Alden Lab

04/18/2024

Sometimes the best way to make an impression is to throw on a pair of waders and dive in.

At least, that's what we did with these visiting 8th graders during their field trip to the lab at the Alden Campus. The class was visiting as part of their STEM week to see real-world applications of science, math, engineering, and technology.

In this activity, a seine net was deployed in our pond to retrieve a variety of fish. Students were given the opportunity to measure and identify species of freshwater fish as they discussed the importance of biodiversity and health of waterbodies.

Since our founding 130 years ago, we have hosted myriad students, believing in the power of hands-on learning to positively impact the next generation of scientists and engineers. From elementary to college-level classes, we are eager to share our knowledge with the future stewards of our environment.

Waders are optional.

04/06/2024

A little snow couldn’t stop this group. Happy to host this workshop once again. And good luck to all the teams when they compete at the annual state competition!

03/21/2024

Hydropower fuels our grids with clean, renewable energy. But over time, output from turbine-generators can decrease due to age, wear, or material fatigue, and new units can outshine their aging counterparts with better overall performance. And as we all know, repairs, upgrades, or replacements don't come cheap. So when weighing capital improvements to boost unit performance, doesn't it make sense to test and verify if the unit performance gains meet expectations?

To learn more about why you should test a turbine, why matters, and more importantly, how testing can help hydropower owners secure like the new U.S. Department of Energy Section (DOE) 243 funding program, check out this article in the March edition of Hydro Leader: https://ow.ly/uClS50QZ4F2

Pictured: An Alden engineer is a scroll case, locating taps as part of performance testing.

02/22/2024

He’s a natural!

Huge thank you to Dr. Ben Mater of Alden Lab for presenting last week! He shared methods and challenges in modeling hydraulic structures using computational fluid dynamics in the development of nature-like fishways.

Our water seminar series continues this afternoon with Jeff Drager from Northern Water. Drager will discuss the role of Northern Water in addressing Colorado's water needs, the Platte River Recovery and Implementation Program, and the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. Join us TODAY at 4:00pm in Engineering 120!

For the full seminar schedule plus speaker abstracts and bios, please visit:
https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/events/water-seminar/

02/15/2024

Great work, Ben!

For last week's water seminar, Prof. Frances Davenport shared her research on predicting extreme weather events, and the economic impact associated with extreme precipitation. Her research indicates climate change has contributed to an estimated $73 billion in damages over 30 years. 😱 Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Davenport!

Our water seminar series continues this afternoon with Dr. Ben Mater from Alden Lab. Mater will discuss the use of computational fluid dynamics in designing nature-like fishways around in-stream structures. Join us at 4:00pm in Engineering 120!

For the full seminar schedule plus speaker abstracts and bios, please visit:
https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/events/water-seminar/

01/22/2024

Physical models have been used for decades to evaluate design and operational issues of hydraulic structures such as pump stations. When properly conducted, a physical model can reliablably predict unacceptable hydraulic conditions including fluctuating phenomena or short-term extreme values like transient vortex activity and unsteady swirl or point velocities—key metrics used to evaluate the performance of a design. That's why only can be used to show compliance with the Hydraulic Institute Standard acceptance criteria.

Experts in our labs in Holden, Massachusetts and Anderson, South Carolina regularly use physical models as tools to evaluate pump station design efficacy and/or derive modifcations leading to acceptable intake designs to help minimize risk and save millions of dollars in post-construction retrofits. Contact us if you want to learn more: https://ow.ly/Gs6050Qt6xC

12/21/2023

May this season bring you joy and a few unexpected surprises. Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Pictured: an undated image from an album labeled “Winter as Usual at the Lab.” It was cold. There were engineers. 🤷

12/19/2023

Physical model studies often help to verify CFD model results and further refine designs beyond what is possible with CFD. In the case of this spillway model, the physical modeling picked up where the initial CFD analysis left off and helped the client evaluate the effectiveness of energy dissipation measures and improve the stilling basin performance. The design modifications tested with the physical model resulted in lowered excavation and constructions costs for the end-client.

12/06/2023

More bubbles, less troubles. At least, that's the intent behind this week's testing of an air bubble curtain being evaluated for floating debris management. The flume testing is designed to help an EPRI member client generate site-specific performance and hydraulic data to support a planned spring pilot study and inform CFD modeling prior to full deployment.

Learn more about the innovative testing and research supported by the lab's large test flume: https://ow.ly/EoCi50Qg9H4

12/01/2023

Pay no attention to the man beneath the curtain—he's just collecting bathymetric data to support a fish passage alternatives analysis. This study was conducted for a client as part their FERC licensing requirements. Our team of trusted experts routinely helps hydropower clients with engineering, agency consultation, design, and construction support. Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02bGgqb0

11/23/2023

🦃 Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

We are grateful for our employees and the clients we serve. Make this holiday season one to remember with the family and friends you love.

11/16/2023

A reliable measurement of power plant feedwater flow rate is essential for optimal plant control, performance monitoring, and performance improvements. Do you know how accurate your measurements are?

Our renowned flow meter services and associated research can help you improve heat rates and optimize performance in your plant. Curious? Let's talk about your plant's heat flow rate. https://hubs.la/Q0298DGN0

Pictured: a custom pipe loop is ready for testing in the lab's CM Allen High Reynolds Number Facility. Achieving a high Reynolds number and a low level of uncertainty are the hallmarks of our Allen test facility in Holden, Massachusetts.