Chinese Engineer Celebrates Two Decades at the Forefront of the Three Gorges Dam Project
Li Ran reflects on the technological advancements and operational successes of the world's largest hydropower facility.
BEIJING, May 30 -- Li Ran, a 46-year-old engineer, has dedicated the last 20 years to the Three Gorges Dam, situated along the Yangtze River, China's longest waterway.
As the director of the navigation engineering technical center at the Three Gorges Navigation Authority, Li's role is crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ship lock and lift operations, likening his responsibilities to those of a doctor performing health check-ups on patients.
The Three Gorges Dam, which began operations in 2003, features a five-tier ship lock known for its impressive cargo throughput, managing an average of three tonnes of cargo every second.
Since its completion, the demand for cargo transport has surged, attributed to the cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages of water transport.
Li noted that the original throughput capacity of the dam has been challenged by increasing shipping demands.
Early operational procedures involved ships entering the lock individually, creating significant delays.
To enhance efficiency, Li's team developed a coordinated system likened to organizing a ceremonial parade, allowing multiple ships to form fleets and pass through the lock simultaneously.
This innovation has played a key role in improving passage times.
As traffic continues to rise, Li's team has introduced several advancements in maintenance technology, including a synchronized lifting device and a flexible stress loading apparatus.
These improvements have reduced the maintenance downtime for the locks from over 100 days to about 30, while also addressing safety risks associated with repairs.
The annual throughput at the Three Gorges Dam has now reached 169 million tonnes, surpassing its initial design capacity of 100 million tonnes.
Li highlighted the collaboration between China and Germany within a cooperation program, where transport ministries from both nations exchange knowledge on inland waterway management.
His team actively participates in international conferences, where they share their expertise and experiences with global peers.
Looking ahead, the Three Gorges ship lock is set to undergo artificial intelligence-driven updates.
The integration of big data and machine learning aims to optimize scheduling processes, providing vessels with real-time transit estimates from their departure to their destination.
As one of the world's most river-rich nations, China prioritizes developing tailored reservoirs and dams across diverse regional landscapes.
Over the years, it has established the most extensive water infrastructure system, serving vital economic and environmental functions.
For Li, the heartwarming moments occur when international tourists express their admiration from passing ships, proudly waving flags and applauding the monumental project.
As the director of the navigation engineering technical center at the Three Gorges Navigation Authority, Li's role is crucial in ensuring the safety and efficiency of the ship lock and lift operations, likening his responsibilities to those of a doctor performing health check-ups on patients.
The Three Gorges Dam, which began operations in 2003, features a five-tier ship lock known for its impressive cargo throughput, managing an average of three tonnes of cargo every second.
Since its completion, the demand for cargo transport has surged, attributed to the cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages of water transport.
Li noted that the original throughput capacity of the dam has been challenged by increasing shipping demands.
Early operational procedures involved ships entering the lock individually, creating significant delays.
To enhance efficiency, Li's team developed a coordinated system likened to organizing a ceremonial parade, allowing multiple ships to form fleets and pass through the lock simultaneously.
This innovation has played a key role in improving passage times.
As traffic continues to rise, Li's team has introduced several advancements in maintenance technology, including a synchronized lifting device and a flexible stress loading apparatus.
These improvements have reduced the maintenance downtime for the locks from over 100 days to about 30, while also addressing safety risks associated with repairs.
The annual throughput at the Three Gorges Dam has now reached 169 million tonnes, surpassing its initial design capacity of 100 million tonnes.
Li highlighted the collaboration between China and Germany within a cooperation program, where transport ministries from both nations exchange knowledge on inland waterway management.
His team actively participates in international conferences, where they share their expertise and experiences with global peers.
Looking ahead, the Three Gorges ship lock is set to undergo artificial intelligence-driven updates.
The integration of big data and machine learning aims to optimize scheduling processes, providing vessels with real-time transit estimates from their departure to their destination.
As one of the world's most river-rich nations, China prioritizes developing tailored reservoirs and dams across diverse regional landscapes.
Over the years, it has established the most extensive water infrastructure system, serving vital economic and environmental functions.
For Li, the heartwarming moments occur when international tourists express their admiration from passing ships, proudly waving flags and applauding the monumental project.
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