Challenge
The City of Norway, in Michigan approached Pinpoint Laser Systems for a customized application to measure the potential movement of a hydroelectric dam as the water level behind the dam changed in elevation.
These movements were very small and are likely to take place over an extended period of time.
Given the size of the dam, this measurement needed to be made over a significant distance in an outdoor environment that included rain, challenging weather, and potential vandalism over an extended period.
Solution
The engineers at Pinpoint Laser Systems chose the Microgage 2D for this application. From there, specialized mounts and durable weather enclosures were made to meet the customer’s specific needs.
However, the system needed some customizations. The laser transmitter was modified to work over a greater distance of 150 feet. It was also mounted in a stainless steel, weather tight, enclosure designed by Pinpoint Laser Systems, and then mounted on the shoreline so that the laser reference beam could be aimed at the base of the hydroelectric dam. The team mounted the laser transmitter on a solid steel post that was anchored into the ground and designed to withstand weather and potential vandalism.
The team also enclosed the Microgage Dual Axis Receiver in a stainless-steel housing to resist any challenging weather. It was then mounted in the center and low on the dam structure.
Cabling for the receiver was led up the outside face of the dam and into a control building which provided power and communication. Pinpoint Laser Systems modified the Microgage 2D Display to stay on continuously and provide a measurement reading every 30 minutes which was transmitted to a central SCADA system located in another part of the municipality.
This allowed the movement of the dam to be monitored over extended periods and analysis made of the dam’s movement relative to varying water levels.
