Floating ice as a problem to hydropower intakes
Abstract
An ideal intake structure should allow a minimum of ice to enter the forebay or the headrace tunnel. Accumulation in front of the intake should be limited to avoid the ice from being sucked into the intake or against the trash racks during normal operation. A main issue is how to divert the ice with a minimum loss of water. Several previous studies of diversion of “passive” frazil etc have been reviewed, including two recent model studies. Proper location of ice sluices combined with adjustments of structures and bottom topography can solve problems that have hampered the operation of the power plants for decades.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hydraulic flow and structures
Dam Engineering and Safety
Cryospheric studies and observations
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 395–402
- Publication date
- 11 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter