2024 Capability Portfolio Digital | Page 13

Clean Energy Capability Portfolio | Renewable Generation

Dams and Pumped-

Hydro

The Water Research Laboratory ( WRL ) provides specialist services to dam engineering at its laboratory facilities in Manly Vale , Sydney . It provides both fundamental research of flow dynamics on spillways , and commercial largescale physical modelling of hydraulic structures .

Competitive Advantage

• WRL ’ s hydraulic laboratories are the largest and most comprehensive in Australia covering more than 5,000m2 of floor space , and include high flowrate flumes
• Extensive experience in conducting performance assessment of hydraulic structures , such as dam outlet works , spillways and hydro power stations
• In-depth experience with equipment for accurate measurement of flows and flow patterns
• WRL is ISO 9001 Quality Assurance certified – guarantees that commercial activities are executed in accordance with strict quality requirements , as well as time , budget , and contractual agreements

Impact

• Offers an internationally renowned , integrated approach to hydraulic engineering problems and world-class solutions

Capabilities and Facilities

• Four fully-equipped physical laboratories for research and related specialist studies – laboratories contain a variety of innovative facilities used for the construction of large-scale physical models
• 1.5 m3 / s flows
• Large spillway flume
• Extensive suite of laboratory sensors , including wave probes , current meters , LIDAR , 3D FARO , submersible load cells , and pressure sensors

More Information

Associate Professor Stefan Felder
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Water Research Laboratory
T : + 61 2 8071 9800
E : s . felder @ unsw . edu . au

Successful Applications

• World-first application of Lidar for the measurement of aerated surfaces to assist in dissipator design
• Development of a miniature , neutrally-buoyant accelerometer and pressure transducer device to assess fish passage
• Increased flow capacity with a 1,000 L / s pump
• Scour assessment of rip-rap using a 3D terrestrial scanner

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