Hydro System Enhancement: TVA's Comprehensive Hydropower Program

by H. Morgan Goranflo, Jr., TVA, Norris, TN, USA,
Frank E. Adkins, TVA, Norris, TN, USA,
Jan S. Jensen, TVA, Norris, TN, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Waterpower '85

Abstract:

The Tennessee Valley Authority's Comprehensive Hydropower Program is systematically identifying opportunities for increasing hydroelectric generation in five areas: small hydro development; addition of generating units at existing dams; operation and maintenance; modernization of existing units; and structural rehabilitations. Small hydro feasibility studies were prepared for restoring or adding generating facilities at nine non-TVA dams. Additional generating units at existing dams can increase hydroelectric generation by converting some of the water presently being spilled into electrical energy. Under the operation and maintenance program, stator rewinding has reduced generator emergency breakdowns, and generator capacity has been increased by the use of modern insulating materials. Increases of two percentage points or more in efficiency and up to 15 percent in capacity are possible in many older units by replacing existing turbine runners with new runners of improved design. Structural rehabilitation studies for two older TVA hydro projects which require major modifications to ensure continued reliable and safe operation were conducted.

Subject Headings: Hydro power | Electric power | Power plants | Structural safety | Structural reliability | Rehabilitation | Maintenance and operation | Tennessee | United States

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