Operating experience with the hydroelectric plants of the vuoksinsk cascade

Abstract

At hydroelectric plants, different types of wooden structure~ are built in zones where the water level varies, with the result that the wood rots and the useful life of these structures is reduced. Considerable quantities of wood are used each year for repair work of which a sizable portion is irretrievably lost.At the Vuoksinsk cascade, steel was successfully used instead of wood for the drift barrier, the scaffolds under the turbine runners, and formwork for the reconstruction of deteriorated concrete. This measure proved to be economical as regards the initial expenses and permitted reducing the maintenance personnel. Drift Barrier on Steel BuoysA barrier supported on steel buoys, which was built according to a design prepared by the operating personnel of the cascade, has been operating successfully since 1967 at the Lesogorsk hydroelectric plant (Fig. 1). The barrier sections consist of welded steel frames supported on five steel buoys of 1.2-m diameter and 0.6-m 3 volume (Fig. 2). A wooden deck on the frame serves as the operating bridge along the entire barrier.

Reconstruction on the hydroelectric stations operated by the Leningrad District Administration of Power Facilities

“…After completing the repair work. the pontoon is withdrawn in reverse order, connected to the gate, and raised [3]. Use of the floating repair gates and scaffolding for the repair of the turbine runner not only re- duced the man hours required, but also facilitated and improved the safety of the work performed by the repair crew.…”