Complementary Methods for Determining the Sedimentation and Flushing in a Reservoir

This study analyzes the changes expected in the Paute River in Ecuador as a result of the future construction of the Paute-Cardenillo Dam (owned by Celec Ep-Hidropaute). The project must remain in use throughout its projected useful life. For this reason, the operational rules at the reservoir need to consider sedimentation effects. Four complementary methods are used to study the sediment transport and flushing. Empirical formulas and one-dimentional (1D) simulations are used to estimate sedimentation in the reservoir. Two-dimensional simulations allow the analysis of a 72-h flushing operation in the reservoir. Three-dimensional simulations show the detail of the sediment transport through bottom outlets, where the effect of increasing the roughness due to the sediment transport in the bottom outlets is considered. The results demonstrate the utility of crossing different methods to achieve adequate resolution in the calculation of sedimentation and flushing operation in reservoirs.