Overview
The Baiyun Dam is a hydroelectric powerplant located in China, specifically within the Chengbu Miao Autonomous County of Hunan Province. This facility is situated on the Wushui River and operates as a concrete-face rock-fill dam, a structural design that combines the flexibility of rock-fill cores with a rigid concrete surface to withstand hydraulic pressure. The dam serves a dual-purpose role in the regional energy and agricultural infrastructure, providing essential water for irrigation while simultaneously generating hydroelectric power for local consumption. According to the, the project was completed in 1999, establishing it as a long-standing operational asset in the province's energy mix.
The power station associated with the Baiyun Dam has an installed capacity of 54 MW. This capacity contributes to the electrical grid of Hunan Province, leveraging the natural flow of the Wushui River to produce renewable energy. The dam's design prioritizes both energy generation and water management, ensuring that the reservoir can effectively store water for agricultural needs during dry periods while maintaining sufficient head for turbine operation. The reservoir has a significant storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft), which is critical for regulating the river's flow and supporting the surrounding agricultural communities in Chengbu Miao Autonomous County.
Construction on the Baiyun Dam began in 1992, marking the start of a multi-year engineering effort to develop this water resource. The reservoir was impounded in 1998, a key milestone that allowed for the initial testing of the concrete-face rock-fill structure before the project was declared complete in 1999. This timeline reflects the careful planning and execution required to build a dam of this scale in the hilly terrain of Hunan Province. The operator of the facility is, but the dam remains operational, continuing to provide both irrigation water and hydroelectric power to the region.
Engineering Design and Technical Specifications
The Baiyun Dam utilizes a concrete-face rock-fill (CFR) structural design, a configuration selected for its adaptability to the topographical and geological conditions of the Wushui River in Hunan Province. This engineering approach involves a core of compacted rock fill covered by a thin, flexible concrete slab that serves as the primary water-tightness barrier. The choice of this dam type reflects common practices in regional hydroelectric development, where CFR dams offer a balance between construction speed, material availability, and hydraulic efficiency compared to traditional concrete gravity or arch dams.
The reservoir created by the dam has a total storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft), a volume that supports both irrigation demands and hydroelectric generation. This storage capability allows for significant water regulation on the Wushui River, enabling the power station to maintain an installed capacity of 54 MW. The reservoir was impounded in 1998, preceding the final completion of the project in 1999, indicating a phased commissioning strategy typical of medium-scale hydroelectric developments in China during that period.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Concrete-face rock-fill |
| Location | Wushui River, Chengbu Miao Autonomous County, Hunan |
| Reservoir Storage Capacity | 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Installed Power Capacity | 54 MW |
| Primary Functions | Irrigation, Hydroelectric Power |
| Construction Start | 1992 |
| Reservoir Impoundment | 1998 |
| Project Completion | 1999 |
The concrete-face rock-fill design requires precise control over the settlement of the rock-fill core to prevent cracking in the concrete slab, which is critical for long-term hydraulic performance. In the context of the Wushui River basin, this technology allowed for efficient utilization of local aggregate resources, reducing transportation costs for construction materials. The dam's operational status remains active, continuing to provide irrigation water and generate electricity for the region. The integration of irrigation and power generation functions optimizes the economic return on the reservoir's storage volume, ensuring that water releases are timed to meet agricultural peaks while maintaining sufficient head for turbine efficiency.
Construction History and Timeline
The construction of the Baiyun Dam unfolded over a seven-year period, transforming the Wushui River in Chengbu Miao Autonomous County, Hunan Province, into a significant hydroelectric and irrigation asset. Groundbreaking for the project occurred in 1992, marking the beginning of extensive earthworks and structural development required for a concrete-face rock-fill dam. This specific dam type involves a core of rock fill covered by a thin, flexible concrete slab, a design choice that often allows for faster construction compared to traditional concrete gravity dams, particularly in regions with abundant local rock resources.
A critical milestone in the project's timeline was reached in 1998, when the reservoir was officially impounded. This event signified that the dam structure had achieved sufficient height and integrity to hold back the Wushui River, creating a storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft). The 1998 impoundment was a pivotal moment, transitioning the site from an active construction zone to a functional water management system. This phase allowed engineers to monitor the concrete face for leakage and settlement under actual hydrostatic pressure before the final commissioning of the power generation equipment.
The project reached its final completion in 1999. By this time, the installed capacity of the power station was fully realized at 54 MW. The rapid progression from impoundment in 1998 to full completion in 1999 suggests an efficient integration of civil works and electromechanical installations.
