Understanding and mitigating the negative effects of dynamic river ice processes in the Manitoba Hydro system

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The hydroelectric generating stations owned and operated by Manitoba Hydro (MH) provide over 98% of the energy that powers the entire Province. With the majority of the generating stations in the north, MH's entire hydraulic system is affected by river ice processes for approximately 6 months each and every year. These processes can be extremely complex, often reducing the flow capacity of the river, which negatively impacts the operation and efficiency of the entire MH system. Not only does this reduce potential revenues for MH, but the timing coincides with the peak annual energy demand in the Province during the cold winter months. It is therefore critical for MH to assess and mitigate the negative effects of river ice on their system. However, many of the models currently used to simulate ice processes are overly simplistic and often not based on actual flow physics because of the lack of understanding of these complex processes. The overarching objective of this large scale proposed research project is to address this need to significantly improve our understanding of river ice processes and to incorporate this new knowledge into a comprehensive river ice simulation model. A team of researchers from the University of Manitoba, MH, University of Ottawa and Clarkson University will undertake research in 4 themed areas to tackle the most pressing river ice issues within the MH system: 1) Ice processes between Lake Winnipeg and Jenpeg generating station, 2) Anchor ice mitigation, 3) Ice consolidation processes, and 4) Ice-induced lake storage and release. A combination of extensive field monitoring and cutting-edge laboratory experimentation will be used to collect data to understand these processes. The results will be used to develop new and improved equations that will be incorporated into a comprehensive river ice simulation model. This program will then be used to model critical river sections within the MH system thereby allowing them to forecast, understand, and help mitigate ice-related issues that affect their operations. Throughout the course of this research project a total of 1 post-doctoral fellow, 18 graduate students, and 10 undergraduate students will receive extensive training in the field of river ice engineering.