CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toshiba America Energy Systems Corporation (TAES), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, recently achieved a major milestone in the Wells Dam Hydroelectric Refurbishment Project, with Unit 4 completing its 30-day Trial Operational run on September 15, 2017. Wells Dam, a hydroelectric dam located on the Columbia River in Washington state near the city of Pateros, is owned and operated by Douglas County Public Utility District (PUD) and has produced electricity since August 1967. Unit 4 is the second of ten 85 MW Kaplan units being refurbished by TAES.
TAES performed significant work on Unit 4, including construction of a newly designed generator rotor rim, rotor pole repair, runner hub sealing surface refurbishment, new Toshiba-supplied vapor seal, new stay vane extensions, and dozens of smaller scope items requested by the District. Several major components were refurbished at TAES’s Milwaukee Service Center (MSC) located in West Allis, Wisconsin, including the turbine runner, wicket gates and turbine shaft.
“The TAES project team has worked hard to respond to our needs and to keep this project moving forward,” said District Chief Engineer Ken Pflueger. “We are pleased with the successful result of the Trial Operational run for Unit 4, and look forward to continued progress.”
Unit 4 was returned to commercial operation on August 17, and turned over to the District for unrestricted use and commencement of the 30-day Trial Operational run at that time. The next and final step for Unit 4 is TAES receiving Unit Acceptance from the District, signifying the completion of the refurbishment of Unit 4. The TAES project team started refurbishment work on Unit 2 earlier this month.
About Toshiba America Energy Systems Corporation
Toshiba America Energy Systems Corporation (TAES), headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides turbine/generator equipment and services for the energy industry in the Americas, including thermal, hydro and nuclear power plants. Part of the Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation, TAES takes pride in being a technology leader, providing high-quality, reliable and cost-effective products and services that address current and future power generation needs. For more information please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taes.
