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FORINFRA-Nasj.sats. forskn.infrastrukt

Norwegian Research Centre for Hydropower Technology Laboratories

Alternative title: Norsk senter for vannkraft forsknings laboratorium

Awarded: NOK 55.0 mill.

HydroCen Labs will upgrade and refurbish the Waterpower Laboratory (Vannkraftlaboratoriet) and the Hydraulic Laboratory (Vassdragslaboratoriet) located at NTNU. The Waterpower Laboratory and the Hydraulic Laboratory were built in 1917 and 1958, and both needs to be upgraded in order to meet the future needs for research infrastructure. The Waterpower Laboratory aims to refurbish the existing low-pressure system and build a new high-pressure system where future research on Pelton turbines and flow with high Reynold numbers can be carried out. In addition, the laboratory will be connected to existing Smart Grid-, Generator research- and mechanical/material testing- facilities. These facilities will also be upgraded in order to meet future needs for research within hydropower technology. Research on hydropower turbines requires attention on power plants that have been in operation for more than 60 years. This means that the fatigue of materials is a topic that will receive a lot of attention in future research. HydroCen Labs has therefore invested in a fatigue machine at NTNU that is suitable for this purpose. The Hydraulic Laboratory has only had minor upgrading since it was built, and is in desperate need for upgrading of its piping systems and measurement-equipment. The infrastructure as a whole is clearly marked by tear and wear. It is outdated and unsuitable for modern measurement methods and investigation of future experimental research. Although the laboratory is in active use, its state imposes limitations and major challenges for future research. The Hydraulic Laboratory will be connected to the Geology and Rock Mechanics facilities located at NTNU and equipped for research on live fish together with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA. HydroCen Labs is also affiliated with the geotechnical laboratory at NTNU. Here we look at how tunnels in our hydropower plants will be able to withstand future flexible operation of hydropower plants. Norway has approx. 4500 km of tunnels in hydropower plants, so this is an important research topic. HydroCen Labs has invested in equipment that can take a closer look at these issues.

HydroCen Labs will upgrade and refurbish the Waterpower Laboratory (Vannkraftlaboratoriet) and the Hydraulic Laboratory (Vassdragslaboratoriet) at NTNU. The Waterpower Laboratory and the Hydraulic Laboratory were built in 1917 and 1958 respectively, and both are in need of upgrades in order to meet the future requirements for research infrastructure. The Waterpower Laboratory aims to refurbish the existing low-pressure system and build a new high-pressure system where future research on Pelton turbines and flow with high Reynold numbers can be carried out. In addition, the laboratory will be connected to existing Smart Grid-, Generator research- and mechanical/material testing- facilities. These facilities will also be upgraded in order to meet future needs for research within hydropower technology. The Hydraulic Laboratory has only had minor upgrading since it was built in 1958, and is in desperate need for upgrading of its piping systems and measurement-equipment. The infrastructure as a whole is clearly marked by tear and wear. It is outdated and unsuitable for modern measurement methods and investigation of future experimental research. Although the laboratory is in active use, its state imposes limitations and major challenges for future research. The Hydraulic Laboratory will be connected to the Geology and Rock Mechanics facilities located at NTNU and equipped for research on live fish together with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA.

Funding scheme:

FORINFRA-Nasj.sats. forskn.infrastrukt

Funding Sources