Watson Dam Project: Run-of-River Operations and Generation Forecast

Strategic Insights -

The Watson Dam Project, operated by Watson Assoc. under FERC license P-6240, is a run-of-river facility that harnesses the natural flow of the river to generate electricity. The project's operation is a delicate balance between meeting electricity demands and ensuring the safety of the river ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project operates one Flygt, automatically adjustable blade and fixed guide vane, propeller turbine, with a maximum rated discharge of 300 cfs and a design head of 13 feet.
  • The existing turbine/generator unit, Unit One, is a Flygt EL 7650 submersible turbine/generator unit with a maximum rated power output of 265 KW.
  • The project employs an automated PLC-controlled system to regulate turbine/generator units on/off control, by monitoring project impoundment water levels.
  • The flashboards on the spillway crest are typically replaced as-needed after high-flow events, with the impoundment level temporarily lowered to facilitate drawdown.
  • Normal operations involve unit one operating within a one-inch band from the top of the flashboards, with a maximum allowed operating limit of 300 cfs.
  • Proposed future operations aim to reduce the operating volume of unit one by adjusting the blade setting to allow for continuous flow passing over the dam.
  • In the event of a system disturbance or critical equipment failure, the main breaker immediately opens and cylinder gate closes to protect personnel and equipment.
  • The project does not have any flood control infrastructure or capabilities, and releasing additional water to a downstream channel already in flood conditions could cause greater flooding.
  • The estimated long-term average annual generation is approximately 1,100,000 KWH.
  • The average gross head is approximately 12.5 feet at the main turbine.

Statistics:

  • The maximum rated discharge is 300 cfs.
  • The maximum rated head is 13 feet.
  • The maximum rated power output of Unit One is 265 KW.
  • The estimated long-term average annual generation is approximately 1,100,000 KWH.
  • The average gross head is approximately 12.5 feet at the main turbine.

Sources:

  • Watson Assoc. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application, Exhibit A, Section 1.1 Technical Information.
  • Watson Assoc. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application, Exhibit A, Section 1.1.4 Annual Generation.
  • Watson Assoc. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application, Exhibit A, Section 1.1.5 Average Head.
  • Watson Assoc. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license application, Exhibit A, Section 1.1.6 Impoundment Data.