As part of the Comprehensive Modernization Program (CMP), RusHydro has completed modernization of hydropower unit No. 13 at Zhigulyovskaya HPP, which is the plant’s sixteenth hydropower unit to be modernized.
In the course of works, which took 10 months, the hydropower unit’s turbine was replaced with a new one which features improved design and performance and high environmental safety. The impeller has five blades (previously, it had six blades) and is designed for higher water flow, ensuring an increase in the hydropower unit’s capacity from 115 MW to 125.5 MW.
As a result of the modernization operations, aside from the turbine, the upgraded hydropower unit received an advanced control system, which was installed by Power Machines’ experts.
In 2010, RusHydro and Power Machines concluded a contract for modernization of the remaining 14 hydropower units. Zhigulyovskaya HPP operates a total of 20 hydropower units, six of which have been modernized by 2010. After commissioning of hydropower unit No. 13, only four units will remain to be modernized, which is scheduled to be completed in 2018. As a result of the CMP, Zhigulovskaya HPP’s total capacity will increase by 147 MW to reach 2488 MW.
In addition to the turbines modernization, the works to upgrade hydromechanical and cross-connect equipment and automation systems have been performed within the framework of the CMP at Zhigulyovskaya HPP. Thus, as many as 14 sets of trash racks out of 40 have been replaced by now. Outworn 500 kV outdoor switchgears continue to be replaced with modern gas-insulated switchgears.