Optimal Design of the Stiffener Penstock Structure in a Hydropower Station

• Published in: Applied Mechanics and Materials Vol. 438-439; no. Civil Engineering, Architecture and Sustainable Infrastructure II; pp. 561 - 564
• Main Authors: Su, Hai Li, Jia, Qi Pei, Bai, Xin Li
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Zurich Trans Tech Publications Ltd 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Genetic algorithms; Hydroelectric power stations; Optimization; Penstocks; Rings (mathematics); Stability; Stiffeners; Structural steels; Stiffening Ring; Hydropower; Genetic Algorithm (GA); Optimal Design; Stiffener Penstocks
• ISBN: 9783037858820; 3037858826
• ISSN: 1660-9336; 1662-7482; 1662-7482
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.438-439.561

In order to optimize the stiffener penstock structure in hydropower stations, the simple genetic algorithm and the direct search method in traditional optimization methods were integrated, and a new hybrid genetic algorithm was obtained. A mathematical model of the stiffener penstock structure was established, and the constraint expressions were presented for global stability of the penstock under external pressure as well as the local stability of the stiffening ring. The corresponding program was developed and applied to a hydropower station. Results show that compared with the original design, the optimized design of rectangular stiffener rings reduces the penstock wall thickness by 8%, saving steel products 12.9%. The economic benefit of optimization is very considerable.