Methodology to rehabilitate hydroelectric power plants

Abstract

Repowering the Brazilian hydroelectric park is a way to expand the use of energy from hydro sources, even in a scenario where the options to build new projects are increasingly restricted. Several technical and economic aspects must be considered when evaluating the feasibility to carry out a repowering process, where indicators are considered to choose the best option. The repowering suggests the addition of assured energy, however, electromechanical equipment improvement may occur simultaneously with automation systems. Sizing is generally precise for a hydropower plant and there is no need for repowering so that the project can increase its useful life, consequently, rehabilitation is recommended. This paper shows a methodology to evaluate intervention alternatives in a project, as well as a rehabilitation case study for the Marimbondo Hydroelectric Power Plant

Keywords

• methodological approach; hydropower rehabilitation; repowering and expansion; modernization process