Overview

The Baise Dam is a significant hydroelectric powerplant located in the Guangxi region of China, situated on the You River. This gravity dam is positioned approximately 16 km west of Baise City, serving as a key infrastructure asset for energy generation in the area. The facility is currently operational and was commissioned in 2006, marking the culmination of a construction period that spanned from 2000 to 2006. As a major hydraulic structure, the dam plays a critical role in harnessing the water resources of the You River to produce electricity for the regional grid.

The engineering design of the Baise Dam features a height of 130 m. The structure was constructed using roller-compacted concrete, a technique that provides durability and efficiency for large-scale gravity dams. This construction method supports the dam's ability to hold back a substantial volume of water, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3. The reservoir's size is essential for regulating the flow of the You River and ensuring consistent water supply for the power station's turbines, particularly during varying seasonal conditions.

The power station integrated into the dam has a total installed capacity of 540 MW. This capacity is generated by four Francis turbine generators, each with a rating of 135 MW. The Francis turbine is a common choice for medium-head hydroelectric projects, offering high efficiency and reliability. The plant achieves an average annual generation of 1,690 GWh, contributing significantly to the energy mix in Guangxi. The combination of the gravity dam structure and the Francis turbine technology allows the Baise Dam to effectively convert the potential energy of the stored water into electrical power.

Geography and Location

The Baise Dam is situated on the You River, positioned approximately 16 km west of Baise City in the Guangxi region of China. This location places the facility within the broader hydrological network of southern China, leveraging the flow of the You River to support its hydroelectric operations. The dam serves as a critical infrastructure node for energy generation in the area, utilizing the natural gradient and volume of the river to drive its power station.

Reservoir and Dimensions

The structure creates a substantial reservoir with a total storage capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3. The surface area of this reservoir covers 136 km2, providing significant water retention capabilities for the region. The dam itself is a gravity-type structure, standing 130 m tall. It was constructed using roller-compacted concrete, a technique chosen for its durability and efficiency in large-scale dam projects. These dimensions allow the dam to effectively manage water flow and maintain the necessary head for power generation.

Parameter Value
Location 16 km west of Baise City, Guangxi, China
River You River
Dam Height 130 m
Reservoir Area 136 km2
Reservoir Capacity 5,660,000,000 m3

The geographic placement of the Baise Dam on the You River is strategic for maximizing energy output. The 136 km2 reservoir area provides a stable water source, ensuring consistent operation of the four Francis turbine generators. The 130 m height of the roller-compacted concrete structure is designed to withstand the hydraulic pressures typical of the You River's flow patterns. This location, 16 km from Baise City, allows for efficient transmission of generated power to local and regional grids while minimizing the land acquisition impact on the urban center. The reservoir's capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3 plays a key role in regulating the river's discharge, supporting both energy production and downstream water management.

Construction History

The Baise Dam was constructed between 2000 and 2006. This six-year construction period resulted in the completion of a major hydroelectric infrastructure project in Guangxi, China. The dam is a gravity dam located on the You River, situated 16 km (10 mi) west of Baise City. The construction work established the structural foundation for the power station and the creation of a large reservoir. The project was completed in 2006, which is also the year the facility was commissioned.

Engineering and Construction Technology

The Baise Dam stands 130 m (427 ft) tall. The structure was constructed using roller-compacted concrete (RCC) technology. This construction method involves placing and compacting low-slump concrete in layers, similar to earth-fill dam construction, which can offer advantages in construction speed and cost efficiency for gravity dams. The use of RCC allowed for the creation of the 130 m high structure. The dam creates a reservoir with a capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3 (4,588,637 acre⋅ft). This reservoir capacity is a key feature of the dam's hydroelectric potential.

Power Station Infrastructure

The dam's power station contains four Francis turbine generators. Each of these generators has a capacity of 135 MW. The average annual generation of the facility is 1,690 GWh. The power station is an integral part of the Baise Dam complex, utilizing the water from the You River reservoir to generate electricity. The facility is operational. The construction of the dam and power station was completed in 2006.

