From Wind to Water

A small-scale physical model of a hydropower turbine and its water flow is under study at the University of Iowa’s Institute of Hydraulic Research. The Institute of Hydraulic Research at the University of Iowa has developed a numerical code that accurately predicts the three-dimensional flow of water over the variable bed of a dam’s forebay and into a hydropower plant’s intakes. In addition, fisheries biologists working independently have identified basic behavioral patterns of salmonids. Once computational fluid dynamics models that merge water’s flow with fish behavior patterns are perfected, the effects of flow characteristics at countless points can be measured rapidly and economically, and design decisions can be made accordingly. The code thus promises to become a formidable planning tool that will save power utilities major amounts of both time and money. The codes eventually will allow the results of minute changes in hull or propeller structure to be realized with a few keyboard strokes. Iowa researchers are investigating the flow of moisture through the air as well as over land and through the sea.