Choosing a Spiral Case Design For Three Gorges

摘要

Selecting the right spiral case for a hydro project takes investigation and testing -— especially if the case is for the largest project in the world, 18,200-MW Three Gorges in China. After performing model testing and finite element modeling and reviewing choices made at other large hydro projects, designers selected a water-pressured spiral case for this unique situation. When completed in 2009, the 18,200-mw Three Gorges Project on the Yangtze River in China will be the largest operating hydroelectric project in the world. The project will provide comprehensive benefits, including controlling seasonal floods that claim hundreds of thousands of lives, providing enough clean electricity to replace 40 to 50 million tons of raw coal combustion each year, and improving commercial and passenger navigation on the Yangtze River.