Hydraulic Air Compressor as Part of an Ultra Low-Head Hydropower System. Final Report, January 1, 1981-December 31, 1981

摘要

Analytical and experimental research was conducted to advance design and application tools and information concerning the hydraulic air compressor (HAC) for use in ultra low-head hydropower systems. An existing analytical model of the HAC was significantly improved, mainly through incorporation of modeling of air absorption into the water in the flow processes. An experimental HAC was constructed, instrumented and tested. The experiments provided data for validation of the analytical model and information concerning air entrainment fixture design, air-water separator design, and operational and control characteristics of HAC. A computer program in which calculations using the analytical model were implemented was used to calculate and tabulate the applied head, water and air flow rate, depth, pressure, and compressor size relationships; these results are essential to feasibility studies and design of HAC. Recommendations are made concerning air entrainment fixture design, air-water separator design, appropriate material selection for pipes and tanks, structural requirements and control schemes. The ease with which most of the design requirements can be met is stressed and the self-regulating and governing characteristics of the HAC are pointed up. The results are given of an analytical study of the technical performance of ultra low-head hydropower sites, for three modes of application of the HAC. (ERA citation 07:053257)