Summer Falls High Head Kaplan Turbine Project

by Arthur J. Butler, Schuchart & Associates Inc, Seattle, WA, USA,
Stephen L. Baughn, Schuchart & Associates Inc, Seattle, WA, USA,
Vincent J. Zipparro, Schuchart & Associates Inc, Seattle, WA, USA,
A. V. Sundaram, Schuchart & Associates Inc, Seattle, WA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

The Summer Falls Project is located on the Main Canal of the Grand Coulee Irrigation Project approximately eight miles south of Coulee City in Grant County, Washington. The power development was originally licensed with two 37 MW Francis turbines which would produce 270,000 MWh per year. The plant was finally built with two 47 MW Kaplan turbines generating 325,000 MWh per year. At 159 feet rated net head, these are believed to be the highest head Kaplan turbines in the United States. The project is required to have no effect on the flow of irrigation water in the canal. To achieve this objective, a programmable controller automatically controls the turbines, radial gates, and discharge valves. The plant is designed for unattended operation. Because of the rock condition encountered, several unique design features were incorporated into the Project. Six 6-foot diameter drilled caissons ranging in depth from 30 to 60 feet were required at the powerplant foundation.

Subject Headings: Turbines | Project management | Canals | Water discharge | Valves | Machine foundations | Irrigation water | United States

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