Our Adjustable Weir Solution (AWS)
Our AWS is a solution to maintain optimal levels of hydraulic head and cavitation in hydroelectric generating units. This can be accomplished by eliminating variations in tailwater elevation. For over 100 years, variations in tailwater elevation have never been perceived as a fundamentally solvable problem – until now. Water marks in tailraces worldwide are proof of the hydraulic head loss occurring in all dams of reactive turbines, including Francis, Kaplan, and Bulb turbines. Depending on the dam, our Adjustable Weir Technology can contribute anywhere from 1% up to 10% of incremental power.
Our Method
Our AWS is a method combining lowering of tailrace with the deployment of fail-safe Adjustable Weirs to increase and maintain the net head at an optimal magnitude, while guarding against cavitation.
The entire operation is situated externally of the hydroelectric powerhouse.