Overview
The Dongfeng Dam is an operational hydroelectric powerplant located in Guizhou Province, China. It is situated on the Wu River, approximately 65 km northwest of Qingzhen. The facility is classified as an arch dam, a structural design that efficiently transfers the water load to the abutments of the valley. The primary purpose of the Dongfeng Dam is hydroelectric power generation, serving as a key infrastructure asset in the regional energy mix. The dam supports a dedicated power station with a total installed capacity of 695 MW. This capacity figure reflects the up-rated status of the generators following improvements made in the mid-2000s. Construction of the Dongfeng Dam began in 1989. The project progressed over several years, with the first generator becoming operational in 1994. The final generator was commissioned in 1995, marking the initial completion of the power station. During the initial operational phase, the power station consisted of three generators, each with a capacity of 170 MW. This initial configuration provided a baseline output for the facility. Between 2004 and 2005, the generators at the Dongfeng Dam underwent an up-rating process. This technical enhancement increased the capacity of each individual generator from 170 MW to 190 MW. The cumulative effect of these upgrades resulted in the current total installed capacity of 695 MW. The operator of the facility is, though the plant remains in operational status. The Dongfeng Dam continues to contribute to the hydroelectric output of the Wu River basin in Guizhou Province.Why it matters
The Dongfeng Dam serves as a critical node in the hydroelectric infrastructure of Guizhou Province, China, leveraging the hydraulic potential of the Wu River. Situated 65 km northwest of Qingzhen, this facility exemplifies the strategic development of water resources in southwestern China to support regional power generation. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation, contributing significantly to the local grid's stability and capacity. The engineering design of the Dongfeng Dam is notable for its 162 m high parabola-shaped arch structure. This specific architectural choice allows for efficient load distribution and structural integrity, making it a significant achievement in civil engineering within the region. The dam plays a vital role in regulating the 1,816 km2 catchment area, managing water flow to optimize energy production and mitigate downstream hydrological variations. Operational milestones further underscore the dam's importance. Construction began in 1989, with the first generator becoming operational in 1994 and the final unit commissioned in 1995. Initially, the power station supported a capacity of 570 MW. However, a key operational enhancement occurred between 2004 and 2005, when the generators were up-rated. This upgrade increased the capacity of each generator from 170 MW to 190 MW, thereby enhancing the overall output and efficiency of the facility. This up-rating demonstrates the adaptability and continued relevance of the Dongfeng Dam in the evolving energy landscape of Guizhou Province.How does the Dongfeng Dam work?
The Dongfeng Dam operates as an arch dam structure situated on the Wu River in Guizhou Province, China. The primary function of the facility is hydroelectric power generation. Water from the reservoir flows through a system of three headrace tunnels and penstocks to drive the turbine-generators located in the power station. The plant is equipped with three Francis turbine-generators. Each unit has a capacity of 190 MW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 570 MW. This capacity was achieved through an up-rating process conducted between 2004 and 2005, which increased the output of each generator from 170 MW to 190 MW. The hydraulic operation involves directing water from the reservoir through the intake structures. The water travels through the headrace tunnels and penstocks, utilizing the hydraulic head to generate kinetic energy. This energy turns the Francis turbines, which are connected to generators that produce electricity. After passing through the turbines, the water is discharged into the tailrace tunnel. The dam also features a discharge system that includes spillways and orifices to manage water levels and flow rates.| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Arch dam |
| Location | Wu River, 65 km northwest of Qingzhen, Guizhou Province, China |
| Total Capacity | 570 MW |
| Number of Generators | 3 |
| Capacity per Generator | 190 MW |
| Turbine Type | Francis |
| Construction Start | 1989 |
| First Generator Operational | 1994 |
| Last Generator Operational | 1995 |
| Up-rating Period | 2004–2005 |
What are the key engineering specifications of the Dongfeng Dam?
The Dongfeng Dam is an arch dam located on the Wu River, situated 65 km northwest of Qingzhen in Guizhou Province, China. The structure is 162 m high and 254 m long. The dam’s thickness varies from 6 m at the crest to 25 m at the base. These dimensions are characteristic of large-scale arch dams designed to manage significant hydrostatic pressure.Reservoir and Catchment Data
The reservoir created by the Dongfeng Dam serves both hydroelectric generation and water regulation purposes. The total capacity of the reservoir is 1,230 million cubic meters. The regulating capacity, which is the volume available for flexible power generation, is 600 million cubic meters. The normal water elevation of the reservoir is 548 m above sea level. The catchment area draining into the reservoir covers 1,050 square kilometers. This catchment area contributes to the inflow that sustains the reservoir levels and supports the power station’s output.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Reservoir Total Capacity | 1,230 million m³ |
| Regulating Capacity | 600 million m³ |
| Normal Elevation | 548 m |
| Catchment Area | 1,050 km² |
Structural Dimensions
The physical dimensions of the Dongfeng Dam are critical to its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The dam stands 162 m tall, making it a prominent feature in the local landscape. Its length spans 254 m across the Wu River. The variable thickness, ranging from 6 m at the crest to 25 m at the base, allows the dam to effectively distribute the weight of the water and the dam itself. This design minimizes material usage while maximizing strength.