Project Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Construction of the Baiyun Dam begins on the Wushui River. |
| 1998 | The reservoir is impounded, achieving a storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3. |
| 1999 | The project is completed, with the power station reaching an installed capacity of 54 MW. |
Hydroelectric Power Generation and Irrigation
The Baiyun Dam functions as a critical node in the local infrastructure of Chengbu Miao Autonomous County, Hunan Province, China, integrating hydroelectric power generation with agricultural water management. The facility is situated on the Wushui River and utilizes a concrete-face rock-fill dam structure to regulate water flow and create a reservoir with a storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft). This substantial storage volume is essential for maintaining consistent water levels for both energy production and downstream irrigation needs, particularly during seasonal variations in river discharge.
Power Station Specifications and Output
The project was completed in 1999, following the initial impounding of the reservoir in 1998 and the commencement of construction in 1992. As an operational facility, the plant contributes to the regional energy grid in Hunan Province. The 54 MW output represents a significant contribution to local power supply, leveraging the natural head and flow of the Wushui River. The concrete-face rock-fill design allows for efficient construction and maintenance, providing a durable barrier that supports the long-term reliability of the power generation infrastructure.
Integration of Irrigation and Energy Functions
Beyond electricity generation, the Baiyun Dam serves a dual purpose by providing water for irrigation. The reservoir's ability to store 360,000,000 m3 of water enables effective water resource management for agricultural activities in the surrounding areas of Chengbu Miao Autonomous County. This integration ensures that water availability for crops is less dependent on immediate rainfall, enhancing agricultural productivity and stability. The coordination between power generation and irrigation requires careful operational planning to balance the water release schedules for turbine efficiency and downstream field requirements. This multi-functional approach maximizes the utility of the Wushui River's water resources, supporting both the energy sector and the agricultural economy of the region.
Geographical Context and Regional Impact
This geographic placement is central to the facility’s operational function, as the structure spans the Wushui River. The Wushui River basin serves as the primary hydrological source for the hydroelectric powerplant, providing the necessary water flow to drive the turbines and sustain the reservoir’s storage levels. The dam is specifically designed as a concrete-face rock-fill structure, a technical choice that leverages the local topography and geological conditions of the Chengbu region to manage water retention and structural integrity effectively.
The reservoir associated with the Baiyun Dam holds a storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft). This significant volume of stored water is critical for the dual-purpose nature of the infrastructure. While the primary energy output is generated through the 54 MW installed capacity of the power station, the geographical context emphasizes the dam’s role in regional water management. The stored water provides essential irrigation support for the surrounding agricultural lands in Chengbu Miao Autonomous County. This integration of hydroelectric generation and agricultural irrigation is a common feature of water infrastructure in Hunan Province, where seasonal water variability requires strategic storage solutions to support both energy production and crop yields.
The location within the Miao Autonomous County also highlights the intersection of energy infrastructure and regional development. The presence of the dam on the Wushui River contributes to the local water management infrastructure of Hunan Province by regulating river flow and mitigating potential flood risks downstream. The concrete-face rock-fill design allows for efficient construction in the mountainous terrain typical of the region, ensuring that the dam can withstand the hydrostatic pressures exerted by the large reservoir volume. The operational status of the dam, which has been active since its completion in 1999, underscores its long-term role in the geographical and economic landscape of the area. The facility continues to serve the local community by balancing energy generation with the agricultural needs of the Chengbu region, demonstrating the strategic importance of the Wushui River basin in Hunan’s broader infrastructure network.
Why it matters
The Baiyun Dam represents a typical example of small-to-medium scale hydroelectric infrastructure development in China during the 1990s. Constructed between 1992 and 1999, the project reflects the strategic focus on decentralized energy generation and water resource management in rural and autonomous regions. Located in Chengbu Miao Autonomous County within Hunan Province, the dam serves a dual purpose: providing irrigation water and generating 54 MW of hydroelectric power. This dual utility is critical for regional development, balancing agricultural needs with energy production in a terrain characterized by the Wushui River basin.
Regional Energy Contribution
With an installed capacity of 54 MW, the Baiyun Power Station contributes to the diversified energy mix of Hunan Province. While Hunan hosts larger hydroelectric complexes, projects of this scale are essential for stabilizing local grids and reducing transmission losses. The concrete-face rock-fill dam technology chosen for the project allows for efficient construction in rocky terrain, a common feature in southern China’s hydroelectric development. The reservoir’s storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft) ensures consistent water flow for power generation even during seasonal variations, enhancing the reliability of the local energy supply.
