Old Lower Becomes New Again – Case History of a Powerplant Restoration Modernization (PPT)

摘要

Idaho Falls Power is a municipal electric utility that owns and operates five hydroelectric plants on the Snake River in Southeast Idaho. The oldest, the Old Lower Plant, was commissioned in 1938 as a WPA Project. It has two Kaplan Turbine driven 1.8 MW generators. In 2011, a fault in the main step-up transformer extended to the stators of the two units causing a catastrophic failure. Given the aged state of the equipment, Idaho Falls Power engaged a consultant to determine the economic feasibility of rebuilding the units, wherein it was determined to be a viable project. In 2014, in cooperation with an engineering consultant, an RFP was developed to secure a general contractor to rebuild the units using owner provided turbines, re-wound stators and rotors, and a new step-up transformer. Hydro Consulting and Maintenance Services Inc. (HCMS) proposal was the one selected and were given notice to proceed in 2015. In late 2016, the project was completed with success, though there with many obstacles to overcome during the year and half of construction.