Analysis of Environmental Vibration Propagation from Pipeline Systems in Pumped Storage Power Stations

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202506302

Author(s)

Shuliang Guo

Affiliation(s)

Chongqing Industry & Trade Polytechnic, Chongqing, China

Abstract

Environmental vibration propagation from high-pressure pipeline systems represents a critical challenge in pumped storage power stations (PSPs), affecting structural integrity, equipment reliability, and ecological surroundings. This study establishes a multi-path vibration propagation model integrating fluid-structure interaction (FSI), soil-structure coupling, and hydraulic transient dynamics. Through high-resolution numerical simulations validated against field measurements from three PSPs, we quantify frequency-dependent attenuation characteristics across different geological strata and operational scenarios. Results demonstrate that cavitation-induced pressure pulsations amplify vibration amplitudes by 42-67% during turbine-to-pump transitions compared to steady states, with low-frequency components (<30 Hz) propagating 2.8 times farther than mid-range frequencies. The direct coupling methodology for FSI modeling reduces prediction errors by 18.3% compared to conventional additional mass approaches. Our proposed integrated mitigation framework, combining tuned mass dampers, optimized support configurations, and asymmetric lining materials, achieves 51.2% vibration energy reduction in prototype testing. These findings provide a foundation for ecologically sensitive PSP design in seismically active regions.

Keywords

Pumped Storage; Vibration Propagation; Fluid-Structure Interaction; Cavitation; Environmental Impact; Vibration Mitigation

References

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