Agricultural and Socioeconomic Impact
Beyond energy generation, the dam’s primary role in irrigation supports the agricultural economy of Chengbu Miao Autonomous County. The impoundment of the reservoir in 1998 marked a key milestone, enabling controlled water distribution for crops. This infrastructure investment aligns with broader national efforts to improve living standards in ethnic autonomous counties by integrating water management with energy production. The project’s completion in 1999 provided a sustainable model for regional development, demonstrating how small-scale hydroelectric dams can drive economic growth while preserving water resources for local communities.
What are the key features of concrete-face rock-fill dams?
The Baiyun Dam utilizes a concrete-face rock-fill (CFR) structural design, a configuration that combines the flexibility of a rock-fill core with the impermeability of a concrete slab. This engineering approach is particularly effective for sites where high-quality rock is abundant but the foundation may require a flexible structure to accommodate settlement. The dam’s construction began in 1992 and was completed in 1999, resulting in a reservoir with a storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft) and a power station with an installed capacity of 54 MW.
Engineering Advantages of CFR Design
Concrete-face rock-fill dams offer distinct advantages over traditional earth-fill or concrete gravity dams. The primary benefit lies in the use of locally sourced rock fill, which reduces transportation costs and material waste. The concrete face acts as a watertight membrane, protecting the rock core from seepage and erosion. This design allows for faster construction compared to concrete gravity dams, as the rock fill can be placed and compacted concurrently with the concrete slab pouring. Additionally, the flexibility of the rock-fill core helps absorb thermal and hydrostatic stresses, reducing the likelihood of cracking in the concrete face.
Comparison with Other Dam Types
Compared to earth-fill dams, CFR dams require less clay for the core, making them suitable for sites with abundant rock but limited clay availability. Unlike concrete gravity dams, which rely on mass to resist water pressure, CFR dams use a combination of rock fill and a concrete slab, allowing for a thinner profile and potentially lower material costs. The choice of a CFR design for the Baiyun Dam on the Wushui River likely reflects the geological conditions of the site, where the rock-fill structure could effectively manage the hydrostatic pressure while the concrete face provided the necessary impermeability for the reservoir.
Suitability for the Wushui River Site
The Wushui River in Chengbu Miao Autonomous County, Hunan Province, presents specific geological and hydrological conditions that make the CFR design an optimal choice. The region’s abundant rock resources would have facilitated the construction of the rock-fill core, while the concrete face ensured the reservoir’s integrity. The dam’s primary functions include irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, both of which benefit from the CFR design’s ability to maintain a stable water level and efficient power output. The successful completion of the project in 1999 demonstrates the effectiveness of this engineering solution for the local context.
How does the Baiyun Dam support local agriculture?
The Baiyun Dam serves a dual-purpose hydrological function, providing critical water retention for irrigation alongside hydroelectric power generation. According to the project specifications, the reservoir holds a storage capacity of 360,000,000 m3 (290,000 acre⋅ft) on the Wushui River. This substantial volume allows for significant regulation of the river’s natural flow, which is essential for agricultural stability in the Chengbu Miao Autonomous County of Hunan Province. The dam’s design as a concrete-face rock-fill structure supports this storage requirement, enabling the impoundment of water during periods of high inflow to be utilized during drier seasons.
Water Regulation and Agricultural Supply
The primary agricultural benefit of the Baiyun Dam is the stabilization of water availability for local farming communities. By capturing and storing water in the 360,000,000 m3 reservoir, the infrastructure mitigates the seasonal variability of the Wushui River. This regulation ensures a more consistent water supply for irrigation networks downstream, reducing the vulnerability of crops to both droughts and sudden floods. The project was completed in 1999, with the reservoir first impounded in 1998, marking the beginning of its role in local water management. The construction, which started in 1992, was specifically aimed at enhancing the agricultural potential of the region through improved water control.
Interplay Between Power Generation and Irrigation
The operation of the Baiyun Dam involves balancing the needs of the 54 MW power station with the water requirements of local agriculture. Hydroelectric generation typically requires a steady flow of water through turbines, which can sometimes compete with the need to retain water in the reservoir for irrigation. However, the large storage capacity of the reservoir allows for strategic water management. During periods of high water inflow, excess water can be released to generate electricity while still maintaining sufficient levels for agricultural use. Conversely, during dry periods, water can be conserved for irrigation, with power generation adjusted accordingly. This integrated approach ensures that the dam supports both the energy needs and the agricultural productivity of the Chengbu Miao Autonomous County.