Fishbelly gate, Dolgarrog

Dolgarrog, Fishbelly Gate

Dolgarrog hydro electric power station is fed with water from the Conwy reservoir. After a series of studies evaluating the management of water and in particular the effect of loss of generation caused during period of spill water, it was decided to uprate and reinstate the Llyn Eigiau reservoir. This was to be used to hold water during periods of high flow when water would otherwise have been wasted.

The site is high in the hills above Dolgarrog and was required to operate on an unmanned basis.

In 1995 KGAL were appointed by National Power to design the steel structure as well as the associated mechanical and electrical aspects of the works. Coordination with the civil works designed Binnie, Black and Veatch Ltd was also required.

In view of the importance placed on safety, the entire fish belly gate structure was subjected to a finite element analysis, prior to development of the detailed design.

KGAL developed a full design, together with associated risk assessments, specifications and procedures to enable the Client to go to competitive tender. The work included the development of a software control algorithm to enable the site to provide full automatic management facilities.

CLIENT: National Power plc

CIVIL WORKS CONSULTANT: Binnie, Black and Veatch Ltd