need for additional protective components for electrical equipment, thereby reducing construction costs.

Benefit #1

The simulation showed that the hydraulic jump would reach a maximum of 170 meters, allowing the powerhouse to be situated at an elevation of not lower than 170 meters within the designated area.

Benefit #2

The positioning of the powerhouse at this elevation is expected to keep the powerhouse dry, reducing the risk of costly flooding.

Benefit #3

The strategic location also reduces the need for additional protective components for electrical equipment, thereby reducing construction costs.

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Overview

Optimizing Hydropower Plant Location with IoT: A Case Study of Kawa Engineering Ltd.

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit