Edward Hyatt Powerplant Intake Structure

A major component of the 644-megawatt Oroville Powerplant on the Feather River in California is the sloping, multilevel, temperature-controlling intake structure. This intake is capable of providing the powerplant with over 16,500 cu ft of water per sec. In addition to performing the usual intake function, it also provides a control of the temperature of water passing through the powerplant and downstream. Control is required to avoid damage to downstream agricultural, recreational, and fishlife interests. The intake can vary the temperature of the powerplant discharge by as much as 25°F. The submerged portions of the intake are designed for a pressure differential of 5 ft of head. Pressure regulating devices within the intake channels make this low head design feasible. Special materials are used extensively to reduce maintenance as well as first cost. Submerged rails, fixed metal work, and the entire trashrack system have been fabricated from stainless steel.