Tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) play a crucial role in reducing both construction time and costs for pumped storage hydropower (PSH) projects by offering several key advantages:
Advantages of TBMs in PSH Construction
- Efficient Excavation
- Speed and Efficiency: TBMs can excavate tunnels more quickly and efficiently compared to traditional drilling and blasting methods, significantly reducing the time required for tunnel construction. This speed can cut excavation time by up to 50% in some cases.
- Consistency: TBMs maintain a consistent excavation rate, which helps in better project scheduling and resource allocation.
- Reduced Costs
- Less Labor and Equipment: TBMs require less labor and specialized equipment compared to traditional methods, resulting in lower overall labor costs and reduced need for variable equipment.
- Less Waste: By minimizing over-excavation, TBMs reduce the amount of materials that need to be removed and processed, potentially lowering waste management costs.
- Improved Safety
- Controlled Environment: Operation of TBMs provides a more controlled and safer working environment, reducing the risk of accidents associated with blasting and manual excavation.
- Reduced Exposure: Miners are less exposed to harsh conditions like underground water and unstable rock formations, enhancing safety while working at depth.
- Flexibility in Geographical Sites
- Underground Solutions: TBMs enable the construction of PSH facilities in areas without suitable geographical relief by creating underground reservoirs, opening up opportunities in previously unsuitable locations.
- Adaptability: TBMs can be used in diverse geological conditions, allowing projects to proceed in challenging terrain that traditional methods might struggle with.
- Environmental Considerations
- Less Surface Impact: By moving more of the excavation process underground, TBMs help minimize surface disturbance, reducing environmental impact and visual pollution.
Conclusion
The integration of TBMs into PSH construction streamlines the process by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving safety, making them a vital tool for advancing hydropower infrastructure projects.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-tunnel-boring-machines-reduce-the-construction-time-and-costs-for-pumped-storage-hydropower/