Technical Specifications

The Baise Dam is engineered as a gravity dam constructed using roller-compacted concrete technology. This structural approach provides the necessary mass and stability to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of the reservoir on the You River. The dam stands at a height of 130 m, a dimension that defines the hydraulic head available for power generation. The construction of the dam structure was carried out between 2000 and 2006, culminating in the commissioning of the facility in 2006. The reservoir created by the dam has a total volume of 5,660,000,000 m3. This storage capacity is critical for regulating the flow of the You River, ensuring consistent water supply for the hydroelectric turbines and managing seasonal variations in water levels. The large volume allows for significant energy storage, contributing to the stability of the local power grid. The power station integrated into the dam utilizes four Francis turbine generators. Each generator has an installed capacity of 135 MW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 540 MW for the entire plant. The Francis turbine is a type of reaction turbine widely used in hydroelectric power generation due to its versatility and efficiency across a range of heads and flow rates. The configuration of four units allows for flexible operation, enabling the plant to adjust output based on electricity demand and water availability. The average annual generation of the Baise Dam is 1,690 GWh, reflecting the consistent performance of the Francis turbines and the reliable water supply from the You River.
Parameter Value
Dam Type Gravity dam
Construction Material Roller-compacted concrete
Dam Height 130 m
Reservoir Volume 5,660,000,000 m3
Turbine Type Francis
Number of Generators 4
Capacity per Unit 135 MW
Total Installed Capacity 540 MW
Average Annual Generation 1,690 GWh

Hydroelectric Generation

The Baise Dam's power station is engineered to convert the hydraulic potential of the You River into electrical energy with a total installed capacity of 540 MW. This output is generated by four identical units, each equipped with a 135 MW Francis turbine generator. The selection of Francis turbines is typical for medium-head hydroelectric installations, leveraging the dam's structural height to drive efficient rotational energy conversion. The aggregate capacity of 540 MW represents the sum of the individual 135 MW ratings, providing a consistent baseline for grid integration in the Guangxi region. The operational design ensures that the plant can modulate output by adjusting the flow through the four generator sets, allowing for flexibility in meeting regional demand fluctuations.

This figure reflects the sustained energy production capacity of the plant under typical hydrological conditions on the You River. The relationship between the 540 MW installed capacity and the 1,690 GWh annual output indicates a specific capacity factor, determined by the reservoir's storage volume and the inflow characteristics of the river. The dam creates a reservoir with a storage capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3, which plays a critical role in regulating water flow to maintain consistent turbine operation throughout the year. This substantial storage volume allows the plant to smooth out seasonal variations in river discharge, ensuring that the 1,690 GWh average is maintained even during periods of lower inflow.

Turbine Configuration and Efficiency

The four Francis turbine generators form the core of the Baise Dam's energy conversion system. Each unit's 135 MW rating contributes equally to the total 540 MW capacity. Francis turbines are reaction turbines that utilize both the pressure and kinetic energy of the water, making them well-suited for the head provided by the 130 m tall gravity dam. The use of roller-compacted concrete in the dam's construction provides a robust foundation for these heavy mechanical assemblies. The configuration of four units allows for operational redundancy; if one turbine requires maintenance, the remaining three can continue to generate power, minimizing downtime and ensuring a steady contribution to the local grid. The average annual generation of 1,690 GWh is a direct result of the efficient operation of these four turbines over the course of a year, translating the stored potential energy of the 5,660,000,000 m3 reservoir into usable electricity.

Reservoir Management

The Baise Dam creates a substantial reservoir on the You River, serving as a critical component of the hydroelectric infrastructure in Guangxi, China. This volume supports the power station's average annual generation of 1,690 GWh, providing consistent water flow to the four 135 MW Francis turbine generators. The storage capacity allows for effective regulation of the river's discharge, ensuring stable power output even during varying hydrological conditions.

Reservoir Parameter Value
Total Capacity (m3) 5,660,000,000
Total Capacity (acre-ft) 4,588,637

Surface Area and Storage Implications

The reservoir covers a surface area of 136 km2. This extensive surface area is a direct result of the dam's location on the You River, approximately 16 km west of Baise City. The large surface area contributes to significant water storage capabilities, which are essential for the dam's operational efficiency. The 130 m tall gravity dam, constructed with roller-compacted concrete, creates the necessary head to drive the Francis turbines. The combination of the 136 km2 surface area and the 5,660,000,000 m3 volume indicates a relatively deep reservoir, which helps minimize evaporation losses compared to shallower bodies of water of similar volume.

The reservoir's characteristics are integral to the dam's role in the regional energy mix. The storage capacity allows for flexibility in power generation, enabling the plant to respond to peak demand periods. The construction of the dam between 2000 and 2006 resulted in a reservoir that not only supports the 540 MW installed capacity but also provides water management benefits for the surrounding area. The surface area of 136 km2 also influences local microclimates and aquatic ecosystems, although the primary design focus remains on hydroelectric power generation and water regulation.

What distinguishes Baise Dam from other You River dams?

