El Alto Hydroelectric Micro Power Plant
1.226 kW (IN OPERATION SINCE OCTOBER 2023)
EPC Contract (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction): comprehensive execution of civil works, installation of penstock piping, construction of the powerhouse structure, and design, manufacturing, supply, transport, assembly, testing, and commissioning of electromechanical equipment (turnkey project):
Technical Description of the Project:
- Civil Works: Design and construction of the powerhouse, tailrace channel, substation, grounding network, and anchor blocks/saddles for the penstock.
- Penstock: Supply, assembly, and commissioning of ASTM 516-70 steel piping with ASTM 572-50 supports and aeration pipe.
- Steel Structure: Powerhouse with enclosures, gate, windows, staircase, ventilation grating, and hoist support structure.
- Steel Gate: Design, supply, fabrication, transport, and installation of a gate measuring 3400” x 2500”.
- Electromechanical Equipment: Horizontal Francis turbine, three-phase synchronous generator, intake valve, HPU unit, speed governor, SCADA system, and flow meter.
- Auxiliary Electrical Systems: Transformer (0.48/13.8 kV), medium-voltage switchgear, interior/exterior LED lighting, and AC/DC distribution system.
- Auxiliary Systems: Ventilation (exhaust fans), fire protection (detectors, extinguishers), drainage (pump and sensor), and overhead crane (10 t).
- Substation and Communications: 13.8 kV line, fiber optic, 480 kVA service connection, telephony, IP CCTV, and short-circuit/protection studies.
- SCADA Integration: Signal connection to the SCADA system of El Alto Hydroelectric Plant and Dominical Substation, with commissioning at the National Dispatch Center (CND).
Engineering and Supervision Services:
Project Management: Leadership, planning, and coordination of electromechanical activities, including progress monitoring and quality management in engineering, assembly, commissioning, and connection to the National Power Grid.
Electromechanical Engineering: Design and integration of equipment.
Quality Supervision: Equipment quality control, performance testing, and certification.
Project Features
Francis turbines and synchronous generators optimized for maximum efficiency and stability in power generation.
FRANCIS TURBINE with horizontal shaft; runner mounted directly on the generator shaft; adjustable guide vanes; designed for the following parameters:
| Parameter | Symbol | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max intake elevation | 635 | masl | |
| Nominal intake elevation | 634 | masl | |
| Min intake elevation | 630 | masl | |
| Turbine centerline elevation | 601.525 | masl | |
| Nominal tailrace channel elevation | 600 | masl | |
| Plant latitude | 8.778 | ° | |
| Water temperature | T | 10 | °C |
| Max gross head | Hbmax | 35 | m |
| Nominal gross head | Hbn | 34 | m |
| Min gross head | Hbmin | 30 | m |
| Max net head | Hnmax | 34 | m |
| Nominal net head | Hnn | 33 | m |
| Min net head | Hnmin | 28.6 | m |
| Head loss coefficient | k | 0.0625 | m/(m3/s)2 |
| Specific speed | Ns | 381.7 | rpm |
| Number of units | Qty | 1 | pcs |
| Turbine flow | Qt | 4 | m3/s |
| Water density | rv | 999.4 | kg/m3 |
| Gravity | g | 9.7797 | m/s2 |
| Runner outside diameter | D | 0.766 | m |
| Speed | N | 720 | rpm |
| Runaway speed | Npob | 1.710 | min-1 |
| Max turbine power | Pmax | 1.226 | MW |
| Nominal turbine power | Pnom | 1.191 | MW |
| Min turbine power | Pmin | 1.028 | MW |
| Axial force | Fr max | 84 | kN |
| Max radial force | Fr max | 10.5 | kN |
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