HYDROPOWER & TURBINE FORGINGS

Hydropower Applications

Different Types of Hydropower Facilities

Conventional dams are not the only source of hydroelectric power generation; from pumped storage facilities to run-of-river sites, there are various ways to harness hydropower. With each application comes its own set of benefits and electrical output capabilities.

• Dams/Impoundment:

  Impoundment facilities, most often referred to as dams, generate energy by releasing water from an upper reservoir. The water flows through a turbine that activates and spins a generator, which produces electricity. These facilities are not solely dependent on the natural flow of water, and the larger the reservoir is, the more storage that can be provided for future energy generation. Because of this, impoundments can flexibly generate energy that meets both baseload and peak load energy demands.

• Pumped Storage:

  Pumped storage acts as a battery by moving water between two reservoirs. Water is pumped through penstocks from a lower reservoir to a higher one, which stores energy, and is then released back from the upper reservoir through turbines to generate electricity when there is demand. These facilities can compensate for demand-driven fluctuations and are an efficient form of bulk energy storage.

• Run-of-River/Diversion:

  Diversions, often called run-of-river facilities, channel water through a canal or penstock using river water’s natural flow. Because these facilities are reliant on the constraint of incoming water movement, the electrical output varies.

Hydroelectric Turbines

Whether you’re working with impulse or reaction turbines, both play a critical role in keeping your hydropower facility running efficiently. 

Impulse

• Pelton Turbine

  Pelton turbines are impulse-type turbines that use the pressure of water to move the turbine. Peltons are very efficient and rely on a drive wheel with buckets that catch water and transfer its energy to the generator. Our forgings for turbine components are used in applications such as the drive wheel, also called the runner, to provide quality and reliability where it matters most. So, whether it be an unforeseen emergency or a scheduled H-mod, you can count on us to follow through and deliver for all your hydropower needs.

Reaction

• Kaplan Turbine

  The Kaplan turbine is one of the more widely used turbines in the hydropower energy industry. Because of the axial flow principle, Kaplan turbines work more efficiently at low water head and high flow rates than other turbine types. As a result, these turbines are ideal for well-ordered electricity production. However, while it is one of the most modern turbines, it can come with a hefty price tag to install and maintain because of the moving parts. This is why choosing a suitable material is critical for turbine longevity. Stainless steel grades help protect against cavitation and corrosion, providing your dam with quality forgings that will last and require fewer weld repairs. 

• Francis Turbine

  Francis turbines, found in medium to large-scale hydropower facilities, mix reaction and impulse turbines. As the blades turn, they utilize both the reaction and flow of water to create power more effectively. Francis turbines are designed and assembled for a broad scope of heads and flows, making them the most commonly used hydroelectric turbine. Our technically trained team, from sales, engineering, production and testing, is experienced in developing forgings for Francis turbines, including shaft, drive wheel and guide bearing forgings.