Utilizing lessons learned at Lock 12 (Ravenna Hydroelectric Project located downstream that used vertical Flygt turbines and competed by AHA in 2021); repurpose an abandoned USACE lock to house a new powerhouse capable of withstanding floods that overtop the lock wall by up to 23.5 feet. Keep the in-river construction footprint within the lock chamber, reducing construction costs associated with cofferdaming and dewatering. Develop a repeatable design for other locks on the Kentucky River. Improve on keeping operation and maintenance as simple as possible; Lock 12 had the same goals but used different units, and simplifying operations and maintenance were big items to improve on.
Working with AHA, we pivoted to Voith StreamDiver horizontal bulb turbines. We then went through multiple iterations of various concepts, looking to simplify construction and later operation and maintenance, landing on a solution that utilized a horizontal trashrack system that eliminated mechanical making, instead relying on a rubber dam above the units to maintain headpond and flush the racks to clear debris. Eliminated the headgates in favor of the Voith StreamDiver’s integrated knife gates, eliminating the need to have structures sticking up above the lock walls and impacting flood levels.
Brought robust hydro experience to balance out the AHA team’s focused technical experience (mechanical and electrical). Developed a simpler operational set-up that reduced mechanical components (no trashraker or headgates) that have trouble with submergence and require continuous maintenance. Overall design reduced construction costs by eliminating the equipment and the overall concrete.
Regional Vice President
Steve Layman, Ph.D.
“I really enjoy the energy and collaborative spirit for sound science and creative solutions that protect the environment here at Kleinschmidt.” Steven Layman has over 35 years of hydropower-specific experience and is Kleinschmidt’s Southeast Region Vice President. Steve is a senior aquatic ecologist and fisheries biologist who specializes in leading ecological assessments and managing project...