Numerical Study on Ice Transport in Vicinity of Niagara River Hydropower Intakes

Abstract

Winter operation of the New York Power Authority's and Ontario Hydro's hydropower generating stations on the Niagara River is affected by the possibility that ice jams might occur in the vicinity of the hydropower plant intakes. In this study, a two dimensional numerical model was used to study the ice transport and jamming processes in the vicinity of hydropower intakes in the upper Niagara River. The model was also used to analyze the effectiveness of several possible structural and operational measures that might be used to mitigate the occurrence of ice jams and improve winter power production.