| Structural Feature | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Dam Height | 162 m |
| Dam Length | 254 m |
| Crest Thickness | 6 m |
| Base Thickness | 25 m |
History
Construction of the Dongfeng Dam, an arch dam situated on the Wu River, commenced in 1989. The project was located approximately 65 km northwest of Qingzhen in Guizhou Province, China. The primary objective of the infrastructure development was hydroelectric power generation, designed to support a power station with an initial capacity of 570 MW. The construction phase spanned several years, culminating in the sequential commissioning of the generating units. The first generator achieved operational status in 1994, marking the initial phase of power production for the facility. The final generator was brought online in 1995, completing the initial commissioning timeline for the dam's power station.
Capacity Up-rating (2004–2005)
Following the initial commissioning, the Dongfeng Dam underwent a significant capacity up-rating phase between 2004 and 2005. During this period, the individual generators were enhanced, increasing their output from 170 MW each to 190 MW each. This technical upgrade contributed to the plant's total installed capacity of 695 MW. The up-rating process reflects the operational evolution of the facility, allowing for greater energy output from the existing infrastructure on the Wu River. The dam remains operational, continuing its role in the regional energy mix of Guizhou Province.
Geography and Location
The Dongfeng Dam is situated in Guizhou Province, China, positioned on the banks of the Wu River. The structure is located approximately 65 km northwest of the town of Qingzhen, placing it within a distinct topographical setting characteristic of the region's hydrological network. This specific location was selected to maximize the hydroelectric potential of the Wu River, which serves as the primary water source for the power generation facility. The dam's placement allows for the effective regulation of water flow, which is critical for the operation of the associated power station. The Wu River provides the essential hydraulic head required for the arch dam design. The topographical context of the catchment area supports the reservoir's storage capacity, enabling consistent power output. The normal elevation of the reservoir is maintained at 970 m above sea level, a key parameter for the dam's operational efficiency and water management strategies. This elevation ensures adequate pressure for the turbines while balancing the storage needs of the catchment area. The geographical setting of the Dongfeng Dam reflects the strategic planning involved in its construction, which began in 1989. The location's proximity to Qingzhen facilitates logistical access for maintenance and operational activities, although the primary focus remains on the hydroelectric output. The arch dam structure is well-suited to the local terrain, leveraging the natural contours of the Wu River valley to support the water load. This design choice is typical for hydroelectric projects in mountainous or hilly regions like Guizhou, where space and elevation differences are utilized to enhance energy production. The reservoir's elevation of 970 m is a fixed operational parameter that influences the dam's performance. It allows for the regulation of water levels to meet the varying demands of the power station, which has undergone capacity upgrades over time. The geographical features of the area, including the river's flow rate and the surrounding landscape, play a crucial role in the dam's long-term sustainability and efficiency. The location's stability and the river's consistent flow contribute to the reliable operation of the Dongfeng Dam, making it a significant infrastructure asset in the region's energy mix.Power Station Infrastructure
The Dongfeng Dam supports a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 695 MW. The facility is situated on the Wu River in Guizhou Province, China. Construction of the dam infrastructure commenced in 1989, with the first generator becoming operational in 1994 and the final unit coming online in 1995. The power station underwent a capacity up-rating between 2004 and 2005, which increased the output of the individual generator units from 170 MW each to 190 MW.Turbine-Generator Configuration
The power station is equipped with three Francis turbine-generators. The total installed capacity of 695 MW is derived from these three units, each rated at 190 MW following the 2004–2005 up-rating. Prior to this upgrade, each unit had a capacity of 170 MW. The Francis turbine type is commonly used in hydroelectric projects to handle medium head and flow conditions, aligning with the arch dam structure on the Wu River. The operational status of the plant is currently listed as operational.
Infrastructure and Layout
The power station infrastructure includes an underground location on the right bank of the river. This layout is typical for arch dams where space on the crest or immediate abutments is limited, allowing for efficient use of the terrain. The intake system directs water from the reservoir through penstocks to the Francis turbines. After passing through the turbines, the water is discharged via a tailrace tunnel back into the Wu River. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation.
Operational History
The commissioning of the power station occurred in stages, with the first generator operational in 1994 and the last in 1995. The up-rating of the generators between 2004 and 2005 enhanced the plant's output, bringing the total capacity to 695 MW. This upgrade reflects ongoing efforts to maximize the energy yield from the existing infrastructure. The plant continues to operate as a key component of the regional energy mix in Guizhou Province. The operator of the facility is.