Could hydraulic rams increase our hydro power potential

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1976 · Energy Int.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7325137

Baird, H

Much energy is going to waste on many rivers throughout the world due to the fact that development of the power would not be economical or practicable because of the non-availability of an adequate head for conventional turbine-generators. However, the head might be quite adequate for a hydraulic ram installation if in fact a suitable ram mechanism can be developed. The output from the rams might be arranged to flow directly to a surge tank which in turn would supply conventional generating sets, or a storage feature might be introduced, depending on circumstances. In most cases run-of-river sites would be developed through the use of the tunnel system, in which a tunnel would by-pass a rapids or fast water section of river. As a component of a tidal power system, the ability of the hydraulic ram to operate efficiently under very low heads makes it appear very attractive as a means of providing a supply of water to prolong the periods during which the turbines would have an adequate head for their operation. Wave energy, too could be exploited with the aid of a ram. For instance, by means of an array of check gates, high and low-level pools might be established within a suitable enclosure or caisson, with hydraulic rams arranged to be operated by the available flow from the high to the low pool, the rams delivering water to a surge tank from which, in turn, conventional turbine-generators would operate. (MCW)

• Research Organization: Univ. of New Brunswick, Fredericton
• OSTI ID: 7325137
• Journal Information: Energy Int.; (United States), Vol. 13:7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER
13 HYDRO ENERGY
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
PLANNING
PUMPS
TIDAL POWER PLANTS
WAVE POWER
POWER GENERATION
CANADA
CONTROL
DAMS
DESIGN
ECONOMICS
EFFICIENCY
HYDRAULICS
LEVELS
OPTIMIZATION
PUMPED STORAGE
STORAGE
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY STORAGE
FLUID MECHANICS
MECHANICS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
296001* - Energy Planning & Policy- Electric Power Generation- (-1989)
299003 - Energy Planning & Policy- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation- Other- (-1989)
160700 - Tidal Power Plants
160800 - Tidal & Wave Power- Wave Energy Converters
130000 - Hydro Energy