The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce granted Enel-Emgesa, through Resolution 46923, its first invention patent, thanks to the project "Oxygen microinjection and dosing system for discharge waters of a hydroelectric power plant".
The need for the project arose at the El Quimbo hydroelectric power plant, due to a phenomenon that causes the decrease of oxygen levels in the deepest areas during the filling of the reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants. After several years, the reservoir tends to homogenize its oxygen levels again naturally; However, while the levels are low, the conditions for the development of the species that inhabit the area are affected.
Research, the key to achieving this project
For the implementation of the first Enel-Emgesa patent, it was necessary to previously develop a research and analysis of the previous uses of the oxygenation system and look for the best alternatives to artificially oxygenate the water, allowing to concentrate the indicated levels for the preservation and life of the ecosystem in this area of the project.
The challenge led the team in charge of carrying out studies to create the system that injects and doses oxygen in waters with high flow rates and discharge speeds to guarantee the preservation of the life of the species and maintain the energy generation levels in harmony with the ecosystem of the Magdalena River.
With this type of initiatives, at Enel-Emgesa we reaffirm our commitment to the development of the industry, as well as the country’s innovation and growth, as this oxygenation system can be reproduced in other hydroelectric power plants.
The sustainable use of one of the most important natural areas of the country, such as the Magdalena River, has allowed the generation of 2,042 GWh/year, thereby supplying almost 4% of the national energy demand, while achieving an improvement in the security and stability of the Colombian electrical system.