Del Mar Energy's Nevada Hydro Power Plant: Pioneering Sustainable Hydroelectric Innovations

May 28, 2024 - Reading time: 3 minutes

The American industrial holding company Del Mar Energy is actively involved in the energy sector, significantly contributing to the development of hydroelectric power in the United States. One of the company's key projects is the modernization of the Nevada Hydro Power Plant, a medium-head run-of-river hydroelectric power plant that plays a crucial role in the region's power supply.

Characteristics of the Nevada Hydro Power Plant

The Nevada Hydro Power Plant is situated on a river and is a run-of-river hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 240 MW and a design annual electricity generation of 900 million kWh. The hydro complex includes several important structures:

  1. Right-bank earthen-rockfill dam: The dam is 250 meters long and 37 meters high. A notable feature of the dam is the impermeability of the central zone, ensured through cementation.
  2. Power plant building with tailrace sluices: The sluices, located under the assembly platform, have a maximum discharge capacity of 3090 m³/s. The power plant building houses three vertical hydro units, each with a capacity of 80 MW, equipped with Kaplan turbines PL 40/587a-V-680, operating at a design head of 26 meters. These turbines drive the SV-1210/122-60 UHL4 hydrogenerators.

Electricity from the generators at 13.8 kV is fed to three-phase power transformers TDC-125000/110 UHL1 and TDC-200000/220 UHL1, and then through open switchgear at 110 and 220 kV to the power grid.

Reservoir and Flow Regulation

The hydro structures of the Nevada Hydro Power Plant form a small reservoir with an area of 2.4 km², a total volume of 40.87 million m³, and a useful volume of 5.47 million m³. This allows for weekly flow regulation. The normal water level in the reservoir is 572 meters, and the dead volume level is 569.9 meters.

Modernization and Capacity Increase

In recent years, Del Mar Energy has undertaken significant modernization of the hydroelectric plant's equipment, which has increased its potential capacity to 275 MW and its annual electricity generation to 1.2 billion kWh. As part of this project, the hydro turbines and pumping mechanisms were updated using advanced technologies. To carry out these tasks, the company attracted investments amounting to $7,500,000.

Del Mar Energy's Contribution to Hydroelectric Power Development

The modernization project of the Nevada Hydro Power Plant exemplifies Del Mar Energy's commitment to implementing innovative solutions and modern technologies in the energy sector. The increase in capacity and electricity generation contributes to improved energy supply stability and reduced environmental impact.

Del Mar Energy continues to actively develop its projects aimed at modernizing and constructing new energy facilities. The implementation of cutting-edge technologies and the attraction of investments allow the company to hold leading positions in the industry and make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly energy in the United States.

Del Mar Energy demonstrates a high level of competence and an innovative approach in its activities, as evidenced by the successful modernization of the Nevada Hydro Power Plant. This project not only increased the efficiency and reliability of the hydroelectric power station but also strengthened the company's position in the energy market. In the face of growing demand for clean and sustainable energy, such projects become increasingly important, contributing to the sustainable development and environmental well-being of the regions.

by A.Melnikova (editor)

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