First New Turbine Arrives Signaling Major Milestone in Project Modernization
Contact Bob Hadler (315)-764-0226, ext. 300 bob.hadler@nypa.gov
May 3, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MASSENA—The Life Extension and Modernization Program at the St. Lawrence-Franklin Delano Roosevelt Power Project moved a giant step forward with the arrival of the first new turbine on Wednesday, May 2. The arrival of the turbine marks a significant highlight in the modernization of the project’s 16 generators.
Replacing the turbines is part of the 15-year, $254-million Life Extension Modernization to ensure reliable and efficient power production for the future. Turbines will be replaced at the rate of about three units every two years to minimize production losses.
"Beginning turbine replacement is a milestone in modernization for the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project," said Joseph J. Seymour, chairman and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority. "This high priority effort is part of Governor George E. Pataki’s vision of extending the Power Authority’s ability to produce clean, dependable, low-cost energy and preserve jobs in the North Country."
This turbine was manufactured by Alstom Power in Tracy, Quebec and made the 155-mile trip by truck to Massena on May 2. It is 19 feet wide, 12 feet high, weighs 40 tons and is made of stainless steel. The turbine—which resembles the propeller of a power boat motor—is connected to a generator. Water rushing through the Robert Moses Power Dam turns the turbine-generator assembly producing electricity.
Among the design advances in the new turbines are a more efficient shape which will improve efficiency by getting more power out of the same amount of water. Also, the use of stainless steel, instead of carbon steel, will make them more resistant to wear and reduce required maintenance.
After arrival, the turbine will be hoisted by crane onto a 24 foot wide steel table for assembly with other turbine components, including the turbine shaft. The turbine and shaft assembly will then be moved to the dam and installed in the turbine bore where the original turbine-generator was located.
The Life Extension Modernization began in 1998 and is expected to finish in 2013. Under this ambitious program most of the original 40-plus year-old equipment in the power house at the Robert Moses Power Dam will be replaced or renovated to ensure reliable and efficient power production for the future.
Other recent efforts in the modernization include completion of the renovation to a 90-ton-capacity crane atop the power dam and rehabilitation of the 300-ton crane that travels the length of the generator deck to remove major parts for repair. The detailed design is just about complete; and all major contracts for the first eight turbines, generator rotor poles, exciters and the new communications system for operating the turbine units have been awarded. Other major components such as the circuit breakers and exciters have been manufactured, tested and delivered.
