Renewable Energy
Elements of success in hydro plant construction
As interest in hydroelectric power increases, all signs are pointing to growth in the construction of plants, especially small projects to add generating capacity to existing dams. Scott McDonald explains.
Al mismo tiempo que aumenta el interés por la energía hidroeléctrica, todas las señales apuntan al crecimiento en la construcción de centrales, especialmente proyectos pequeños para añadir a la capacidad generadora de las presas existentes. Explica Scott McDonald.
Da das Interesse an Wasserkraft zunimmt, ist mit einer Zunahme des Anlagenbaus, insbesondere in Form kleiner Projekte zur Erhöhung der Energieerzeugungskapazität bestehender Dämme, zu rechnen. Scott McDonald erklärt Näheres.
T
he factors that make these hydroelectric power projects successful are not unlike those that make any industrial construction project successful: communication
and co-ordination, threat assessment and consideration of new technologies. Each of these elements plays an important factor in hydroelectric construction.
Communication co-ordination First, communication with all stakeholders and careful project co-ordination are key Consistent and ongoing communication must happen not just between owners, engineers and contractors, but also vendors, suppliers and the public. Don’t categorically dismiss supplier
recommendations to over-order materials. It may seem an unnecessary expense, but 10 percent more material covers your ‘oops factor’. Even if torrential rain washes out a portion of the penstock mid-construction, the project can stay on schedule, keeping you on track for that completion bonus. Cover yourself on the front end so you don’t lose on the backend.
Don’t forget the public. Keep in mind that their opinions of hydro projects range from clean and green to environmentally destructive. Keep them apprised, not just of the construction schedule, but of the benefits of hydropower. Localise your messages as much as possible. Will the new capacity reduce the cost of electricity? Will the project employ local labourers? Pump money into the local economy? An important part of communication
and coordination is lean construction. Lean construction, a widely used practice in other sectors, seeks to eliminate inefficiencies and waste, and improve productivity and process and material flow through concepts such as pre- planning and prefabrication.
Pre-planning Pre-planning includes the use of 3D modelling and/or building information modelling (BIM). Use of these techniques can eliminate challenges that exist in the construction process, such as clash detection and trade coordination. Mechanical, electrical and other contractors compete for available space and make changes based on the realities of the jobsite. Even with
Fig. 1. Using grooved mechanical piping to join penstocks overcomes hazards of steep gradients and rough terrain.
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