Karun-3 Dam

31°48′08″N 50°05′42″E / 31.80222°N 50.09500°E / 31.80222; 50.09500Opening date2005Operator(s)IWPRDCDam and spillwaysType of damArch damImpoundsKarun RiverHeight205 m (673 ft)Length462 m (1,516 ft)Width (base)29.5 m (97 ft)Spillway capacity15,000 m³/s (530,000 cu ft/s)ReservoirTotal capacity2,970,000,000 m³ (2,410,000 acre⋅ft)Surface area48 km² (19 sq mi)Power StationCommission date2005-2006Turbines8 x 285 MW Francis-typeInstalled capacity2,280 MW^[1]Annual generation4,137 GWh

The Karun-3 dam (Persian: سد کارون ۳) is a hydroelectric dam on the Karun river located in the province of Khuzestan, Iran. It was built to help meet Iran's energy demands as well as provide seasonal flood control.^[2] The Karun river has the highest discharge slits and seasonal flooding in Iran.^[3]

The Karun-3 power generators are connected to the national power grid. With peak power generation at 2,280 MW,^[4] average annual electric power generation is 4,137 GWh. The dam has one of the largest generator capacities in Iran which help the electric power shortage during peak demand in the summer.

This dam is of concrete double arch type. It is 205 m (673 ft) high from the foundation and 185 m (607 ft) high from the river bed. The foundation width is 29.5 m (97 ft).^[5]

The arch dam design is ideal for this location which has a narrow, rocky gorge behind the water reservoir. Moreover, because of its arch shape, the force of the reservoir water presses downward against the dam which strengthens the dam foundation.^[6]

Gallery

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  The dam's lake
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See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Karun-3 Dam.