Generator floor at Barron Gorge.

Upgrading a power station for improved efficiency

Since 1882, when one of the first AC hydroelectric power stations was built with a capacity of 12.5kW, the number of stations has grown very significantly not only in number but also in capacity. Today, for example, the Three Gorges power station has a capacity of 22500MW. Many power stations were built in the first half of the 20th century, and several stations have been in operation for over 100 years. Although the dams are relatively unchanged, the efficiency improvements in turbines have resulted in increased shaft power and, therefore, increased generation output.

Sulzer Technical Review, Issue 03/2011
Author(s): John Allen
Division: Sulzer Turbo Services

Download as PDF file (pdf, 0.62 MB)