Overview
Piran Dam is an operational hydroelectric powerplant located in Iran. The facility is situated on the Piran stream, positioned approximately 6.2 km (3.9 mi) east of the town of Piran within Sarpol-e Zahab County, Kermanshah Province. As a stone and concrete structure, the dam serves as a key component of the local energy infrastructure, harnessing water resources to generate electricity with an installed capacity of 8.4 MW. The project represents a significant investment in the region's hydroelectric potential, contributing to the power supply in Kermanshah Province.
Development and Construction Timeline
The development of the Piran Dam spanned more than two decades, beginning with preliminary studies initiated in 1989. These initial investigations laid the groundwork for the engineering and environmental assessments necessary for the project. All required studies were completed by the year 2000, marking the conclusion of the planning and analysis phase. Following the completion of the studies, the project moved into the procurement stage, with the main contractor selected in 2007. This selection was a critical milestone that enabled the transition from planning to physical construction.
Construction of the dam officially commenced in 2008, transforming the site on the Piran stream. The building process involved the erection of the stone and concrete structures required to hold back the water and drive the hydroelectric turbines. The project reached its completion milestone with the inauguration of the dam on 24 November 2011. This date marks the official entry of the facility into operational status, allowing it to begin contributing to the regional grid. The total cost of the project exceeded US$15 million, reflecting the scale of the engineering works and the duration of the development process from initial studies to final inauguration.
Engineering and Infrastructure
Piran Dam is classified as a stone and concrete hydroelectric structure situated on the Piran stream. The dam serves as the primary infrastructure for a hydroelectric power generation project that became operational in 2011.
Construction and Project Timeline
The development of the Piran Dam followed a multi-phase engineering and construction schedule spanning two decades. Preliminary studies for the project commenced in 1989, establishing the initial technical and geographical parameters for the site. These studies continued through the following years, with all necessary engineering assessments and planning completed by the year 2000. Following the conclusion of the study phase, the project moved toward execution, with the main contractor for the construction works selected in 2007.
Physical construction of the dam structure began in 2008, marking the transition from planning to active site development. The total financial cost of the Piran Dam project was recorded at more than US$15 million, reflecting the investment required for the stone and concrete infrastructure and associated hydroelectric systems.
Technical Specifications
The Piran Dam functions as a hydroelectric powerplant with a primary energy source of water. The facility has an installed electrical capacity of 8.4 MW, providing power generation capabilities for the local grid in Kermanshah Province. The dam is currently in operational status, having been commissioned in 2011. The structural design utilizes a combination of stone and concrete materials, typical for regional hydroelectric infrastructure in Iran. Specific details regarding reservoir capacity, transfer channels, and additional technical parameters are defined by the preliminary studies completed in 2000 and the construction specifications implemented between 2008 and 2011.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Hydroelectric Powerplant |
| Structure Type | Stone and Concrete Dam |
| Location | Piran stream, Sarpol-e Zahab County, Kermanshah Province, Iran |
| Distance from Piran | 6.2 km (3.9 mi) east |
| Installed Capacity | 8.4 MW |
| Commissioning Date | 24 November 2011 |
| Operational Status | Operational |
| Project Cost | More than US$15 million |
| Preliminary Studies | 1989–2000 |
| Construction Period | 2008–2011 |
Power Generation Equipment
The Piran Dam hydroelectric powerplant is designed with an installed capacity of 8.4 MW, utilizing water as its primary energy source. This operational facility, located on the Piran stream in Sarpol-e Zahab County, Kermanshah Province, Iran, represents a specific technical configuration suited to the hydraulic characteristics of the local watershed. The power generation equipment is critical to the plant's ability to convert the potential energy of the stored water into electrical output, ensuring stable power delivery to the regional grid since its inauguration in 2011.
