High-head penstocks for the 531 MW Alto Maipo hydro project, Chile

The Alto Maipo scheme in Chile, which comprises two high head powerplants operating in tandem, involves a complex system of waterways. This paper describes the hydraulic transient analysis and design of the penstock steel lining for both plants. The aim of the study was to optimize the construction and cost of the surge facilities for both plants, and to confirm the internal pressures for design of the penstock steel lining, with heads of up to 1160 m.