Advanced Turbines

Wanapum Dam | Priest Rapids Dam | Small Hydros | Advanced Turbines

Installation of new turbines at Wanapum Dam is part of an upgrade process at the nearly 50 year-old hydropower plant that involves a total redesign of the turbine and its associated components.  All 10 turbines at Wanapum Dam will be replaced by 2012 for $150 million.

The turbine technology was designed through a multi-year research and development program funded by the hydropower industry and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Grant PUD’s installation and operation of these turbines represents the first commercial application of this technology. A DOE grant of approximately $2.4 million not only assisted in Grant PUD’s efforts, but will aid other hydropower plant owners interested in using the new turbine design.

The new advanced-design turbine:

• Achieves smooth water flow conditions
• Improves water-use efficiency by 3 percent
• Has a fish passage survival rate of 97.82 percent
• Increases the power rating to 150,000 horsepower compared to its predecessor at 120,000 horsepower

Removal of Unit Four at Wanapum Dam (video)

Advanced Turbine Assembly at Wanapum Dam (video)