Andritz to modernize hydropower stations in Switzerland

Graz, Austria - Andritz Hydro has received an order from Kraftwerke Oberhasli AG (KWO), Switzerland, to supply two Pelton turbines and one synchronous generator as part of the project to extend Innertkirchen 1 and Handeck 2 hydropower stations.

Commissioning is scheduled for 2016. The project to modernize the two plants built over 60 years ago makes a substantial contribution towards covering peak energy demand to compensate for volatile wind and solar energy supplies. Due to the modernization, an additional 70 gigawatt-hours will be generated every year, thus covering the energy demand for more than 14,000 households. The order comprises supply, installation, and commissioning of two vertical, six-jet Pelton turbines with an output of 150 and 90 megawatts, respectively, and of a vertical synchronous generator (output: 165 megavolt-amperes) including additional equipment. This upgrade will boost the overall output of the two hydropower plants by 280 megawatts to reach 670 megawatts.

By building a second head race, the flow rate of the water and thus the friction losses in the pressure pipes will be reduced. As a result, more energy can be generated from the water volume used in both power stations. A new return water reservoir also upgrades the plant to provide ecological benefits. With 26 units in nine hydropower plants, Kraftwerke Oberhasli AG, one of Switzerland

Source: IWR Online, 11 Jun 2013