On the Prototype Testing and Computer Simulation of St. Lawrence Seaway Hydro-Mechanical Lock Gate Drives

Abstract

This paper presents the computer simulation and the prototype testing of hydro-mechanical drives for mitre gates in St. Lawrence Seaway navigation locks. For the computer simulation, the technique of Power Bond Graph is adopted to obtain the mathematical model of the lock gate drive. A digital computer is used to predict the performance of the lock gate under the actual operating environment. The model takes into account the friction load, wind load, load due to water surging, inertia load and water resistance load. Dynamic performance measurements on a prototype hydro-mechanical mitre gate drives in St. Lawrence Seaway while in operation were carried out. Good correlation exists between the simulation and prototype test results for pressure and torque transients and also in the operating time for gate opening and closing. Based on this investigation, recommendations are made on a single constant power hydraulic drive of 25 HP for operating St. Lawrence Seaway lock gates most economically.