Overview
Tienlun Dam is a concrete gravity dam situated on the Dajia River in Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan. Constructed between 1952 and 1956, the facility serves as a critical component of the regional hydroelectric infrastructure, functioning as the fourth dam in a cascade of hydroelectric installations along the Dajia River. It is located upstream from the Ma'an Dam and downstream of the Kukuan Dam, forming an integral part of the sequential water management and power generation system in the area.
Technical Specifications and Capacity
The dam features a height of 48.2 m and a length of 91 m. It provides a storage capacity of 590,000 m3, which supports its role in regulating water flow for downstream operations. The associated hydroelectric power plant has an installed capacity of 195 MW, contributing significantly to the local energy grid. The facility has been operational since its commissioning in 1956, maintaining a consistent role in Taiwan's hydropower sector.
Location and Cascade Context
Located in Heping District, Taichung, the dam benefits from the topographical advantages of the Dajia River basin. Its position within the cascade system allows for optimized water usage, where the outflow from Tienlun Dam feeds into the subsequent Ma'an Dam. This strategic placement enhances the efficiency of power generation across the multiple stages of the hydroelectric network. The concrete gravity design ensures structural stability, leveraging the weight of the dam to resist the horizontal force of the water.
History and Construction
The construction of the Tienlun Dam was executed between 1952 and 1956, establishing a critical infrastructure node on the Dajia River in Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan. This four-year building period culminated in the dam's commissioning in 1956, marking the completion of the fourth facility in the strategic cascade of hydroelectric dams developed along the river system. The project was situated within a specific geographical sequence, located upstream from the Ma'an Dam and downstream of the Kukuan Dam, integrating into the broader energy infrastructure of the region.
Engineering and Structural Development
The Tienlun Dam was constructed as a concrete gravity dam, a design choice that leverages the weight of the structure to resist the horizontal force of the water. The construction activities spanned from 1952 to 1956, during which the concrete structure was erected to harness the hydraulic potential of the Dajia River. The completion of the dam in 1956 provided a foundational element for the hydroelectric generation capacity in the area, contributing to the operational status that the facility maintains today. The structural integrity of the concrete gravity design has supported the dam's function since its inception, serving as a key component in the water management and power generation strategy for the Dajia River basin.
Integration into the Dajia River Cascade
The inception of the Tienlun Dam in 1956 was not an isolated event but part of a coordinated development plan for the Dajia River. As the fourth dam in the cascade, its construction followed the establishment of earlier facilities and preceded or coincided with the development of downstream structures. The positioning of the Tienlun Dam upstream from the Ma'an Dam and downstream of the Kukuan Dam reflects a strategic layout designed to optimize water flow and energy extraction along the river's course. This cascading arrangement allows for the sequential utilization of water resources, where the outflow from one dam can contribute to the inflow of the next, enhancing the overall efficiency of the hydroelectric system. The construction period from 1952 to 1956 thus represents a pivotal phase in the modernization of Taiwan's hydroelectric infrastructure, specifically within the Taichung region.
Engineering and Technical Specifications
This engineering approach is typical for hydroelectric facilities of its era and location, providing stability against the flow of the Dajia River in Heping District, Taichung. The dam serves as the fourth component in a cascade of hydroelectric installations along the river, positioned strategically between the Kukuan Dam upstream and the Ma'an Dam downstream.
Structural Dimensions
The physical dimensions of the Tienlun Dam reflect its role within the regional hydroelectric network. The structure stands at a height of 48.2 m, a specification that determines the hydraulic head available for power generation. The crest of the dam spans a length of 91 m, accommodating the width of the river valley at that specific point. These measurements are critical for understanding the scale of the concrete volume required and the foundation engineering necessary to support the gravity load on the Dajia River bed.