Turbine and Generator Specifications
The power generation system at Piran Dam features specialized equipment manufactured by Ghet Hydro Energy and WEG. These manufacturers supplied the core electromechanical components necessary for the plant's operation. The choice of Pelton turbines indicates that the hydraulic head and flow rate of the Piran stream are optimized for impulse turbine technology. Pelton wheels are particularly effective in hydroelectric schemes with high head and relatively low flow, which aligns with the stone and concrete dam structure built to elevate the water level significantly above the turbine intake. This technology allows for efficient energy extraction from the water jet, impacting the buckets of the turbine runner to drive the generator shaft.
The generators produced by WEG and Ghet Hydro Energy are integral to converting the mechanical rotation of the Pelton turbines into electrical energy. The coordination between the turbine runner and the generator stator and rotor ensures that the 8.4 MW capacity is achieved under optimal operating conditions. The equipment selection reflects the engineering decisions made during the construction phase, which began in 2008 following the selection of the main contractor in 2007. The preliminary studies conducted between 1989 and 2000 would have determined the precise hydraulic parameters that dictated the specific model and size of the Pelton turbines and generators installed. This technical setup ensures that the dam, which cost more than US$15 million, operates efficiently within the Kermanshah Province energy infrastructure.
Construction History
This early phase focused on assessing the hydrological potential of the Piran stream, located approximately 6.2 km east of the village of Piran in Sarpol-e Zahab County, Kermanshah Province, Iran. The extensive planning period was necessary to finalize the engineering designs for the stone and concrete structure that would eventually serve as a key hydroelectric asset in the region. All technical and feasibility studies for the project were completed by the year 2000, marking the conclusion of the initial investigative phase.
Following the completion of the studies, the project entered a procurement and contracting stage. The main contractor for the construction was selected in 2007, setting the stage for physical development. This selection process was a critical milestone, bridging the gap between the long period of study and the active construction phase. The formal start of construction on the dam occurred in 2008. This phase involved the building of the stone and concrete hydroelectric dam, which was designed to harness the water flow of the Piran stream for power generation. The construction work proceeded over several years, culminating in the inauguration of the facility.
The Piran Dam was officially inaugurated on 24 November 2011. This date marked the operational commencement of the hydroelectric powerplant, which has a capacity of 8.4 MW. The total cost of the project was reported to be more than US$15 million. The successful completion of the dam represented the final stage of a long-term infrastructure investment in Kermanshah Province. The facility remains operational, contributing to the regional energy mix through its hydroelectric generation capabilities. The timeline from the initial studies in 1989 to the inauguration in 2011 highlights the extended duration typical of such hydroelectric projects in Iran, involving significant preliminary analysis, contractor selection, and construction phases.
Why it matters
The Piran Dam serves as a localized but functional component of the hydroelectric infrastructure within Kermanshah Province, Iran. As an operational facility with a capacity of 8.4 MW, it contributes to the regional energy mix by harnessing the flow of the Piran stream. The project's development timeline, spanning from preliminary studies initiated in 1989 to its inauguration on 24 November 2011, reflects a methodical approach to small-scale hydroelectric development in the area. All necessary studies for the project were completed by 2000, with the main contractor selected in 2007, leading to the commencement of construction in 2008. The total cost of the project exceeded US$15 million, indicating a significant investment for a dam of this scale.
Local Energy Infrastructure Context
Within Sarpol-e Zahab County, the Piran Dam represents a dedicated effort to utilize local water resources for power generation. Located approximately 6.2 km east of Piran, the stone and concrete structure is strategically positioned to capture the hydrological potential of the Piran stream. This location choice underscores the importance of site-specific hydrology in determining the viability of small hydroelectric projects in the Kermanshah Province. The operational status of the dam since 2011 means it has been contributing to the local grid for over a decade, providing a consistent source of renewable energy. The 8.4 MW capacity, while modest compared to major national hydroelectric giants, is significant for local distribution networks and can help stabilize power supply in the immediate vicinity of Sarpol-e Zahab.
