Overview
The Baozhusi Dam is a major concrete gravity dam located on the Bailong River in Sichuan Province, China. Situated 23 km northwest of the city of Guangyuan, the structure serves as a critical piece of hydroelectric infrastructure in southwestern China. The project was designed with multiple functional objectives, primarily focusing on hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply for both irrigation and industrial uses. As an operational facility, it plays a significant role in the regional energy mix and water resource management of the Sichuan basin.
Construction of the Baozhusi Dam commenced in 1984. The project progressed over more than a decade, with the power generation units becoming operational between 1996 and 1998. The remaining facilities were completed in 2000, marking the full operational status of the complex. The dam stands 132 m tall and creates a substantial reservoir with a total storage capacity of 2,550,000,000 m3. This reservoir covers a surface area of 61.2 km2, providing significant water retention capabilities for the Bailong River system.
The power station at the base of the dam houses four Francis turbine-generators, each with a capacity of 175 MW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 700 MW. The hydraulic head for these turbines reaches a maximum of 103 m, leveraging the dam’s structural height for efficient energy conversion. In addition to power generation, the dam features robust flood management infrastructure. On either side of the power station, there are two gate-controlled chute spillways. Adjacent to these are two pairs of intermediate sluice-controlled orifice openings, with two additional bottom sluices located below the left intermediate opening. The combined discharge capacity of these spillways and openings is 16,060 m3/s, ensuring effective flood mitigation for downstream areas.
Construction History and Timeline
Construction of the Baozhusi Dam commenced in 1984, marking the beginning of a multi-year development project on the Bailong River in Sichuan Province, China. The engineering effort focused on building a concrete gravity structure designed for hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and water supply for irrigation and industrial uses. The project spanned approximately sixteen years from initial groundbreaking to final facility completion.
The operational timeline of the power generation components was phased. The generators began producing electricity in 1996, with subsequent units coming online through 1998. This initial operational phase allowed the facility to start contributing to the regional grid while remaining construction activities continued. The remaining facilities and infrastructure were declared complete in 2000, finalizing the entire dam complex.
Construction and Operational Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Construction on the Baozhusi Dam begins. |
| 1996 | First generators become operational. |
| 1998 | Remaining generators become operational. |
| 2000 | Rest of the facilities are completed. |
The construction resulted in a 132 m tall concrete gravity dam. This structure creates a reservoir with a capacity of 2,550,000,000 m3 and a surface area of 61.2 km2. The dam's design includes specific hydraulic features for water management. Beside these spillways are two pairs of intermediate sluice-controlled orifice openings. Below the left intermediate opening, there are two bottom sluices. The total discharge capacity of these spillways and openings is 16,060 m3/s.
The power station located at the dam's base houses the generating equipment. It contains 4 x 175 MW Francis turbine-generators. These units afford a maximum hydraulic head of 103 m given the dam's height. The facility is located 23 km northwest of Guangyuan in Sichuan Province, China.
Engineering Specifications and Design
Dam Structure and Reservoir Characteristics
The dam stands 132 m (433 ft) tall, a height that establishes the hydraulic profile for the hydroelectric power generation and water management functions of the facility. This structural design supports the creation of a substantial reservoir with a total volume of 2,550,000,000 m3 (2,067,319 acre⋅ft). The reservoir covers a surface area of 61.2 km2 (24 sq mi), providing storage capacity critical for flood control, irrigation, and industrial water supply as originally intended during the planning phases that began in 1984.
Spillway and Discharge Configuration
The dam incorporates a complex system for water discharge and flood management located at the dam's base. Adjacent to these chutes are two pairs of intermediate sluice-controlled orifice openings, which allow for more granular control of water release. Below the left intermediate opening, the structure includes two additional bottom sluices to manage sediment and lower-level water levels. The combined total discharge capacity of all spillways and orifice openings is 16,060 m3/s (567,154 cu ft/s), ensuring the reservoir can be regulated effectively during peak flow events on the Bailong River.
Hydroelectric Power Station Layout
The power station is integrated into the base of the gravity dam. It houses four Francis turbine-generators, each with a capacity of 175 MW, contributing to the plant's total installed capacity of 700 MW. The turbines operate under a maximum hydraulic head of 103 m (338 ft), a parameter determined by the 132 m height of the dam structure. The generators became operational sequentially between 1996 and 1998, with the remainder of the facilities completed in 2000, marking the full commissioning of the hydroelectric infrastructure.
How does the Baozhusi power station work?