The Baise Dam is a critical component of the hydroelectric cascade on the You River in Guangxi, China. Its construction between 2000 and 2006 represents a significant phase in the river's development, utilizing advanced engineering techniques to optimize power generation in the region. The dam is situated 16 km west of Baise City, strategically positioned to harness the flow of the You River. This location is integral to the broader energy infrastructure of the province, contributing to the operational status of the You River's hydroelectric network. A defining technical feature of the Baise Dam is its construction using roller-compacted concrete (RCC). This method was employed to build the 130 m tall gravity dam, offering distinct advantages in terms of construction speed and structural integrity compared to traditional concrete methods. The use of RCC is a notable engineering choice for large-scale dams in China, allowing for efficient material usage and faster curing times. The dam creates a substantial reservoir with a capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3, which is crucial for regulating water flow and ensuring consistent power generation. The power station at Baise Dam features four 135 MW Francis turbine generators, resulting in a total installed capacity of 540 MW. This configuration enables an average annual generation of 1,690 GWh, making it a significant contributor to the regional grid. The choice of Francis turbines is common for hydroelectric plants with medium to high head heights, aligning with the 130 m elevation of the dam. The operational efficiency of these turbines is vital for maintaining the dam's output, especially in the context of the You River's seasonal variations. While the provided grounding focuses on the Baise Dam, it is part of a larger cascade on the You River. Other infrastructure, such as the Fengtan Dam, also plays a role in the river's hydroelectric potential. However, the specific details of the Baise Dam, including its RCC construction and 540 MW capacity, distinguish it within this network. The dam's position 16 km west of Baise City places it in a key location for both local and provincial energy distribution. The reservoir's size and the dam's height are critical factors in its ability to manage water resources effectively, supporting both power generation and potential downstream uses. The construction period from 2000 to 2006 reflects the timeline of major infrastructure projects in Guangxi during that era. The completion of the dam in 2006 marked the beginning of its operational life, contributing to the region's energy mix. The use of roller-compacted concrete is a testament to the engineering advancements applied to the project, ensuring durability and efficiency. The dam's design and construction methods are indicative of the broader trends in hydroelectric development in China, where large-scale projects are essential for meeting growing energy demands. The Baise Dam's role in the You River cascade is significant, but its specific technical characteristics set it apart. The 540 MW capacity and 1,690 GWh annual generation are key metrics that highlight its contribution to the regional power supply. The dam's location and construction details are well-documented, providing a clear picture of its importance in the energy infrastructure of Guangxi. The use of Francis turbines and the RCC construction method are critical aspects that define the dam's operational profile. These features ensure that the Baise Dam remains a vital part of the You River's hydroelectric network, supporting the energy needs of the region. The reservoir's capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3 is a substantial resource for water management and power generation. This volume allows for effective regulation of the You River's flow, which is essential for maintaining consistent power output. The dam's height of 130 m provides the necessary head for the Francis turbines to operate efficiently. The combination of these factors makes the Baise Dam a key player in the hydroelectric landscape of Guangxi. Its construction and operation reflect the strategic planning and engineering expertise applied to the You River's development. In summary, the Baise Dam is a significant hydroelectric facility on the You River, characterized by its RCC construction, 540 MW capacity, and strategic location. Its role in the river's cascade is important, and its technical features distinguish it within the regional energy infrastructure. The dam's operational status and contribution to power generation are well-established, making it a key component of Guangxi's energy mix. The use of advanced construction methods and efficient turbine technology ensures that the Baise Dam continues to play a vital role in the region's energy supply.

Significance

The Baise Dam serves as a critical component of the hydroelectric infrastructure in Guangxi, China, contributing significantly to the regional power supply. With an installed capacity of 540 MW, the facility plays a vital role in stabilizing the local grid and meeting the growing energy demands of southern China. The dam’s strategic location on the You River, situated 16 km west of Baise City, enhances its efficiency in harnessing water resources for power generation. This positioning allows for optimal utilization of the river’s flow, which is essential for maintaining consistent energy output.

Regional Grid Contribution

The Baise Dam’s power station, equipped with four 135 MW Francis turbine generators, delivers an average annual generation of 1,690 GWh. This substantial output supports the Guangxi regional grid, providing a reliable source of renewable energy. The dam’s roller-compacted concrete construction, standing 130 m tall, ensures durability and efficiency, making it a key asset in the region’s energy mix. The reservoir, with a capacity of 5,660,000,000 m3, further enhances the dam’s ability to regulate water flow and maintain steady power generation throughout the year.

Strategic Importance of the You River Basin

The You River basin holds significant strategic importance for hydroelectric power development in southern China. The Baise Dam, as a major project in this basin, exemplifies the region’s potential for leveraging water resources to meet energy needs. The dam’s construction between 2000 and 2006 reflects the broader efforts to expand hydroelectric capacity in Guangxi, capitalizing on the natural advantages of the You River. This development not only supports local energy security but also contributes to the broader energy landscape of southern China, highlighting the basin’s role in the national energy strategy.

See also