Altstafel - Renovation of Power Station

HYDRO Exploitation was commissioned by Aegina AG to analyse and carry out the renovation of the Altstafel power station.

The asynchronous 10 MW generating set was designed to produce energy in a stream to supply the furnaces of Alusuisse. It is thus not suited to peak-time production, which is nevertheless necessary nowadays. This new operating constraint requires renovation of the Francis generating set and improvements to its synchronization on the network. This involves:

• replacing the unit’s globe valve
• repairing the rotor
• replacing the exciter

The proposed technical solution was accepted in 2007. The invitations to tender and awards took place in 2008-2009. The work will be completed in the winter of 2010-2011.


Special feature

HYDRO Exploitation will replace the globe valve with an adjustable valve. The latter will enable the speed of the turbine to be regulated on start-up, facilitating synchronization on the 65 kV network.

Advantage

A smooth coupling to the network will reduce jolts, thereby benefiting the installations.