The Baozhusi power station operates as a run-of-river and reservoir-based hydroelectric facility, harnessing the potential energy of the Bailong River. The core of the generation mechanism relies on four Francis turbine-generators, each rated at 175 MW. These turbines are situated at the base of the 132 m concrete gravity dam, utilizing a maximum hydraulic head of 103 m to drive electricity production. The water flows from the reservoir, through penstocks, and spins the Francis turbines before being discharged back into the river channel.
Hydraulic Infrastructure and Discharge
The dam manages water flow through a complex system of spillways and sluices to maintain optimal hydraulic head and control flood volumes. The reservoir holds a total capacity of 2,550,000,000 m3, covering a surface area of 61.2 km2. Additionally, two pairs of intermediate sluice-controlled orifice openings and two bottom sluices below the left intermediate opening contribute to flow management. The combined total discharge capacity of these structures is 16,060 m3/s, ensuring effective flood control and water supply for irrigation and industrial uses.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Turbine Type | Francis turbine-generators |
| Number of Units | 4 |
| Unit Capacity | 175 MW |
| Maximum Hydraulic Head | 103 m |
| Total Discharge Capacity | 16,060 m3/s |
| Reservoir Volume | 2,550,000,000 m3 |
What are the operational benefits of the Baozhusi Dam?
The Baozhusi Dam is designed as a multi-purpose infrastructure asset, delivering critical utility beyond simple energy production. Its operational framework integrates hydroelectric power generation, flood control mechanisms, and water supply management for both irrigation and industrial sectors in the Guangyuan region of Sichuan Province. This integrated approach maximizes the economic and environmental return on the concrete gravity structure.
Hydroelectric Power Generation
The primary energy output of the facility is generated through four Francis turbine-generators located in the power station at the dam's base. The generators began operational service between 1996 and 1998, establishing a reliable power source for the regional grid well before the completion of the remaining facilities in 2000.
Flood Control Mechanisms
Flood mitigation is achieved through a sophisticated discharge system integrated into the dam's structure. This configuration provides a total discharge capacity of 16,060 m3/s, allowing for precise regulation of water flow on the Bailong River. These mechanisms are critical for managing seasonal variations and preventing downstream flooding in the Guangyuan area.
Water Supply and Irrigation
This stored water is essential for sustaining agricultural irrigation and supporting industrial water demands in the surrounding region. The reliable water supply enhances local economic stability, ensuring consistent resources for both farming communities and industrial operations dependent on the Bailong River's flow.
Significance
The Baozhusi Dam serves as a critical node in the energy infrastructure of Sichuan Province, China, functioning primarily as a hydroelectric powerplant with an installed capacity of 700 MW. Located on the Bailong River, the facility provides substantial power stability to the region through its four 175 MW Francis turbine-generators. This configuration allows for efficient energy conversion, utilizing a maximum hydraulic head of 103 m to drive the turbines at the dam's base. The operational status of the plant, which saw its generators become functional between 1996 and 1998, marks it as a mature asset in the provincial grid, contributing to the reliability of electricity supply in the Sichuan basin. Beyond power generation, the Baozhusi Dam plays a vital role in regional flood management and water resource allocation. The concrete gravity dam, standing 132 m tall, creates a reservoir with a significant storage volume of 2,550,000,000 m3. This capacity is essential for mitigating flood risks in the Bailong River basin, particularly given the varied topography of the Sichuan region. The dam is equipped with robust discharge mechanisms, including two gate-controlled chute spillways, two pairs of intermediate sluice-controlled orifice openings, and two bottom sluices. These structures provide a total discharge capacity of 16,060 m3/s, enabling effective water level control during peak flow periods. The facility also supports agricultural and industrial development through water supply for irrigation. The reservoir's surface area of 61.2 km2 provides a consistent water source for downstream users, enhancing the economic productivity of the surrounding areas. The integration of hydroelectric generation, flood control, and water supply functions makes the Baozhusi Dam a multifaceted infrastructure project. Its location, 23 km northwest of Guangyuan, positions it strategically within the Sichuan Province's network of hydraulic structures, supporting both energy security and regional water management objectives. The completion of the remaining facilities in 2000 finalized the dam's comprehensive operational capabilities, ensuring long-term service to the local economy and grid stability.See also
- Shanghai Petrochemical: Operations, Ownership and Strategic Position
- Tianhuangping Pumped Storage Power Station
- Three Gorges Dam: Engineering, Operations and Environmental Impact
- Environmental flow assessment for improvement of ecological integrity in the Haihe River Basin, China
- Environmental flow management strategies based on the integration of water quantity and quality, a case study of the Baiyangdian Wetland, China