Storage and Reservoir Capacity
The reservoir created by the Tienlun Dam has a total storage capacity of 590,000 m3. This volume of water is managed to optimize the flow for the downstream hydroelectric turbines, contributing to the plant's operational status and its 195 MW capacity. The storage capability allows for regulation of the river flow, ensuring consistent water supply for power generation even during varying seasonal inflows from the upper reaches of the Dajia River basin.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Concrete gravity |
| Height | 48.2 m |
| Length | 91 m |
| Storage Capacity | 590,000 m3 |
| Installed Capacity | 195 MW |
| Commissioning Year | 1956 |
| River | Dajia River |
| Location | Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan |
Hydroelectric Operations and Power Generation
The Tienlun Dam functions as a critical node within the hydroelectric cascade on the Dajia River in Taichung, Taiwan. As the fourth dam in this specific sequence, it is situated upstream from the Ma'an Dam and downstream of the Kukuan Dam. The facility was constructed between 1952 and 1956, establishing a concrete gravity structure that has remained operational for decades. Its primary role is to harness the water flow of the Dajia River for power generation, contributing to the regional energy infrastructure of the island.
Power Station Configuration
The power station associated with the Tienlun Dam has a total installed capacity of 195 MW. This capacity is derived from a specific arrangement of turbine units designed to optimize the river's flow characteristics. The station features one primary turbine with a capacity of 105 MW. In addition to this main unit, the configuration includes four secondary turbines, each rated at 22.5 MW. This combination of one large unit and four smaller units allows for flexible operation depending on the seasonal variations in water availability on the Dajia River.
Annual Energy Output
Under normal operational conditions, the Tienlun Dam generates approximately 557 million kWh of electricity annually. This output is a significant contribution to the local grid, leveraging the consistent flow of the Dajia River. The dam's position in the cascade allows it to benefit from the regulated flow from the upstream Kukuan Dam while also feeding into the downstream Ma'an Dam, creating an integrated system of hydroelectric power generation. The concrete gravity design ensures stability and longevity, supporting continuous power production since its commissioning in 1956.
Role in the Dajia River Cascade
The Tienlun Dam functions as a critical component within the larger hydroelectric infrastructure network of the Dajia River in Taiwan. Specifically, it serves as the fourth structure in a strategic cascade of dams designed to maximize energy generation along the river’s course. This positioning is not arbitrary; the sequential arrangement allows for the regulated flow of water from upstream reservoirs to downstream facilities, optimizing turbine efficiency and power output across the entire system.
Cascade Positioning
Located in Heping District, Taichung, the dam is situated between two other major hydroelectric structures. It lies downstream of the Kukuan Dam, which feeds into the Tienlun reservoir, and upstream of the Ma’an Dam, which receives the outflow from Tienlun. This middle-tier position in the cascade means that Tienlun benefits from the initial water volume and head provided by the upper reaches of the river, while also regulating the flow for the lower sections.
The concrete gravity design of the Tienlun Dam, completed in 1956, was chosen to withstand the specific hydrological pressures of this section of the Dajia River. As part of the cascade, it contributes to the total installed capacity of the river’s hydroelectric system, with its individual capacity standing at 195 MW. The coordinated operation of these dams allows for flexible power generation, adapting to seasonal variations in water flow and electricity demand.
Dajia River Cascade Order
| Position | Dam Name | Relative Location |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream | Kukuan Dam | Feeds into Tienlun |
| Fourth | Tienlun Dam | Central cascade position |
| Downstream | Ma’an Dam | Receives outflow from Tienlun |
This structured arrangement ensures that the Dajia River’s potential energy is harnessed efficiently. The Tienlun Dam’s role is thus both independent, with its own 195 MW output, and interdependent, relying on the flow management of its neighbors in the cascade. This integration is a hallmark of modern hydroelectric planning in Taiwan, where multiple dams work in concert to provide a stable and renewable energy source for the region.
What distinguishes Tienlun Dam from other dams in Taiwan?
Tienlun Dam is distinguished by its specific structural classification as a concrete gravity dam, a design choice that defines its operational mechanics within the Dajia River system. Unlike arch or embankment dams that rely on shape or material weight distribution in different ways, the gravity design of Tienlun relies on its own mass to resist the horizontal force of the water. This structural type is a key identifier for the facility, which is situated in Heping District, Taichung, Taiwan. The dam’s role is further defined by its position in the regional hydroelectric infrastructure, serving as the fourth unit in a cascade of hydroelectric dams along the Dajia River.
