Influence of a Dead-end Tunnel on the Operation of Free-surface Discharge of a Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Characteristics of the mathematical model for simulating the functioning of a free-surface discharge tunnel of a hydroelectric power plant, provided with a surge shaft in the presence of a dead-end connected tunnel, as a consequence of the maneuver of opening regulators of the machines, are illustrated. The results of the numerical simulation are compared with laboratory model test results. They show a good agreement between themselves. It is shown that the presence of a dead-end tunnel may cause maximum water levels in the surge shaft, much higher than those that take place if the same tunnel is intercepted in its initial section.