Experimental Investigation of Water Discharge Capability According to Shape of Sluice for Tidal Power Generation - I. Physical Experiment

An hydraulic experiment was carried out in an open channel flume in order to improve the technique of designing shape of the sluice used for tidal power generation, which greatly affects the economical efficiency of the construction of a tidal power plant. To predict the influence of change in the major design parameters relating to the sluice shape on the water discharge capability of the sluice, it was necessary to perform a precise experiment that is discriminated to previous feasibility studies or design projects. For this purpose, by installing various flow straighteners and rectifying structures inside the water supply system and the rectifying tank, the flow in the flume was stabilized as tranquil as possible. In addition, the measuring instruments and the location of installing them were carefully determined so as to minimize the errors intervened during the measurement of water discharge and water level. The method of estimating head difference between upstream and downstream of the sluice was also developed by taking account of the head loss due to the friction at the bottom and side walls in the flume.