Physical Model Study of the Upper Intake - Outlet Structure Rocky Mountain Project

Abstract

This report describes hydraulic model studies of the upper reservoir and intake-outlet structure of the Rocky Mountain Pumped-Storage Project. The model included the entire upper reservoir, the intake-outlet structure, the vertical shaft, and a portion of the tunnel. The model was to be operated in both pump and turbine operating modes. Questions have been raised regarding the acceptable performance of the structure over the entire range of reservoir levels and discharges. The primary purpose of the model studies was to verify that the intake-outlet structure was free from undesirable vorticity and flow characteristics. Improvements to the structure were to be made to correct any undesirable flow conditions as they were encountered. No removals of portions of the as-built structure were to be allowed. Documentation of the final design of the structure consisted of qualitative vorticity evaluations, reservoir circulation patterns, velocity measurements at the intake, pressure measurements at selected locations, and intake headloss measurements. A description of the 1:70 scale undistorted model and the results of the studies are discussed in the following sections.