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The MCX: What It Does And Services It Offers


The Hydropower Evaluation Section of the Power Branch was first established in the 1950's. Since that time, it has completed well over 100 different hydropower studies on a wide range of projects located throughout the Corps of Engineers as well as in foreign countries. This group was designated as a Mandatory Center of Expertise for Hydropower System-Economic Evaluation in 1995. Examples of the services provided by the MCX are presented below by work categories. 

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River System Studies

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Powerplant Rehabilitation Studies

Analyze hydropower output and provide economic evaluations in support of a full range of powerplant equipment rehabilitation studies (e.g., generator rewind and uprate studies, turbine replacement and refurbishment studies, and peripheral electrical equipment studies).   Back to top of list

Miscellaneous Powerplant Studies

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Cost Allocation & Reallocation  Studies

Analyze the hydropower benefit component in cost allocation and water supply reallocation studies for multi-purpose water resource projects. The MCX also conducted water storage reallocation studies, which require the identification of power benefits and revenue forgone due to reallocation of storage for municipal and industrial water supply withdrawals. 

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Power Value Computation


Computation of energy and capacity values to be used in power benefit analysis. Power System Production Cost Models such as PROSYM, POWRSYM, and PC-SAM are maintained for areas throughout the country to calculate power values for all regions. The MCX also provides coordination with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC),  Federal Power Marketing Agencies, and other interested power groups. These values are combined with energy and capacity data to determine power benefits.

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Hydroelectric Design Center Support


HDC serves as the Corps of Engineers Mandatory Center of Expertise (MCX) for hydroelectric and large pumping plant engineering services. The MCX works with the HDC on numerous projects, including collection, compilation and analysis of hydrologic and hydraulic data (needed to develop turbine performance characteristics) and other similar powerplant information. The MCX also works with HDC to determine changes in expected power generation resulting from equipment upgrades and modifications.

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Coordination With Interagency Groups on Power Evaluation Procedures

The MCX has been involved in numerous committees (Water and Energy Task Force, National Hydropower Study, etc.) to develop policy and procedures for planning and analysis of hydropower 

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Training on Hydropower Analysis


The MCX can provide training for others (Corps and nonCorps and representatives of foreign countries) on all aspects of hydropower analysis and economic evaluation of hydropower projects.  Back to top of list

Overseas Assistance by Water Management (WM) & NWD Districts


Updated 7/15/00

Years (& Number of months)

Offices Involved

Recipients

Main Activities

1959 (3)

WM

Central Water & Power Commission, New-Delhi, India

Workshop on Flood Routing Techniques in New Delhi

1964 (2)

WM

UN Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Far East, Bangkok, Thailand 

Planning Trip to Bangkok and Mekong Riparian Countries

1965 (18)

WM

Committee for Coordination of Investigations on the Lower Mekong River Basin

On-the-job training in hydrologic engineering and computer modeling in Portland, OR for 4 Mekong hydrologic engineers

1965 (12)

 

1968-1975

WM

 

WM

Committee for Coordination of Investigations on the Lower Mekong River Basin

On-the-job training in hydropower simulation and computer applications to system analysis in Portland, OR for 6 Mekong engineers.

2 years TDY each for two GS-14 to perform Planning Chief duties

1970 (3)

WM

UN-Development Program 

Streamflow Modeling for the Plattana River in Brazil

1980 (1)

WM, NWP, NWS

People's Republic of China

Field Trip and Review of Longtan Project on the Hanshui River, Kwangsi Province. Included lectures on hydropower, economics and hydro-design items.

1982 (3)

WM

Central America (Guatemala)

Streamflow reconstitution and synthesis using the SSARR model, including staff training in model use

1984 (12)

 

1985 (1)

1988 (1)

WM

 

WM

 

WM

HDC

People's Republic of China

- On-the-job training in hydropower planning for 6 engineers. Review of the 1981 Hangshui River Development Plan. Also, review of the Pearl River Basin Structural Planning, dam design and construction.

- Long range hydropower planning training for 6 engineers.

- Han River Study. Included field visit and Report preparation. Affects navigation and hydropower development

1988 (1)

WM

Republic of South Korea

2-week visit to Pacific NW Hydro system by 2 Korean engineers

1992-1994 (18)

NWP (H&H, Geotech, Design) and NWD TE

Republic of the Philippines

Mt. Pinatubo Recovery Action Plan, for controlling sedimentation and flooding resulting from the June 1991 volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Studies involved sedimentation, flooding, hydrologic and hydraulics, economics, environment, social impacts, and alternative plan selection. Two reports: Interim Action Report -- Pasig-Potrero River Basin, and Recovery Action Plan, Long Term Report.

1999-2000 (12)

NWP (H&H, Econ) and Mobile District

El Salvador

Hurricane Mitch Support: perform near feasibility level studies, prepare flood control plans and execute reconstruction plans in the areas impacted by Hurricane Mitch in southeast El Salvador (10+ streams affecting the livelihood of more than 150,000 people. Also, includes long-term remedial measures, final designs and recommended implementation mechanism and priority. 

On-going

WM and Counsel

US and Canada

- Columbia River Treaty (CRT) Operating Committee: coordination of annual flood control and hydropower generation activities. Also included Libby Dam negotiations.

- CRT’s Permanent Engineering Board: review of boundary WM for compliance with CRT.

- CRT’s Hydromet Committee: coordination of data collection for flood control and WM purposes

- Meeting of the Total Dissolved Gas Transboundary Team.

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Pagemaster: Dinh Quan; (503)808-3979; CENWD-NP-ET-WP
Webmaster:
Mike Stanfill;CENWP-IM-IW
Updated:
Friday, 15-Feb-2002