100-tonne turbine lifted into place
The new impeller for the No. 3 turbine is noted for its improved design and modern materials. The power plant team accomplished the extremely tricky process of lifting in the turbine with a sense of routine. The challenge was to lift the 7.4 metre-wide Kaplan impeller weighing 100 tonnes into the turbine shaft with millimetre precision.
The revitalisation programme “Ybbs2020” is thus in the middle of the penultimate phase. The overall renovation of the machinery encompasses impellers, generators and control technology. The six machines from the 1950s have therefore outserved their usefulness and are being completely replaced. Modern design and better materials make it possible to use more water for electricity generation. The heavy lifting of the shaft and generator will follow in the coming weeks. The turbines should be connected to the grid again before the summer.
More electricity from hydropower
In total, VERBUND is investing 144 million euros in the refurbishment of the Ybbs-Persenbeug site. Replacement of the final machine will begin in the autumn. The project is scheduled for completion in 2023. Once the project is complete, the power plant will generate electricity for an additional 22,000 households.
More about the project: www.verbund.com/ybbs2020
