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Installation of Third Advanced Turbine Scheduled for Wanapum Dam
Grant PUD’s Turbine Replacement Program Proves Cost Effective and Efficient
EPHRATA -- On November 7, modification and installation of the nation’s third advanced hydropower turbine of its kind will begin at Wanapum Dam on the Columbia River. The remaining seven units are slated for replacement by 2014.
Grant PUD engineers, mechanics and electricians are involved with the new turbine program. The spherically-shaped runner hub on the new turbine makes assembly and installation different than previous models. Crews working on the process have developed innovative planning and pre-assembly techniques, creating time-saving efficiencies during the installation process.
“The first turbine was installed on schedule, while installation of the second unit was completed two weeks ahead of time,” said Pat Oldham, Grant PUD project engineer. “It has been a learning curve but things have gone well and the crews have come up with some good solutions…”
A full range of performance tests were conducted in September on Wanapum Unit Four, the second turbine installed at this site. The tests utilize precision instruments to measure shaft vibration, pressure, acceleration, equipment positions, power output, water elevations and sound. Efficiency tests include running the turbine at various blade angles while changing gate position to establish an optimum between the two. The ability to change the pitch of the turbine blades in different operating scenarios ensures efficiency across a wide range of operation. The new turbine tested at higher efficiency ratings across a wider range of operating scenarios than the previous turbine unit.
Installation of new turbines at Wanapum Dam is part of an upgrade process at the 43-year-old hydropower plant that involves a total redesign of the turbine and its associated components. After years of design work and extensive model testing, the new advanced-design turbine achieves smooth water flow conditions that boost power generation by 14 percent, improves water-use efficiency by 3 percent, and has a fish passage survival rate of 97.82 percent. The power rating for the new turbine increases to 150,000 horsepower compared to its predecessor at 120,000 horsepower.
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 nine-month installation process of Wanapum Unit Ten is scheduled for completion in August 2007.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathy Kiefer
(509) 754-6625 / kkiefer@gcpud.org
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