METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DISSIPATING HYDROSTATIC HEAD IN HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATING STATIONS

摘要

An energy dissipating assembly is provided for installation in a legacy hydroelectric generating station configured to pass water from a penstock through a turbine casing to a draft tube outlet. The assembly comprises: an energy dissipator mountable in the turbine casing between the penstock and the draft tube outlet; and means for forming a pressure containment chamber between the energy dissipator and the turbine casing. A method for retro-fitting an energy dissipating valve in a legacy hydroelectric generating station to provide a by-pass is provided. The legacy hydroelectric generating station is configured to pass water from a penstock through a turbine casing to a draft tube outlet. The method comprises: mounting an energy dissipator between the penstock and the draft tube outlet; and sealing the turbine casing to form a pressure containment chamber between the energy dissipator and the turbine casing.