BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
Computational Fluid Dynamics Application in Fish Screen Modeling

BPA project number   5503900

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Clouston Energy Research

Sponsor type   OR-Consultant

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   , EWI

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   

Short description
Computer modeling with National Aeronautical and Space Administration's (NASA-Ames Research Center) INS3D award winning Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Used for the verification of a self-cleaning fish screen for both small, medium and large water intake sites.

Project start year   1997    End year   1997

Start of operation and/or maintenance   0

Project development phase   Implementation

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history

Biological results achieved

Annual reports and technical papers

Management implications

Specific measureable objectives
Specific geometry to effect laminar flow pattern in a fluid medium, in this case water. The computational fluid dynamic (CFD) study will contain the elements of computer aided design (CAD) to be applied to hardware fabrication and physical testing. The work will improve fish transport and their safety near water intake sites. It will achieve cost effective fish screen cleaning, thus improved intake reliability. The maintaining of intact fish screens will therefore, reduce fish mortality.

Testable hypothesis
In a fluid medium, geometry have been studied which effect the fluid's flow pattern. Since Bernoulli's principal and its application, to current laminar flow studies at NASA Research Centers and elsewhere, advancements continue in the dynamics of fluid boundary behavior. Lift occurs because of the increase of fluid speed over the curvature of geometry of airfoil and hydrofoils. It will provide a fluid "conveyer belt" due to laminar flow and application of Bernoulli's principal.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
One assumption to be tested by the three dimensional CFD model, is in regards to the safe transport of fish somewhat beyond the intake approach flow. The major source of the fluid intate is from the lower (reservoir) area of the fluid body. And not from the top one-third area of the fluid body where the migrating salmon mainly travels. Laminar flow patterns can transport fish and debris down stream to a point of equal force between the intake and streamline flow.

One constraint is the navigation of the river, because of the screen/intake water depth during a low water year makes site location a critical factor.

Methods
Applications of the factors and forces involved with improved understanding in their application to intake sites and Hydroelectric Dam structures, bypass and gate designs may allow future upgrades. Please envision an airfoil like structure something like an oval clam shell. Perhaps it has an "overbite" which will change flow patterns. A large intake pipe is attached to a dual orifice like a "U" or a "Y" on a horizontal plane in that somewhat opened "clam shell". The intake site will alternate between the two orifice of the structure. Within the orifices there is a "shunt" between them which will allow a back flow of water that enters the opened intake side. The internal shunt will back flush the screen, dislodging any debris on the screen face, on one side relative to the other due to a relaxing of the fluid flow pressure and change of flow pattern on the screen. Above the structure laminar flow patters (streamline) will transport fish beyond the screen area.

Brief schedule of activities
I. A National Aeronautical and Space Administration donation of the software INS3D an award winning three dimensional computational fluid dynamics software to Portland State University. (Contacts; PSU-Prof. Shoguang Li, Prof. Scott Wells Civil Engineering Dept. NASA-Ames, Dr. Dochan Kwak)

Note: The item above has been accomplished.

II. The three dimensional study of a fish screen discussed above.

III. Physical construction in Battelle's lab and/or a field test.

Biological need
Surveys by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have shown that intake sites tend to be in need of repair, replacement or fit with screens. Mortality of fish will be reduced if the screens are used and not left open or if repaired and upgraded.

Critical uncertainties
None identified.

Summary of expected outcome
The expected outcome of the improved fish screen system is first, to improve the salmon survival past man made devices. Secondly, a self-cleaning fish screen will lower maintenance cost due to lower maintenance and cleaning requirements.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
NASA's program called "Mission To The Planet Earth" can number this effort as another way of the "down to Earth" benefits that they are drivers of. Future Civil Engineering students of Prof. Li and Prof. Wells as well as Mechanical Engineering students of Chairman/Prof. Migliore may become more knowledgeable of the requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Division of Bonneville and the Northwest Power Planning Council. as we tackle the problem of fish screen design. Dr. Li and his students at Portland State University have the INS3D software/codes sent from NASA-Ames Research Center to become familiar with it.

Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory with Duane Neitzel can support the project with the lab facilities for physical testing at the lab or field test and monitoring.

NASA has a Scientist exchange program which could create future benefits.

Risks
None identified.

Monitoring activity
Discussion with Battelle has included monitoring activity for a initial period. Continuing monitoring will be an operation and maintenance requirement.

Section 3. Budget

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   Mainstem

Recommendation    Tier 2 - fund when funds available

Recommended funding level   $150,000