Downstream view of Bruggwiti HPP weir

Key references for VDC|BIM in Hydropower

Where has AFRY implemented VDC|BIM in hydropower?

We apply our standard VDC|BIM approach to new projects not only in Switzerland but increasingly internationally as well.

View inside powerhouse from ceiling crane level

Nant de Drance PSP, Switzerland

2009–2019

Power cavern with 6 pump-turbines and a total installed capacity of 900 MW.

  • 3D
  • BIM
Explore the details of the Nant de Drance PSP
BIM visualisation of hydro power plant Schils powerhouse interior

Schils HPP, Switzerland

2016–2021

Penstock and powerhouse, 2 pelton turbines, 500 m pressure head, total installed capacity of 13 MW

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
  • BIM2Field (model-based construction site with no 2D drawings) with 2 different civil contractors
Explore the details of the Schils HPP
Fish pass of the Briggwiti intake structure

Bruggwiti Intake, Switzerland

2018–2021

Replacement of an existing intake with 3 m³/s design inflow in an alpine river with mud flows, including structures for fish migration

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
  • BIM2Field (model-based construction site with no 2D drawings)
3D BIM model of the Waldemme HPP water intake

Waldemme HPP, Switzerland

2019–2023

Complete new scheme with intake, penstock and powerhouse with installed capacity of 1.4 MW, including structures for fish migration

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
  • BIM2Field (model-based construction site with no 2D drawings)
Water flowing over the weir of the Emmenweid HPP

Emmenweid HPP, Switzerland

2019–2025

Replacement of an existing weir, including new structures for fish migration

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
3D BIM model of Kainji HPP turbine pit

Kainji HPP, Nigeria

2020–2025

Addition of two new units with installed capacity of 100 MW each into existing empty turbine pits

  • 3D
  • BIM
Piottino HPP powerhose facade

Piottino HPP, Switzerland

2021–2028

Replacement of 3 units with total installed capacity of 67 MW, replacement of balance of plant and adaptations of civil structures

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
Simplified cross section drawing of the Kubel HPP

Kubel HPP, Switzerland

2022–2028

Addition of a compensation reservoir and underground connection structures, replacement of 2 turbines in an existing power cavern

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
Transparent view of BIM model of the Wassen HPP

Wassen HPP, Switzerland

2022–2028

Replacement of one unit with total installed capacity of 20 MW, replacement of balance of plant and adaptations of civil structures

  • 3D
  • BIM
  • VDC (BIM Method)
  • Extended BIM-Use-Cases, BIM4D, BIM5D
Cutaway view of powerhouse computer model
BIM model of the Nant de Drance PSP power cavern
AFRY received an Arc-Award BIM with focus on Collaboration in 2017 (Organized by Docu Media Switzerland and awarded by Swiss Construction Documentation) for work performed on the Nant de Drance Pumped Storage Power Plant project.

How does AFRY implement VDC|BIM in hydropower?

Cutaway view of 3D BIM model of the Nant de Drance powerhouse

VDC|BIM in Hydropower

Inside the Schils hydro power plant machine hall

AFRY's approach to VDC|BIM in Hydropower

VDC-BIM design process model of powerhouse units

BIM2Field – The model-based construction site

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