Position within the Dajia Cascade
The operational context of Tienlun Dam is intrinsically linked to its neighbors in the Dajia River cascade. This sequential arrangement is critical for understanding its function; as the fourth dam in the series, Tienlun manages water flow that has already passed through preceding structures, influencing its head and flow characteristics relative to the broader system. The cascade configuration allows for coordinated power generation along the river, with Tienlun acting as a specific node in this linear energy infrastructure. The proximity to Ma'an and Kukuan defines its geographic and hydrological boundaries within the Taichung region.
Capacity and Operational History
With an installed capacity of 195 MW, Tienlun Dam represents a significant contribution to the local power grid. This capacity level places it as a substantial generator within the Dajia River system, though specific comparative capacity figures for the immediate neighboring dams are not detailed in the primary source snippets beyond their positional relationship. The dam has maintained an operational status since its commissioning in 1956. The construction period spanned from 1952 to 1956, indicating a four-year build phase that established the concrete gravity structure. This long-standing operation since the mid-20th century highlights the durability of the gravity design and the sustained importance of the Dajia River for hydroelectric power generation in Taiwan. The facility continues to function as a key component of the country's renewable energy infrastructure, leveraging the consistent flow of the Dajia River to produce electricity.
Why it matters
Tienlun Dam serves as a critical node within the Dajia River cascade, contributing significantly to Taiwan’s regional hydroelectric infrastructure. As a concrete gravity dam with an installed capacity of 195 MW, it provides a reliable source of renewable energy to the Taichung area and the broader national grid. Its operational status, maintained since its commissioning in 1956, underscores the durability and strategic importance of mid-20th-century hydroelectric developments in Taiwan. The dam’s position as the fourth in the Dajia River cascade—situated upstream from the Ma'an Dam and downstream of the Kukuan Dam—highlights its role in optimizing water flow and energy generation efficiency across the river system.
Regional Energy Contribution
The Tienlun Dam plays a vital role in stabilizing electricity supply in central Taiwan. Hydroelectric power, characterized by its flexibility and relatively low carbon footprint, complements other energy sources such as thermal and solar power in the region. The 195 MW capacity of Tienlun Dam represents a substantial contribution to the local energy mix, particularly during peak demand periods. This capacity is achieved through the strategic management of water resources on the Dajia River, ensuring consistent power output even during seasonal variations in rainfall.
Furthermore, the dam’s integration into the Dajia River cascade enhances the overall efficiency of hydroelectric generation in the area. By coordinating water releases and storage among the Kukuan, Tienlun, and Ma'an dams, operators can maximize energy production while minimizing water loss. This coordinated approach not only boosts the reliability of the power supply but also supports the integration of variable renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, by providing flexible baseload and peaking power.
Water Management and Environmental Impact
Beyond its energy generation capabilities, Tienlun Dam is instrumental in water management for the Heping District and surrounding areas. The dam regulates water flow on the Dajia River, which is crucial for agricultural irrigation, municipal water supply, and ecological balance. Effective water management helps mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods, ensuring a steady water supply for both human consumption and industrial use.
The environmental impact of Tienlun Dam is also notable. As a concrete gravity dam, it alters the natural flow of the Dajia River, affecting aquatic ecosystems and sediment transport. However, the dam’s design and operational strategies aim to minimize these impacts, balancing energy production with environmental sustainability. The cascade system, including Tienlun Dam, allows for more controlled water releases, which can help maintain river health and support biodiversity.
Historical and Engineering Significance
Constructed between 1952 and 1956, Tienlun Dam is a testament to the engineering prowess of mid-20th-century Taiwan. The dam’s construction was part of a broader effort to modernize Taiwan’s infrastructure and boost its economic development. The use of concrete gravity design reflects the engineering standards of the time, emphasizing durability and efficiency. The dam’s continued operation for over six decades highlights the quality of its construction and the effectiveness of its maintenance strategies.
The historical significance of Tienlun Dam extends beyond its technical achievements. It represents a key milestone in Taiwan’s energy transition, marking the shift from reliance on thermal power to a more diversified energy mix that includes significant hydroelectric contributions. The dam’s role in the Dajia River cascade exemplifies the strategic planning and engineering innovation that have characterized Taiwan’s approach to energy infrastructure development.