Written by: Phil Davis, Managing Director at Renewables First and specialist in hydropower, wind power and solar power system design.
Reviewed by the Renewables First engineering team for technical accuracy.
Concrete channels for the Archimedes screws near completion.
Once the excavation works were complete, the ground works for the turbine house and construction of the concrete channels for the Archimedes screw installation began in earnest.
This included formwork and reinforced concrete to provide the foundation for the new turbine house, the creation of reinforced concrete channel structures for two Archimedes screw turbines, a debris channel and a combined fish and canoe pass.
Over time, four distinct (albeit, below ground level) concrete channels have emerged out of the excavated ground, followed by the construction of the turbine house above ground level.
Work has proceeded to the point at which the Archimedes screws can be lifted into position. The turbines are due for arrival on site at any time now.
Ground works for the Archimedes screws.
Concrete channels emerge out of the ground.
Foundations for the turbine house emerge.
Concrete channels for the Archimedes screws near completion.
These will be located in each of the two wide concrete channels emerging from underneath the power house, as shown in the picture. The two narrower channels to the left will serve as a debris pass and a combined fish and canoe pass. The visible slope is the head (drop) over which water will pass through the Archimedes screws.
Once the Archimedes screws are in place, work will continue with the construction and equipping of the turbine house.
The turbine house is being constructed to sit above the water intake and the Archimedes screw installation. The generators will be located on the first storey of the turbine house, along with associated electrical and transmission equipment.
Phil Davis
Manging Director | Renewables First
About the Author
Phil has worked in the renewables sector since 2001 and founded Hydro Generation, which became Renewables First in 2009.
A qualified mechanical engineer (BEng, MSc Renewable Energy Systems), Phil is a recognised expert in hydropower, wind and solar PV across all project stages.
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