Comparative Scale and Economic Impact
The scale of the Piran Dam is best understood in the context of small to medium-sized hydroelectric installations in Iran. With a cost of more than US$15 million, the economic commitment was substantial for a single 8.4 MW output facility. This cost structure highlights the engineering and logistical challenges associated with constructing stone and concrete dams in the topography of Kermanshah Province. The project's longevity from study to completion—over two decades—also reflects the phased investment strategy often employed in regional infrastructure development. The dam's operation provides a renewable energy source that complements other forms of power generation in the province, contributing to energy diversity. The specific location on the Piran stream allows for targeted energy production that can be efficiently integrated into the local distribution system, reducing transmission losses compared to more distant power sources. The successful inauguration in 2011 marked the culmination of years of planning and construction, establishing a lasting piece of energy infrastructure for the region.
How does the Piran Dam generate power?
The Piran Dam generates electricity through a run-of-river hydroelectric process that utilizes the natural elevation difference of the Piran stream. Located approximately 6.2 km east of Piran in Sarpol-e Zahab County, the facility captures water flow to drive turbines with a total installed capacity of 8.4 MW. The infrastructure is designed to manage water intake and conveyance efficiently without requiring a massive reservoir, characteristic of stone and concrete dam constructions in the Kermanshah Province region.
Water Intake and Conveyance Infrastructure
The power generation cycle begins with water being diverted from the Piran stream through the main dam structure. The dam, which is constructed from stone and concrete, serves as the primary barrier that regulates the flow. Water is channeled into the system via specific hydraulic infrastructure designed to minimize energy loss before reaching the turbine hall. The project's design, finalized after studies completed in 2000, incorporates siphon pipes to transport water from the intake point to the powerhouse. These siphon pipes are critical components that allow water to cross terrain variations while maintaining the necessary pressure head for efficient turbine operation.
Following the siphon stage, the water flows through an outlet channel that directs it toward the generating units. This channel ensures a steady and controlled delivery of water to the turbines, optimizing the kinetic energy transfer. The structural integrity of the stone and concrete materials allows the dam to withstand the hydraulic pressures exerted by the Piran stream, ensuring consistent operation since its inauguration on 24 November 2011. The cost of this infrastructure exceeded US$15 million, reflecting the investment in the mechanical and civil works required for the siphon and channel systems.
Turbine Operation and Power Output
Once the water reaches the turbine hall, it drives the generators to produce electrical energy. The 8.4 MW capacity indicates the plant's ability to convert the potential and kinetic energy of the water into electricity under optimal flow conditions. The turbines are selected to match the head and flow rate characteristics of the Piran stream, ensuring efficient energy conversion. After passing through the turbines, the water is discharged back into the river system, completing the hydroelectric cycle. This operational model allows the Piran Dam to contribute to the local grid in Kermanshah Province, leveraging the natural hydrology of the region for sustainable power generation.
What are the key specifications of the Piran Dam?
The facility operates as a hydroelectric powerplant with a total installed capacity of 8.4 MW. The dam is currently operational, having been officially inaugurated on 24 November 2011.
Project Timeline and Costs
All necessary studies for the project were completed by the year 2000. The selection of the main contractor occurred in 2007, which was followed by the commencement of construction in 2008. The total cost of the project exceeded US$15 million.
Technical Specifications
The following table summarizes the key specifications of the Piran Dam based on available project data. Note that specific dimensions such as height, crest length, and reservoir volume are not explicitly detailed in the primary source text, but the structural composition is defined as stone and concrete.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Hydroelectric Powerplant |
| Location | Piran stream, 6.2 km east of Piran, Sarpol-e Zahab County, Kermanshah Province, Iran |
| Structure Type | Stone and Concrete |
| Installed Capacity | 8.4 MW |
| Commissioning Date | 24 November 2011 |
| Construction Start | 2008 |
| Project Cost | > US$15 million |
| Preliminary Studies | Started 1989; Completed 2000 |
| Contractor Selection | 2007 |
The dam serves as a key infrastructure component for local energy generation in the Kermanshah Province. The use of stone and concrete construction methods is typical for regional hydroelectric projects in Iran, providing durability against local geological conditions. The project's long timeline from initial study to inauguration reflects the phased approach often taken in regional infrastructure development in the area.