Glencliff Micro-Hydro and Upper Wilson Pond Dam receive ACEC-NH awards
The New Hampshire Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC-NH) recognized two D&K-led projects with Awards for Engineering Excellence. Receiving a Gold Award, Glencliff Micro-Hydro project upgrades a hydroelectric dam that provides a 120-bed off-grid care facility with up to 25% of its power needs. Receiving a Silver Award, the Upper Wilson Pond Dam project introduces a high-efficiency spillway to a public recreation pond located between Swanzey and Keene.
The Glencliff Micro-Hydro project was designed to extend the lifespan and capacity of a circa-1930 hydroelectric project serving a remote, off-grid care facility in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Receiving a Gold Award, the project is a part of a larger energy improvement initiative that aims to leverage existing sustainable on-campus energy sources and improve the efficiency of legacy fossil fuel-based sources. D&K worked closely with partners at the New Hampshire Department of Administrative Services (the owner) to optimize the operation and reliability of the debris collection, hydraulic structure, and powerhouse.
Upgrades include a new Pelton Wheel and generator, remote controls, winter operation optimization, turbine cleanout port, new hoist and rail in the powerhouse, resulting in a 50% increase in power output and reduced maintenance and operation requirements. This project presented complexities due to its small size and rarity among US hydroelectric stations and despite lingering conditions resulting from the pandemic, this project was constructed within its established schedule and budget.
The Upper Wilson Pond Dam project replaces a low-capacity, deteriorating gravity weir spillway structure with a six-cycle labyrinth weir spillway structure in the same footprint. During heavy storm events, the existing 50-ft weir did not have the capacity to pass large storm events, which threatened the stability of the dam. With an effective weir length of 150 ft, the new labyrinth weir substantially increases the capacity and provides a lower maintenance structure over the long term. Additional improvements included the replacement of the low-level outlet, rehabilitation of the embankment, and the addition of a hydrant. The project was municipally funded and constructed on time and within budget.
